Blog Team

bthomas
Author Since 2010

Brooks Thomas

Born under a favorable sign (Gemini) in the northern suburbs of Chicago, I transplanted to Dallas for college and decided I was okay with the decision, so I stayed. Like the Blog Boy himself, Brian Lusk, I attended Southern Methodist University for journalism. I also worked for the radio station there. Unlike Mr. Lusk, I graduated in 2006, about 40 years after he did. In my former life, I was an aspiring news producer. Complete newscasts watched since I left: 4.

Fun Facts

Languages

English

Hobbies

Travel, music, sand volleyball, not falling off my bike

Family

I’m a loner, Dottie, a rebel – Peewee Herman

Pets

Ernie the Golden Retriever (R.I.P.), Gilmore the Yellow Lab (R.I.P.), Vern the cat (R.I.P.), Elmo the Box Turtle (R.I.P.) All died of natural causes.

High School

Lake Forest High School – Home of the Scouts

College

Southern Methodist University

Favorite Sports Teams

Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs, SMU Mustangs, Texas Rangers

Favorite Travel Destinations

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Your Favorite Southwest Story

Gotta pick two. I know that’s probably not allowed. LUV Classic 2010 and Haunted Headquarters 2010. The former is a golf tournament and the latter our huge Halloween party. In both cases, we selected winners through a picture contest on Twitter and I got to host them at each event. Very cool to bring guests into your own home and have them meet the family (Southwest family, of course). Since these are all people who are especially internet savvy, I imagine at some point they’ll come across this message.

Recent Activity:

Recent Activity Posts

Reliving "The 12 Days of LUV"

Jan 03 2011
The holidays are technically over, but that doesn't mean we can't relive some of the magic. Before Christmas, we brought back our 12 Days of LUV contest on Twitter.  Each day, we asked people to Tweet us a different Southwest-themed holiday picture. The pictures below are the people who impressed the judges most and were crowned the winner of their respective contest day. I hope you'll enjoy... read more

You Like Us! You Reaaaally Like Us!

Dec 01 2010
I can still remember my first friend.  His name was Scott, he liked Legos, lived in a house at the end of a gravel driveway, and it was more of an arranged friendship. We didn’t exactly meet each other.  We were given each other.  And really nowadays, that’s how strangers usually meet online. Over the internet, we stumble upon people because of the things they say or do online.  That’s why, when... read more

An Experience to Remember

Nov 18 2010
This year was my first Kidd's Kids experience, an annual event that transports children with special medical needs and their families from Dallas to Disney World.  They don't pay a dime, but as I would come to find out, the experience is priceless. I arrived to work early Thursday to help with setup.  Making my way through the chain-linked security gate and across the broad path to our... read more

Photo Caption Contest: What's Gary Singing About?

Nov 11 2010
This Saturday, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne will light up a stage southwest of San Antonio, TX, before a small private audience for The Artists Den (learn more about them here). Our CEO, Gary Kelly, has captivated big audiences before, though not because of his musical prowess.  But don't let him fool you - Gary's all about the music. So are many of us at Southwest Airlines.  That's why we're... read more

Checking in to Southwest Airlines Media Day 2010 With Gowalla

Oct 28 2010
I recently added a rare headdress to my personal collection of items on Gowalla.  For those of us on the Southwest Airlines Emerging Media Team, mine was a huge find. Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself.  This is Media Day, and I'm undoubtedly burying the lead. Southwest Airlines is partnering with Gowalla for Media Day 2010, just the beginning of a beautiful relationship.   For those not... read more

Up in SMOKE, Media Day 2010 Has Begun!

Oct 27 2010
Greetings from SMOKE, a restaurant nestled in a quaint area of South Dallas, specializing in the ancient Texas art of BBQ. Southwest Airlines is hosting journalists, bloggers, and other media folk from around the nation for Media Day 2010.  The fun, you guessed it, has already begun. In addition to fine cuisine, we have tasked each table group to craft its own Boeing 737, using molding clay and... read more

Trick o' Tweet Your Way to the Haunted Headquarters

Oct 18 2010
For us at Southwest Airlines, Halloween is one of the most celebrated and anticipated holidays of the year.  We work really hard, but we also know how to celebrate and play hard!  For 11 months out of the year, Southwest Airlines Headquarters is buzzing with smiling, happy People.  From the how-do-you-dos throughout the halls, to the outdoor volleyball and world famous deck parties – the joy can... read more

Grab Your Blog, It's On!

Oct 15 2010
Nearly five years ago, we had a crazy idea to start Nuts About Southwest, our Company blog.  During that time, we've seen amazing growth, been recognized by our peers and had a lot of fun along the way!   One of the biggest events for bloggers, social media enthusiasts and Internet geeks alike is Blog World & the New Media Expo.  Held in Las Vegas, the conference is a place where... read more

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do

Oct 01 2010
It's been an eventful week here at Southwest Airlines, and not just for obvious reasons.  Spirit Week happens annually, as a way to celebrate the Company's great Culture. During the year, we focus on exhibiting three principles: A Warrior's Spirit, a Servant's Heart, and a Fun LUV-ing Attitude.  I'm the new guy, and will be for awhile, so this is all fresh for me.  Still, I can say with... read more

The Good Guys Hit the Streets

Sep 24 2010
At Southwest Airlines, we care about our Customers -- and their bags.  That's why we've created a task force dedicated to squashing injustice and making sure you travel comfortably, and your Bags Fly Free. See, there are a lot of airlines out there who are trying to pull a fast one by convincing travelers it's okay to pay for bags.  And they think we'll eventually cave and make you do the same... read more