Blog Team
Kari Kennedy
I’ve been an airplane nut starting when I went into the Air Force many years ago as a weather forecaster. The last 11 years of service before retiring, I transferred to the Reserves where I was one of those crazy people who flew into hurricanes. Into them. Purposely. But because that was only a part-time job, I also tried my hand as a TV meteorologist for a while, then became a Dispatcher for TWA. Southwest Airlines called me in 2002 and it has been a fantastic ride where I’ve been able to grow and learn things I never thought possible.
Fun Facts
Languages
Growing up in California, you would expect to learn Spanish in school. I wanted to learn German.ad said, “When are you ever going to need German?!” I later spent five years in Germany for the AF and ended up learning enough to speak like a 5-year old.
Hobbies
I don’t sit still well and have a competitive streak so I enjoy doing triathlons, trail running, and cycling. And I’m almost embarrassed to admit I’m a reality competition junkie - Survivor, The Amazing Race, any foodie competition, and even Wipeout – I’m hooked.
Family
Though I grew up in California, my family is scattered along both coasts and in Albuquerque. Here in the Dallas area, it’s just me and my voluptuous cat, Tweak. And yes, she is appropriately named after a highly caffeinated South Park character.
High School
Norco High School in Norco, California. It may sound like a small town (and it is), but Eva LaRue from CSI: Miami and MLB pitcher Darryl Kile both were friends back in the day.
College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Favorite Sports Teams
San Diego Padres and St Louis Cardinals
Favorite Travel Destinations
I’m really a lizard in a human body. I need the sun and heat. The Caribbean islands call to me, so you never have to twist my arm to head to St Somewhere. While in the military, I took advantage of my time in Europe to explore all over there as well. Luxembourg City and Garmisch are two of my favorite destinations because of their uniqueness and beauty. The Galapagos Islands are on my radar for the next big trip.
Your Favorite Southwest Story
37 current or former military members flew to Seattle a few years back to deliver Southwest Airlines’ 500th aircraft from Boeing. We were all nominated by our co-workers and selected to enjoy the special trip. I was able to take my mom with me and we had the best time (she’s not particularly shy either.) On a dinner cruise in Lake Washington, Herb greeted us on the boat as if he was Captain Stubing from The Love Boat and later we all sang karaoke. The best part was arriving back to Dallas just in time for the 37th Southwest birthday party and barbecue.
Recent Activity:
Recent Activity Posts
What Causes Turbulence?
By: Kari Kennedy 
Jan 16 2012
If you’ve read a couple of my posts over time, you know that
I have a geek-like interest in weather.
In fact, as I write this blog post, we’re in the middle of strong enough
bumps that the water in my bottle is sloshing around considerably. Our Pilot is doing a great job of doing
what he can to minimize the impact while our Flight Attendants and Customers are safely
strapped in... read more
Bringing in The New Year With a Splash
By: Kari Kennedy
Jan 03 2012
Nothing prepares you for the cold rush that
takes your breath away. Your limbs contract and pure survival mode kicks
in to get you out of the freezing water. The problem is, the air is even
colder.
And that’s how I started out my New Year this
year, at an ice dive just outside Minneapolis. Let me just start out by
saying that by nature, I’m a lizard. Heat makes me happy.... read more
Watching Over Us
By: Kari Kennedy
Dec 26 2011
The following is a fictional story I wrote to give our Customers a better idea how the great People in Dispatch watch over our planes. The lady in the seat next to me is pale. Her hand is shaky as she reaches over to grasp my wrist as the bumps jostle us and the Flight Attendants take their seats to ride it out. I peek out the window to see the Rocky Mountains ahead of us.... read more
From Inside the Eye
By: Kari Kennedy
Jun 01 2011
“Are you crazy?!” I
get that a lot when people find out that I used to fly into hurricanes as a
meteorologist and loadmaster. I’m an
adrenaline junkie, so maybe it’s not so much being crazy as it is enjoying the
ride and the spectacular show that Mother Nature can display.
Years ago, an Air Force recruiter decided that I would end
up in the weather field for my career,... read more
Tools from the Heart
By: Kari Kennedy
Mar 30 2011
I’m a girl who loves tools and knows how to use them. I don’t pound a nail into the wall using a
high-heel shoe. I own a compound miter saw, jigsaw, two power
drills, and a bevy of other miscellaneous tools that can be used around the
house for a variety of projects. Of course they are all hung in their places on
a pegboard in the garage. And none are
pink or girly, though... read more
A Mechanical Symphony
By: Kari Kennedy
Jan 31 2011
Have you
ever considered how an airline is orchestrated in order to get everything just
right? It doesn’t take much to get an
orchestra out of tune or throw it off, and airlines are much the same way.
The Customer Service folks and Flight Attendants are front
and center, much like the violin section – they are the most visible and
noticeable to everyone. They seem to get
the... read more
Recent Activity Luvs
Captain Joe Gets Adopted
By: Joe Gautille 
Feb 09 2011
From February through May, fifth-grade students in more than 1400 classes across the country will “adopt” Southwest Airlines Pilots in the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot program that leads students through science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activities. Students also research careers, develop life values, and realize the importance of staying in... read more
Latest LUV Mail
From: Cynthia Moynihan
Tampa,Florida
An Act of Kindness
May 20 2013
Going to an airport and getting on a plane and traveling to
unfamiliar territory takes on a whole new meaning when one...
