At some point in life, everybody who thinks they're anybody will go to Louisville on the first Saturday in May to 
witness what is known as the greatest two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby is the only race in the world that is always watched. People come from across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America to be part of the spectacle of this global event, and perhaps, if they are lucky enough, the periodic connection with a winner.
I'm a Louisville native, and this time of year holds a special place in my heart. I started my Southwest Airlines career as a Customer Service Agent at the Louisville International Airport (SDF). Along with the pagentry 
that is thoroughbred racing, I can attest that the moment you step foot into my old Kentucky home, you'll see the way the whole city turns on its southern charm and hospitality. The week before the Derby, live music is performed by the Louisville Federation of Musicians as they serenade patrons passing through the recently renovated terminal, which will be adorned in the familiar red roses; southern bells in antebellum hoop dresses will be handing out chocolate-covered Woodford Reserve bourbon balls during peak travel times; and when your baggage makes its way around the carousel, a bugle will signal the call to the post. 
The airport environment is an exciting reflection of the Derby flair and festivities, and Southwest Airlines enjoys being part of that.
I can also assure you that, just as fast as the horses race around the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs, many of the patrons will run to catch their flights at SDF (which is less than three miles away). After a day of standing in the warm Kentucky sunshine, sipping mint juleps, and betting on long shots, you can hang your Derby hat on the fact that you'll be greeted with a friendly smile by our airport Employees as we take you back to your home town. While our staff is in top form to meet our Customers' needs, on a couple of occasions, I've seen a few travelers, who, for one reason or another, lost control of their inhibitions and ended up spending the rest of their visit with Louisville's finest.
The day after the Run for the Roses is the busiest of the year for the SDF Ground Crew. For your convenience, I encourage you to utilize the travel tools we make available on southwest.com to keep your mind at ease. Of course, it's a sure bet that we'll have extra staff readily available and working hard to help with your checkin, boarding, and overall airport experience. "Down-to-earth" service is a very important part of making sure the time you spend with us is just as enjoyable as was the time you spent at the track (and maybe even better for those who leave a little lighter in the wallet than when you arrived).
I wish you all the best for this year's Kentucky Derby, and even if I don't see you in the winner's circle, you can be sure that we'll be looking forward to welcoming you onboard our LUV jets as you travel to/from Louisville.
Comments
Nice article Fred!
Well written sir!
Horsemen, like other small businessmen often must travel on very short notice. Southwest's everyday low walk-up fres to ALB (Saratoga), SDF (Churchill Downs), FLL (Gulfstream), MSY (Fair Grounds, yes, they will race in New Orleans next year), SAN (Del Mar), MDW (Arlington), and LAX (Hollywood), among others, are a huge benefit to horse owners and trainers everywhere.
Sweetnorthernsaint will win the 2006 Derby. You heard it here first!
I thought the big race was when the steam boats raced each other down the Ohio river. You mean there's another?:-)
I lived in Louisville back in the early 60's. Lovely city.
You're absolutely right, Mr. Chaussee - SWA LUVs to take horseman to their favorite tracks across the U.S.!
And let's not forget BWI for Pimlico.
See you at the races, and good luck!
I'm attending the Kentucky Derby for the first this year and I am very excited. I'm having to fly in and out of IND though, so I'm disappointed that I won't experience the festivities at SDF.
And chaussee, if Sweetnorthernsaint doesn't win - you'll hear from me when I get back! ; )
I live south of Sacramento. Just checked southwest.com to see if all flights from Louisville to Northern California
are sold out. Just one flight plan left. SWA869 to St Louis change planes then fly SWA732 to San Jose with
a Los Angeles stop on the way. All plans to Sacramento and Oakland are gone. Hopefully the weather makes things smooth for you guys at SDF.
My husband and I have always used Southwest when going on vacations. We enjoy the fares, (which are generally lower than others), the service while flying, and the friendliness of every employee. I am glad I had this chance to tell someone about how good the services are at Southwest.
Thank you,
LaVerne Nunley
Well, I went to the Thunder over Louisville for the first time and I was very much impressed. I have seen other Fire Works, but this was ju
was just amazing. They really had it organized so you never really got bored even though you were there for 6 to 8 hours. The Air
show was second to none and it ran from 3 pm to the time of the fireworks.
The second best thing was getting in and out of Louisville. I really thought I would have a long wait, but it was really fast.
Any how, great article and I am looking forward to going back next year. It is all a part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Think I will
take in the Steam Boat racing next year in addition to the fireworks.
How about a Kentucky Derby sweeps on Southwest next year (airfare, tickets, etc.)? That would be a blast!
I have lived in Louisville for my entire life. It's a great city and I'm glad that Southwest is a part of it. Your airline helps people from
everywhere across the U.S. to experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby Festival firsthand. Southwest is perfect for Derby
travel or any other occasion throughout all seasons due to its great prices and friendly service! A Derby Package would be a pretty
cool thing for Southwest to offer next year. And how about a "Derby One" livery? Keep it in mind!
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