What Is on Your Fourth of July Playlist?

By: Paul Flaningan - Public Relations Manager

Growing up an Air Force brat and the proud son of a Vietnam Vet, Independence Day was always a big deal. Granted, when you lived on a military base, every day was like a mini Fourth of July. Every morning at dawn, the honor guard raised the large American flag up the large flagpole in the middle of base. And, every evening, the flag was taken down as the "Star Spangled Banner" played on loudspeakers that could be heard several miles away. It didn’t matter if we had a mean game of football or basketball going, we all stopped what we were doing, put hand to heart (cars even stopped along the busy roads), and faced the big flag as it was lowered for the evening. Those sights and sounds are still with me to this very day.

Independence Day will be a day of reflection, remembrance, and celebration for me for several reasons. This Fourth of July marks the first under the leadership of an African American U.S. President. No matter your political view, the significance of this should not be lost on anyone. This also marks my first Fourth of July working here at Southwest Airlines. To work for a great American success story is a liberating and humbling experience. The talented and diverse People who work for this Company are truly focused on the unifying notions of living The Golden Rule and giving everyone, “the Freedom to Fly.” Every day I am blown away by their dedication to Customers and LUV for one another.

The beauty of this holiday is that it gives all of us the opportunity to take a break from our busy lives to celebrate with our friends and family the Freedoms that generations of men and women fought for, and to focus on what unites, not divides us. Whether your celebration includes grilling in the backyard, visiting Willie Nelson at his Fourth of July Picnic, or heading to Beantown to watch the legendary Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, take note of the patriotic sights and sounds of this weekend. Here are just a few songs on my Fourth of July Playlist (Francis Scott Key and Lee Greenwood aside) that remind me of what an incredible country we live in and, despite all our differences, we really are united in both in good times and in bad.

• "America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles--Legendary song from a legendary musician
• “Pink House’s” by John Mellencamp--“Ain’t that America, you and me…”
• “Born in the U.S.A.” and “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen--It’s the Boss, need I say more?
• “Air Force Anthem (Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder)”--This one goes out to all my fellow Air Force brats who heard this song played religiously during Fourth of July celebrations and many other events!
• “Pride (in the Name of Love)” by U2--Great song about the central figure in the non-violent struggle for civil rights.
• “America” by Neil Diamond--“They’re coming to America, Today!” Now, where’s my spangled jumpsuit…?
• “Stars and Stripes forever” by John Phillip Sousa--The soundtrack to firework displays all across America

What’s on your playlist?

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Tags: Fourth of July Independence Day Southwest Airlines

What Is on Your Fourth of July Playlist? was written on Jul 03,2009 at 09:22am and posted in the categories Nutty stuff

Say Hello to Uncle Sam!

By: Michelle Agnew - Culture Activities Administrative Assistant

We work hard at Southwest Airlines, making sure our Customers are entertained and continue to come back to Southwest for all of their traveling needs.  We want to make sure that our Customers are continually impressed by the lengths we go to make them feel appreciated and LUVed.
 

With that being said, I would like it to be known to the entire blogosphere that the one and only Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty flew on our Red Bellied Beauties in celebration of Independence Day.

It was no easy task, making sure that our flights would fit into the busy schedules of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty.  But we soon found out that Lady Liberty is a Rapid Rewards Member; she is a loyal Southwest Customer.  Lady Liberty has been known to frequent the Baltimore/Washington Airport!

I had the honor of escorting Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty throughout the airport and on the aircraft during their Freedom Tour.  Customers received patriotic ribbons and flags, played trivia on the plane to win prizes, and were given the opportunity to take pictures with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty!

This goes to show, you never know what (or who!) you may encounter when flying our Fun-LUVing airline.  We will continue to go above and beyond to celebrate the holiday with our Customers—with our Family.

To see more of the Freedom Week fun, check out this video.

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Tags: Airport Customers Independence Day Lady Liberty Southwest Airlines Uncle Sam

Say Hello to Uncle Sam! was written on Jul 02,2009 at 12:48pm and posted in the categories Customers and Southwest Culture

A Different Kind of Freedom

By: Ashley Butler - Marketing Manager

Last weekend I saw Freedom in its most natural form at the Dog Park on Montrose Beach. My husband and I recently moved to Chicago with our mutt Charlie and were told about the dog park along the shore of Lake Michigan. Since summer is clearly here we decided to give it a try and see how our Lab/Golden Retriever mix would take to the experience. Let me just say that he LUVed it! What I witnessed put a smile on my face as I saw Yorkies, Great Danes, Bulldogs, Terriers and even a Chihuahua enjoy the freedom of the Montrose Dog Beach.

All the various breeds were off their leash and able to swim in the water, run in the sand, and play among themselves, all to the pure amusement of their owners. You could not help but chuckle at Charlie’s enjoyment as there was no leash to hold him back. All you could see for a quarter-mile stretch was tails waging and spirits abounding as they leapt to catch a tennis ball or crashed into the cold lake. I had to practically carry my 100-pound Lab out of the water in order to get home in time for dinner. It was pure joy to watch these dogs experience Freedom.

As we celebrate the 4th of July which commemorates the Freedom we have to live our lives in this great country I hope that I can get rid of the burdens that hold me back (at least for the weekend :) and experience that “Happy Dog” Freedom that I witnessed on the Montrose Dog Beach. If you are a dog LUVer and a Southwest Airlines LUVer you need to bring your pet up to Chicago Midway and take Fido to the Dog Beach. Believe me… it will put a smile on your face.

 

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Tags: Ashley Butler Chicago Southwest Airlines

A Different Kind of Freedom was written on Jul 02,2009 at 06:53am and posted in the categories Nutty stuff

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Is that Southwest Airlines?!

By: Michelle Agnew - Culture Activities Administrative Assistant

An exciting and important event took place this weekend: Southwest Airlines flew to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), beginning our service to the “city that never sleeps”.  No longer will the clouds over New York City be deprived of our Red Bellied Beauties!

Having the opportunity to take the LGA ferry flight—the direct flight from Dallas to New York—was an exciting experience.  While safety remains our number one priority, you could say the flight itself was treated more as an event.  Bottles of champagne were popped, food was served, and FUN was had.

As our flight began its descent, the Captain informed us the best view of the city would be on the left side of the aircraft.  I, in fact, was sitting on the left side, and this being my first flight to NYC, I was practically jumping out of my seat with excitement. 

 

As the wheels hit the pavement, the Passengers erupted with cheers.  Water arches marked our path to the Southwest Airlines gate, where dozens of waving LGA Employees welcomed us with open arms. 

It really was about time Southwest Airlines showed New Yorkers the LUV Airline.  We will be New York’s New LUV, and we aren’t afraid to show it!

 

 

 

 

 

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Tags: LaGuardia New York City Southwest Culture

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Is that Southwest Airlines?! was written on Jul 01,2009 at 03:35pm and posted in the categories Flying

In True Southwest Fashion

By: Natalie O'Donnell - Executive Assistant

This wasn’t my first time in New York City, nor was it my second.  But it was definitely my first time to experience a Southwest city opening, and my first time to head up a Share the Spirit volunteer effort in a city we’ve so quickly grown to LUV.  

With applause still ringing in the air as we “rapped” up the press conference Sunday morning--officially kicking off service at LaGuardia Airport (LGA)--several Employee volunteers loaded into a bus and headed to New York City’s Flushing Meadows Park for a little “hands on” action.  As with every Southwest city that we serve, our goal is to give back to the community through our Share the Spirit efforts.   And you better believe New York is no different.  While the city may be big and the volunteer opportunities endless, in true Southwest fashion, we found a way to serve NYC. 

Just a stones throw away from LaGuardia, you can find a peaceful paradise within “the city that never sleeps.”  The 1,255 acre Flushing Meadows Park is filled with family-friendly attractions including a zoo, several museums, a botanical garden, a recreation complex, and a baseball stadium; just to name a few. 

 

And while you can see families gathering for picnics, soccer games, and participating in just about any outdoor activity you can find, the park itself needed a little TLC--that’s where Southwest Airlines stepped in.  With gloves and trash bags in hand, we got to work “beautifying” the park.  We had a team of volunteers picking up trash as far as the eye could see, and another set of volunteers painting the park benches that lined the entrance of the park and the main thoroughfare. 

No matter how big (or small) the task may be, Southwest Airlines Employees are always ready to Share the Spirit and take on a new challenge.  New York City, we’re here and ready to serve!

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Tags: LaGuardia LGA New York City Southwest Airlines

In True Southwest Fashion was written on Jul 01,2009 at 10:50am and posted in the categories Airports and Southwest Culture and Working at Southwest

Interns Independence

By: Steve Heaser - Sr. Multimedia Specialist

By: Guest Bloggers Nina Guerriero and Sarah Elias

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Red Belly Radio wanted to show our LUV for our great country and give some interesting and random facts about one of our favorite holidays. We have an action packed podcast full of trivia and oddities about our country's Founding Fathers.

It is easy to get lost in fireworks and parades, but there really IS a reason behind “The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest”.  Take a few minutes to listen to this episode  while traveling this holiday weekend, and let us know your favorite way to celebrate YOUR 4th of July on this blog.

Kick back, relax and enjoy the show!

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Tags: 4th of July. Independence Day Hot Dog Interns Nina Guerriero Red Belly Radio Sarah Elias Steve Heaser

Interns Independence was written on Jul 01,2009 at 07:16am and posted in the categories Southwest Culture and Uncategorized and Working at Southwest

Freedom, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July

By: Tina Clanton - People and Leadership Development Recruiter III

What comes to mind when you think of Independence Day?  The first things that come to my mind are fireworks, parades, and picnics, just to name a few!  After I think about all of the FUN stuff that goes along with the day, then I think about the true meaning of the holiday.  The Fourth of July is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring the United States’ independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

 

As I reflect on what America means to me and our independence, I think about the men and women of our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they make every day to defend our Freedom.  These men and women possess the same “Warrior Spirit” we look for in our potential Employees.  As a Recruiter for Southwest, I look for Candidates with the following attributes: a desire to work hard, an aspiration to be the best, a sense of urgency, perseverance, courage, and a passion for innovation.  All of these characteristics are displayed every day by our Southwest Employees as well as the men and women of our military.  So what better way to find loyal, committed, and dedicated Employees than to hire soldiers who put their lives on the line so we can spend time with our friends and family and feel safe and protected on the Fourth of July?

 

Please take the time to thank a soldier for defending our Freedom the next time you happen to see one of them on a Southwest flight.  It will make his or her day and make you feel proud to be an American.  We salute the men and women of our Armed Forces and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the sacrifices you make for our great country.  Happy Fourth of July!

 

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Tags: 4th of July Independence Day Southwest Airlines Warrior Spirit

Freedom, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July was written on Jun 30,2009 at 01:25pm and posted in the categories Under the hood and Working at Southwest

Freedom to Fly

By: Ana Schwager - Nashville Marketing Manager

I love the fact that I work for a Company that gives people the Freedom to Fly.  This Independence Day, we will be giving one lucky contest winner the Freedom to Fly for the first time ever at the young age of 51!    I've had so much fun helping Judy Vincent, our Music City July 4 Flyaway contest winner, plan her trip to Nashville.   Judy will be jetting off to Nashville from New Orleans where she will spend the weekend enjoying everything great my city has to offer.  Judy, her mom, aunt, and a friend will visit many sights before ending their trip with VIP tickets to the Music City July 4th with Wynonna and the Nashville Symphony Show at Riverfront Park.  In a recent email, Judy said, "God is great - this trip will be so special.  I will be able to check “Flying” and meeting a “Star” off my bucket list--and who knows, maybe a few other things."

Judy, Grab Your Bag!   Your trip to Nashville "Is On"!   Enjoy your very first flight, watching the amazing July 4th fireworks overlooking the Cumberland River and checking two things off your "bucket list."  I'm glad Southwest Airlines will be a little part of your trip!

Finally, if any of you are looking for any last minute trips for July 4th, you should check out this awesome Nashville event at http://www.musiccityjuly4th.com/.   Nashville would love to have you spend July 4th with us!  I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

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Tags: 4th of July Ana Schwager Independence Day Southwest Airlines

Freedom to Fly was written on Jun 29,2009 at 02:37pm and posted in the categories Customers and Flying

We've got a gate. And we're not afraid to use it.

By: Lindsey Reynolds - Emerging Media Specialist

“New York, New York: a city so wonderful, you have to say it twice” said Bill DeCota, the Director of Aviation for the Port of New York/New Jersey at the press conference on Sunday morning, June 28th at the brand-spanking new Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at LaGuardia (LGA) .

The long-awaited arrival of the low-cost, lotsa LUV airline into the Big Apple was here at last—and with much ado. Festivities had been going on prior to opening day for weeks in the city: NYC street teams handing out Southwest nuts, our CEO Gary Kelly ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a Southwest Social for our Twitter followers and Facebook friends—not to mention the already raved-about Southwest Porch in Bryant Park.

You could say Southwest was ready for New York, but was New York ready for Southwest? The answer was a resounding YES! The ferry flight from Dallas kicked off with a champagne toast from Southwest’s VP of Communication & Strategic Outreach, Linda Rutherford: “Here’s to the LUV finally landing in the LGA!”

The view from the plane coming in for landing at LaGuardia might have been the most exciting part all weekend. It’s the perfect shot of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and that quintessential New York skyline that conjures up so many classic cinematic moments.  

 

A swarm of yellow-shirted volunteers (reading “New York’s New Luv”) ran off the plane upon arrival, probably leading many New Yorkers wondering just what these crazy Texans were up to. And like the title of this post says, Southwest may have just one gate for now, but we’re not afraid to use it. With daily nonstops to Baltimore and Chicago, plus connecting service to more than 45 other cities, New Yorkers are now free to move about the country.

And what’s a Southwest event without an appearance by one of our many multi-talented Flight Attendants: Mr. David Holmes himself. You might have heard of him—hint: he raps. A lot. And this was no different. David closed the Sunday opening event with a NY-themed rap he’d written just for the occasion. Of course, a little audience participation (a stomp and a clap) plus some Spirit, Jr.’s dancing behind him didn’t hurt either.

Several lucky winners from Chicago and Baltimore were treated to a ferry flight into New York from BWI, plus a stay at the Marriott Marquis right on Times Square. A reception was hosted for them on Saturday night, and I overhead one couple proudly proclaiming themselves “Southwest snobs!”

So with school out and summer vacation on everyone’s mind, there couldn’t be a better time to catch a Southwest flight to NYC—say, this weekend? And when you’re there, be sure to stop by the Southwest Porch in the southwest corner (of course) of Bryant Park. There you’ll find some tasty SW city-themed sandwiches, courtesy of Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft, not to mention a summer ale—brewed especially for Southwest. But please, save me a pint. I hope to be back in a New York minute.

To see photos of SWA in LGA, check out our flickr page!

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Tags: ferry flight LGA New York City Southwest Airlines Southwest Porch

We've got a gate. And we're not afraid to use it. was written on Jun 29,2009 at 10:10am and posted in the categories Airports and Customers and Working at Southwest

A New York State of Mind

By: Davern Sandoval - Culture Ambassador

I was walking down the streets of New York City, rollerbag in one hand and my cell phone navigation in the other.  I needed to find my hotel, but I didn't want to look like some tourist without a clue so I was walking with a mission.  I had full confidence that I was going to get where I needed to go, even though I was completely lost and intimidated.  Well, as I was walking I must have looked the part, because I had three different people come and ask me for directions!  I finally made it to the hotel and felt very accomplished, a small town southern girl had successfully made it through the big city!
 
As I was thinking about my adventures, I thought how similar my experience was to our new station opening at the LaGuardia Airport (LGA).  We all know that Southwest is the largest domestic carrier and that we now cover most of the United States, but our presence here is very much like mine was as I was walking through The City, a small fish in a big pond.  However, as in true Southwest fashion, we are coming into this market with full confidence that we are going to get where we need to be!  With the LGA Station opening, we have a mission.
 
As with every station opening, our Employees have made a collaborative effort to open LGA without a hitch.  Every department has worked so hard in a short time to make sure our presence here is true to our history and our Culture.  Properties, Schedule Planning, Revenue Management, Legal, Finance, and many more have made sure that this airport and this market would work in our system and produce the business revenue we seek. 

Marketing and Communications have created a Southwest Airlines buzz through out the city that you can almost feel.  The People Department has hired and assembled the Frontline Team of Employees that will work daily to ensure our Customers are treated with our Positively Outrageous Service.  Customer Support and Services, Customer Relations, and Source Of Support are working around the clock, answering a flood of questions and comments.  Ground Operations is making sure we are compliant with all our procedures in all we do and making sure the operation here will succeed. Our Ground Ops Training and University for People are making sure our Employees, both New Hires and transfers, know and have all the tools of the trade. Inflight, Flight Operations, Crew Scheduling, and Dispatch are all preparing for our Red Bellied Aircraft to join those other guys in this new airspace.  Our Facilities and Technology teams are working tirelessly to iron out all the kinks that come with preparing a new station. 

Really, all of our Employees, even those unmentioned above, work together so that Southwest can operate in a new airport, especially one as demanding and high profile as LGA.  We wouldn't be able to do it without all of the hard work and support by everyone.  In this sort of venture especially, Every One Matters.
 
Southwest Employees should should be proud that our once small Texas airline is now in a New York state of mind.

 

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Tags: La Guardia New York City Southwest Airlines

A New York State of Mind was written on Jun 28,2009 at 09:04am and posted in the categories Under the hood and Working at Southwest