Editing Southwest Airlines

{{Short description|Airline of the United States}}
{{Other uses|Southwest Airlines (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Southwest Airlines Co. 
| logo = Southwest Airlines logo 2014.svg
| logo_size = 
| image = N 42570 Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max-8.jpg
| alt = Logo (2014–present), consisting of the name "Southwest" in blue letters followed by a heart in yellow, red and blue diagonal stripes
| caption = A [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]] of Southwest Airlines
| IATA = WN
| ICAO = SWA
| callsign = SOUTHWEST
| founded = {{start date and age|1967|03|9|br=y}}<br />(as ''Air Southwest'')
| commenced = {{start date and age|1971|6|18|br=y}}<br />(as ''Southwest Airlines'')
| ceased = 
| aoc = SWAA304A
| bases = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]]
  | [[Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport|Baltimore]] 
  | [[Chicago Midway International Airport|Chicago–Midway]]
  | [[Dallas Love Field|Dallas–Love]]
  | [[Denver International Airport|Denver]]
  | [[William P. Hobby Airport|Houston–Hobby]]
  | [[Harry Reid International Airport|Las Vegas]]
  | [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]]   
  | [[Nashville International Airport|Nashville]] 
  | [[Oakland International Airport|Oakland]]
  | [[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]]
  | [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix–Sky Harbor]]
  | [[St. Louis Lambert International Airport|St. Louis]]}}
| frequent_flyer = Rapid Rewards
| fleet_size = [[Southwest Airlines fleet|801]]{{r|financial_results|p=3}}
| destinations = [[List of Southwest Airlines destinations|117]]{{r|financial_results|p=3}}
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|LUV}}|[[DJTA]] component|[[S&P 500]] component}}
| num_employees = 72,450 (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| headquarters = [[Love Field, Dallas, Texas|Love Field]], [[Dallas]], Texas, U.S.
| key_people = {{unbulleted indent list|
  | [[Bob Jordan (businessman)|Bob Jordan]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]] and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
  | [[Rakesh Gangwal]] ([[chair (officer)|chairman]] of the Board)
  }}
| founders = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Herb Kelleher]]
  | [[Rollin King]]
  }}
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|27.5 billion|link=yes}} (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|321 million}} (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| net_income = {{nochange}} {{US$|465 million}} (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|33.7 billion}} (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| equity = {{decrease}} {{US$|10.3 billion}} (2024)<ref name=financial_results />
| website = {{URL|southwest.com}}
}}

'''Southwest Airlines Co.''', or simply '''Southwest''', is a [[Major airlines of the United States|major airline in the United States]] that formerly operated on a [[low-cost carrier]] model. It is headquartered in the [[Love Field, Dallas|Love Field]] neighborhood of [[Dallas, Texas]]. It is the [[List of largest airlines in North America|fourth-largest airline in North America]] when measured by passengers carried, as of 2023. With its all-[[Boeing 737]] fleet, Southwest serves over 100 destinations in 42 states, [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Puerto Rico]], and ten other countries near the southern United States in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and [[Caribbean Sea]] regions: [[Aruba]], [[the Bahamas]], [[Belize]], the [[Cayman Islands]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Cuba]], the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Mexico]], [[Jamaica]], and [[Turks and Caicos Islands|Turks and Caicos]].

The airline was established on March 9, 1967, by [[Herb Kelleher]] and [[Rollin King]] as '''Air Southwest Co.''' and adopted its current name, Southwest Airlines Co., in 1971, when it began operating as an [[intrastate airline]] wholly within the state of Texas, first flying between [[Dallas]], [[Houston]], and [[San Antonio]]. It began regional interstate service in 1979, expanding nationwide in the following decades.

== History ==
{{Excerpt|History of Southwest Airlines}}

== Network ==
{{Main|List of Southwest Airlines destinations}}
Southwest uses a [[Point-to-point transit|point-to-point]] system combined with a [[Depeaking|rolling-hub]] model in its base cities, in contrast to the [[Spoke-hub distribution paradigm|hub-and-spoke]] system of other major airlines. {{As of|2024|1}}, Southwest Airlines flies to over 100 destinations in 42 states, [[Puerto Rico]], [[Mexico]], [[Central America]], and the [[Caribbean]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Airlines - Route Map |url=https://www.southwest.com/flight/routemap_dyn.html |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=southwest.com}}</ref> This system means that the Airline has no real hubs, but rather some airports with more destinations than others.

=== Interline agreements ===
Southwest currently has a [[Interline agreement]] with [[Icelandair]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Does Southwest Airlines interline with any other airlines? |url=https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/southwest-interlining-partners |website=Southwest |access-date=22 March 2025}}</ref>

== Fleet ==
<!-- This section is an excerpt of the intro to the Southwest Airlines fleet page. Please do not add a fleet table to this section. Detailed fleet information is covered in the posted Southwest Airlines fleet page.-->
{{Excerpt|Southwest Airlines fleet}}

==Passenger experience==
Southwest Airlines solely offers economy class seating and does not have business class or first class cabins on its aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Glusac|first=Elaine|date=August 20, 2020|title=5 Things We Know About Flying Right Now|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/20/travel/airplanes-coronavirus.html|access-date=April 27, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Southwest offers free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages inflight and offers alcoholic beverages for sale for $7–9 per beverage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inflight Drink and Snack Menu |url=https://www.southwest.com/food-and-beverage/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Southwest Airlines}}</ref> Free alcoholic drinks are offered to passengers on some holidays such as [[Valentine's Day]] and [[Halloween]]. Southwest has become known for colorful boarding announcements and crews who sometimes burst out in song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kasperkevic |first=Jana |date=March 13, 2012 |title=Southwest Airlines Has A Secret Weapon To Make Everyone Love Flying |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/this-airlines-flight-attendants-vow-planes-full-of-people-by-singing-2012-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107021040/http://www.businessinsider.com/this-airlines-flight-attendants-vow-planes-full-of-people-by-singing-2012-3 |archive-date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014 |website=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Forgione |first=Mary |date=April 18, 2014 |title=Southwest, other airlines take safety talks to new, hilarious heights |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-air-safety-instructions-20140417-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030222539/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-air-safety-instructions-20140417-story.html |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014 |newspaper=[[LA Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Sasha |date=April 14, 2014 |title=Southwest Airlines flight attendant gives hilarious safety speech |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/watch-southwest-airlines-flight-attendant-hilarious-safety-speech-article-1.1756444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110174124/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/watch-southwest-airlines-flight-attendant-hilarious-safety-speech-article-1.1756444 |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014 |website=[[NY Daily News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Grossman |first=David |date=October 17, 2005 |title=I don't hate Southwest anymore |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2005-10-14-grossman_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=June 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702142850/http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2005-10-14-grossman_x.htm |archive-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref>

[[File:Southwest Boarding Process.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Southwest's boarding process at an airport gate]]
Southwest currently has an open seating policy, scheduled to end in 2026,<ref>{{cite web |last=Koenig |first=David |url=https://apnews.com/article/southwest-changes-seating-boarding-hedge-fund-ba6a97380df6201e9a35335d3202fc8a |title=Southwest Airlines says it will introduce assigned seats and premium perks in 2026 |work=[[AP News]] |date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=September 26, 2024}}</ref> and uses a unique boarding process. Passengers are given a group letter (A, B or C) and a number (1 through 60). Passengers lineup in numerical order within each letter group and choose any open seat on the aircraft.<ref name="abcnews">{{Cite web |last=De Lollis |first=Barbara |date=September 19, 2007 |title=Southwest to Change Boarding Process – ABC 123 News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=3624856&page=1#.UEEvWkLT0fM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217073745/https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=3624856&page=1#.UEEvWkLT0fM |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |publisher=Abcnews.com}}</ref> A 2012 study on the television series ''[[MythBusters]]'', found this to be the fastest method currently in use for passengers to board a plane; on average, it is 10 minutes faster than the standard method.<ref>Stromberg, Joseph. [https://www.vox.com/2014/4/25/5647696/the-way-we-board-airplanes-makes-absolutely-no-sense The way we board airplanes makes absolutely no sense] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801034855/https://www.vox.com/2014/4/25/5647696/the-way-we-board-airplanes-makes-absolutely-no-sense |date=August 1, 2017}}. [[Vox (website)|Vox]], April 25, 2014.</ref> 

Southwest has a "customer of size" policy in which the cost of a second seat is refunded for any [[Obesity|plus-sized]] travelers who take up more room than one seat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milchtein |first=Chaya |title=Flying is the hardest part of traveling while fat: Here are 9 ways to make it easier |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2022/08/01/plus-size-travel-plane-travel-tips/10154213002/ |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer of Size Information |url=https://www.southwest.com/help/additional-travel-accommodations/extra-seat-policy |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Southwest Airlines}}</ref>

On May 1, 2025, Southwest introduced aircraft with new extra-legroom seating as part of a phased update to its cabin layout. These seats will be installed in the first five rows and near exit doors on retrofitted Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft. During the initial rollout, the seats will be available at no additional cost. The airline plans to complete these upgrades by the end of 2025, when it will begin offering assigned seating and selling extra-legroom seats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest's expanded-legroom seats will debut May 1 |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-begins-extra-legroom-rollout-in-May |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.travelweekly.com |language=en}}</ref>

===In-flight entertainment===
As of December 2024, Southwest offers free [[Wi-Fi]], which includes free streaming of live television, movies, music, in-app messaging (iMessage and WhatsApp), and real-time flight tracking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inflight Entertainment & Internet {{!}} Southwest Airlines |url=https://www.southwest.com/inflight-entertainment-portal/?clk=7244032 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=southwest.com}}</ref> Full Internet access is available for an $8 fee for most passengers but is free for Business Select and A-List Preferred passengers. As of March 9, 2023, Southwest began upgrading Wi-Fi hardware on its existing aircraft equipped with Anuvu Wi-Fi and began rolling out Viasat Wi-Fi on all new deliveries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WiFi Modernization: First Viasat Aircraft Enters Service {{!}} SWA Media |url=https://www.swamedia.com/southwest-stories/wifi-modernization-first-viasat-aircraft-enters-service-MC5XTXWTTLWNESJDQR4LZQBIDI2I |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=swamedia.com}}</ref>

===Rapid Rewards===
Southwest first began to offer a [[frequent-flyer program]] on June 18, 1987, calling it '''The Company Club'''. The program credited for trips flown regardless of distance.<ref name="company_club">{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=1985 to 1989 |url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1985-to-1989 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206065911/http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1985-to-1989 |archive-date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |website=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |quote=...Southwest introduces "The Company Club," a frequent-flyer program based on total trips flown, regardless of distance...}}</ref> Southwest Airlines renamed its frequent-flyer program '''Rapid Rewards''' on April 25, 1996.<ref name="rr_name">{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=1995 to 1997 |url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1995-to-1997 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807004037/http://swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1995-to-1997 |archive-date=August 7, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |website=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |quote="Rapid Rewards" officially takes the place of the "Company Club" as the new name for our frequent flier program.}}</ref>

The original Rapid Rewards program offered one credit per one-way flight from an origin to a destination, including any stops or connections on Southwest Airlines. When 16 credits were accumulated in a 24-month period, Southwest awarded one free round-trip ticket that was valid for 12 months.<ref name="rr_old_rules">{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2010 |title=Rapid Rewards Membership Rules |url=http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/rules_and_regs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224142436/http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/rules_and_regs.html |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |website=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |quote=One credit will be given for each Southwest Airlines flight flown.}}</ref>

On March 1, 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost. Members earn and redeem points based on a four-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket. Changes also included no [[blackout dates]], seat restrictions, or expiring credits. Since October 18, 2019, Rapid Rewards points do not expire as long as the member is alive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Announces Updates To Rapid Rewards, Companion Pass, And More |url=https://www.swamedia.com/releases/release-6598b7bbe9941afd92c1abe6720b1bea-southwest-announces-updates-to-rapid-rewards-companion-pass-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024152810/https://www.swamedia.com/releases/release-6598b7bbe9941afd92c1abe6720b1bea-southwest-announces-updates-to-rapid-rewards-companion-pass-and-more |archive-date=October 24, 2019 |access-date=October 24, 2019 |website=Southwest Airlines Newsroom |date=October 18, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> It also adds more options to use points.<ref name="rr_pr">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Southwest Airlines Introduces The All-New Rapid Rewards Program! |url=http://swamedia.com/releases/e7b3eef4-9551-7110-d957-0d004d252569 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107163152/http://swamedia.com/releases/e7b3eef4-9551-7110-d957-0d004d252569 |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=January 11, 2011 |website=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |quote=...Rapid Rewards program, the carrier's frequent flyer program...}}</ref><ref name="rr_new">{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=Redeem Points |url=http://www.southwest.com/newRR/redeemPoints.do |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107184232/http://www.southwest.com/newRR/flashCheck.do |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=January 11, 2010 |website=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |quote=Lower fares require fewer points.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Ryan |title=Blog &#124; Nuts About Southwest |url=https://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/introducing-all-new-rapid-rewards-blog-post |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303153948/http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/introducing-all-new-rapid-rewards-blog-post |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |access-date=July 29, 2013 |publisher=Blogsouthwest.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Keep Rapid Rewards account active – Rapid Rewards Promotions |url=https://www.southwest.com/html/rapidrewards/promotions/rr-points-keep-active.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104231257/https://www.southwest.com/html/rapidrewards/promotions/rr-points-keep-active.html |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2019 |website=Southwest Airlines}}</ref>

== Corporate affairs ==
=== Business trends ===
The key trends for Southwest Airlines are (as of the end of the calendar year):<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Airlines - Annual Reports |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/financials/company-reports/annual-reports |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|- style="line-height:133%"
!
!Net income<br>(in million US$)
!Employees ([[Full-time equivalent|FTE]])	
!Passengers<br>(in millions)
![[Passenger load factor|Load factor]] (%)
!Avg. fare<br>(US$)
!Aircraft{{efn|At the end of the year}}
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
!2015
|2,181
|49,583
|118
|83.6
|154
|704
|<ref name="AR2018">{{Cite web |title=Southwest Annual Report 2018 |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/~/media/Files/S/Southwest-IR/LUV_2018_Annual%20Report.pdf |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Southwest}}</ref>
|-
!2016
|2,183
|53,536
|124
|84.0
|152
|723
|<ref name="AR2018" />
|-
!2017 
|3,357
|56,110
|130
|83.9
|151
|706
|<ref name="AR2018" />
|-
!2018
|2,465
|58,803
|134
|83.4
|151
|750
|<ref name="AR2018" />
|-
!2019
|2,700
|60,767
|134
|83.5
|154
|890
|<ref name="AR2022">{{Cite web |title=Southwest Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/~/media/Files/S/Southwest-IR/LUV_2022_Annual%20Report.pdf |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Southwest}}</ref>
|-
!2020
|{{color|red|−3,074}}{{0|−}}
|56,537
|{{0}}54
|52.4
|141
|718
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/~/media/Files/S/Southwest-IR/LUV_2021_Annual%20Report.pdf |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Southwest}}</ref>
|-
!2021
|{{0|0,}}977
|55,093
|{{0}}99
|78.5
|141
|728
|<ref name="AR2022" />
|-
!2022
|{{0|0,}}539
|66,656
|126
|83.4
|169
|770
|<ref name="AR2022" />
|-
!2023
|{{0|0,}}465
|74,806
|137
|80.0
|172
|817
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Feb 2024 |title=Southwest Airlines Annual Report 2023 |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/~/media/Files/S/Southwest-IR/2023-annual-report.pdf |website=Southwest Airlines}}</ref>
|-
!2024
|{{0|0,}}465
|72,450
|140
|80.4
|178
|832
|<ref name="financial_results">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/92380/000009238025000024/luv-20241231.htm |title=Southwest Airlines 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]}}</ref>
|}

=== Headquarters ===
[[File:Southwest airlines hq from east 2009-06-22.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Southwest Airlines' headquarters at [[Dallas Love Field]] in [[Dallas]]]]
The Southwest Airlines headquarters are located on the grounds of [[Dallas Love Field]] in [[Dallas]].<ref name="factsheet">{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2024 |title=Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) Corporate Facts |url=https://www.swamedia.com/vforcesite/cms/delivery/media/MC5SHG3HNX2FFRVLRCQTZRDPWU7E |url-status=live |access-date=March 11, 2025 |website=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co.}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.southwest.com/images/photo_gallery/home.jpg Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, Love Field, Dallas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307233403/https://www.southwest.com/images/photo_gallery/home.jpg|date=March 7, 2016}}." Southwest Airlines. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.</ref> Chris Sloan of ''Airways'' magazine stated they are "as much a living, breathing museum and showcase for the 'culture that LUV built' as they are corporate offices."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sloan, Chris |date=May 13, 2016 |title=A Look into Spirit Airlines' Frills-Free Corporate HQ and OCC |url=https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/spirit-airlines-frills-free-corporate-hq-occ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806204212/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/spirit-airlines-frills-free-corporate-hq-occ/ |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |access-date=October 23, 2019 |website=Airways Magazine}}</ref>

On September 17, 2012, Southwest broke ground on a new Training and Operational Support building,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2012 |title=Southwest Airlines breaks ground on $100M HQ expansion in Dallas, plans to add 1,000 employees – Dallas Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/09/17/southwest-airlines-breaks-ground-on-hq.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109155742/http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/09/17/southwest-airlines-breaks-ground-on-hq.html |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |publisher=Bizjournals.com}}</ref> across the street from its current headquarters building. The property includes a two-story, 100,000-square-foot Network Operations Control building that can withstand an EF3 tornado. It also includes a four-story, 392,000-square-foot office, and training facility with two levels devoted to each function. The new facilities house 24-hour coordination and maintenance operations, customer support and services, and training. The project was completed in late 2013, with occupancy beginning in 2014.

On June 2, 2016, Southwest broke ground on its new office and training facility known as Wings. The newest addition to the corporate campus is composed of a 420,000-square-foot, six-story office building, and a 380,000-square-foot adjoining structure called the Leadership Education and Aircrew Development (LEAD) Center that serves as the new pilot training facility. The LEAD Center has the capacity to house and support 18 flight simulators. It is designed to be expanded to accommodate up to 26 simulator bays. The building opened on April 3, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 3, 2018 |title=See Southwest Airlines' new $250 million addition to fast-growing Love Field campus |work=Dallas News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/southwest-airlines/2018/04/03/southwest-airlines-unveils-latest-addition-fast-growing-love-field-campus |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510050745/https://www.dallasnews.com/business/southwest-airlines/2018/04/03/southwest-airlines-unveils-latest-addition-fast-growing-love-field-campus |archive-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref>

On August 16, 2019, Southwest announced an expansion of the LEAD Center to accommodate eight additional simulators for future operational and training demands.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 28, 2019 |title=Southwest Airlines Making Major Expansion to Pilot Training Building in Dallas |work=Dallas News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2019/10/28/southwest-airlines-making-major-expansion-to-pilot-training-building-in-dallas/ |access-date=January 12, 2020}}</ref> On January 2, 2020, it was announced that Southwest would be purchasing an additional {{convert|3|acre|ha}} of land adjacent to its Wings and LEAD facilities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 2, 2020 |title=Southwest Airlines Buys More Land Near Dallas Love Field |work=Dallas News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2020/01/02/southwest-airlines-buys-more-land-near-dallas-love-field-hq/ |access-date=January 12, 2020}}</ref> No additional details were disclosed.

=== Employment ===
{{As of|2025|01|30|df=US}}, Southwest Airlines had 72,450 active full-time equivalent employees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS |url=https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/news-and-events/news-releases/2025/01-30-2025-114608869 |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com |language=en}}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', it uses the hiring motto of seeking people that have a "Servant's Heart, Warrior Spirit, Fun-LUVing Attitude".<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/10/16/southwests-plan-conquer-airline-industry-one-joke-time/| title = Southwest's plan to conquer the airline industry, one joke at a time | newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> It also uses the internal practice of ranking "employees first, customers second".<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Emmie |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/southwest-airlines-puts-employees-first-2015-7 |title=A major airline says there's something it values more than its customers, and there's a good reason why |date=July 29, 2015 |website=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> Collective bargaining Southwest Airlines employees is represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swapa.org/|title=Our Mission|publisher=wapa.org|accessdate=September 16, 2024}}</ref>

[[Bob Jordan (businessman)|Bob Jordan]], formerly executive vice president of corporate services, became Southwest's sixth CEO on February 1, 2022, replacing [[Gary C. Kelly]]. Kelly continues as chairman of Southwest Airlines. Kelly replaced former CEO Jim Parker on July 15, 2004, and assumed the title of [[president (corporate title)|president]] on July 15, 2008, replacing former president [[Colleen Barrett]]. In July 2008, Herb Kelleher resigned from his position as chairman. Barrett left her post on the board of directors and as a corporate secretary in May 2008 and as president in July 2008. Kelleher was president and CEO of Southwest from September 1981 to June 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herbert D. Kelleher – Officer Biographies – Southwest Airlines Newsroom |url=http://swamedia.com/channels/Officer-Biographies/pages/herb_kelleher |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320183838/http://www.swamedia.com/channels/Officer-Biographies/pages/herb_kelleher |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |access-date=April 3, 2015 |website=swamedia.com}}</ref> On June 23, 2021, Southwest announced that chairman and CEO Gary Kelly would transition roles in early 2022, becoming the carrier's executive chairman with the desire to serve in that role through at least 2026 at the discretion of the board of directors. Jordan also joined the board then.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Southwest Announces 2022 Executive Leadership Plans |url=https://www.swamedia.com/releases/southwest-announces-2022-executive-leadership-plans?lang=en-US|access-date=July 27, 2021|website=Southwest Airlines Newsroom| date=June 23, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

On January 10, 2017, Southwest announced changes to the company's executive leadership ranks, with Thomas M. Nealon named as president and Michael G. Van de Ven as the airline's chief operating officer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Airlines Announces Executive Promotions |url=https://www.swamedia.com/releases/southwest-airlines-announces-executive-promotions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113022121/https://www.swamedia.com/releases/southwest-airlines-announces-executive-promotions |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |access-date=January 10, 2017 |website=swamedia.com|date=January 10, 2017 }}</ref> On September 14, 2021, Southwest announced Nealon had decided to retire from his duties as president effective immediately, but would continue to serve the company as a strategic advisor. Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven was named as the company's president the same day, and remains COO.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Southwest Announces Leadership Changes|url=https://www.swamedia.com/releases/southwest-announces-leadership-changes?lang=en-US |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=Southwest Airlines Newsroom | date=September 13, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2024, in response to pressure from Elliott Investment Management, Kelly announced that he would not seek reelection as executive chairman in 2025. Jordan is expected to remain as CEO.<ref name="nyt-ouster">{{cite news |last1=Choksi |first1=Niraj |last2=Hirsch |first2=Lauren |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Southwest Airlines Agrees To Board Changes After Pressure From Elliott |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/business/southwest-airlines-board-elliott-management.html |url-access=limited |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="shakeup">{{cite news |last=Skores |first=Alexandra |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Southwest Airlines caves to activist investor pressure, shakes up board |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2024/09/10/southwest-airlines-caves-activist-investor-pressure-shakes-up-board/ |url-access=limited |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas}}</ref>

About 83% of Southwest employees are [[labor union|members of a union]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |url=http://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/~/media/Files/S/Southwest-IR/LUV_2018_Annual%20Report.pdf |access-date=July 2, 2019 |website=Southwest Airlines Investor Relations}}</ref> The Southwest Airline Pilots' Association, a union not affiliated with the [[Air Line Pilots Association]], represents the airline's pilots.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 27, 2008 |title=SWAPA |url=http://www.swapa.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816073336/http://www.swapa.org/ |archive-date=August 16, 2011 |access-date=August 22, 2011 |publisher=SWAPA}}</ref> The aircraft maintenance technicians are represented by the [[AMFA|Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AMFA Home |url=http://www.amfanatl.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821231059/http://www.amfanatl.org/ |archive-date=August 21, 2011 |access-date=August 22, 2011 |publisher=Amfanatl.org}}</ref> Customer service agents and reservation agents are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union. Flight dispatchers, flight attendants, ramp agents, and operations agents are represented by the Transport Workers Union.

The company has appeared on various "best places to work" list, with its employee culture mentioned by ''Travel and Leisure'', [[CNBC]], and ''Forbes''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ward |first=Marguerite |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/09/4-reasons-people-love-working-at-southwest-which-has-never-laid-off-a-single-employee.html |title=4 reasons people love working at Southwest, which has never laid off a single employee |date=December 9, 2016 |website=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/southwest-airlines-named-among-forbes-200000756.html|title=Southwest Airlines Named Among Forbes' Best Employers In America |date=February 9, 2021 |agency=PRNewswire |website=yahoo!}}</ref> The company has also been named to ''Fortune'' magazine's "Most Admired Companies" list, reaching number 14 in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/company/southwest-airlines/worlds-most-admired-companies/|title=Southwest Airlines &#124; 2021 World's Most Admired Companies|website=Fortune}}</ref>

Southwest has never furloughed an employee.<ref name=warn2020>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=November 6, 2020 |title=Southwest Airlines issues 42 furlough warnings after cost-cutting talks stall |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2020/11/06/southwest-issues-42-furlough-notices-after-cost-cutting-talks-stall/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=November 24, 2020}}</ref> As a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the company launched voluntary separation and extended time-off programs in 2020, and around 16,900 employees volunteered to take an [[early retirement]] or [[Leave of absence|long-term leave]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Southwest Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results |url=https://www.swamedia.com/releases/southwest-reports-second-quarter-2020-results |access-date=August 28, 2020 |website=Southwest Airlines Newsroom |language=en}}</ref>  Roughly 24% were pilots and 33% were flight attendants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Nearly 30% Of Southwest Airlines Workers Opt To Take Extended Leave Or Early Retirement |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/nearly-30-southwest-airlines-workers-extended-leave-early-retirement/ |access-date=August 14, 2020 |publisher=[[KTVT]]}}</ref> In late 2020, the airline issued some [[WARN Act notice]]s and announced incipient pay cuts for many employees in response to pandemic impacts, but these measures were rescinded after the [[Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021]] was enacted on December 27, 2020, providing additional financial aid to US airlines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=December 28, 2020 |title=Southwest Airlines won't need furloughs and wage cut in 2021 after Trump signs stimulus package |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2020/12/28/southwest-airlines-wont-need-furloughs-and-wage-cut-in-2021-after-trump-signs-stimulus-package/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>

The latest five year labor contract for Southwest Airlines pilots was approved in January 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/southwest-airlines-pilots-approve-new-contract-2024-01-22/|title=Southwest Airlines pilots approve new five-year contract|publisher=Reuters|date=January 22, 2024|accessdate=September 16, 2024}}</ref>

Following a board takeover in February 2025 <ref>{{cite news |last=Richie |first=Sasha |date=February 7, 2025 |title=Two more Southwest Airlines board members step down, completing Elliott makeover |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2025/02/07/two-more-southwest-airlines-board-members-step-down-completing-elliott-makeover/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=February 7, 2025}}</ref> Southwest laid off 1750 of its non-contract staff, approximately 15% of its corporate workforce.<ref>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=February 17, 2025 |title=Southwest Airlines laying off 1,750 corporate workers in cost-saving effort |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2025/02/17/southwest-airlines-laying-off-1750-corporate-workers-in-cost-saving-effort/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref>

=== Impact on carriers ===
Southwest and its business model have had an influence on other low-cost carriers (LCC's). The competitive strategy combines a high level of employee and aircraft productivity with low unit costs by reducing aircraft turnaround time, particularly at the gate.<ref name="upinair">{{Cite web |last=Bamber, G.J., Gittell, J.H., Kochan, T.A. & von Nordenflytch, A. |year=2009 |title=Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees |url=http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031004303/http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |publisher=Cornell University Press, Ithaca}}</ref> Europe's [[EasyJet]] and [[Ryanair]] are two of the best-known airlines to follow Southwest's business strategy in that continent. Other airlines with a business model based on Southwest's system include Canada's [[WestJet]], [[Malaysia]]'s [[AirAsia]] (the first and biggest LCC in [[Asia]]), India's [[IndiGo]], Australia's [[Jetstar Airways|Jetstar]], a subsidiary of [[Qantas]] (although Jetstar now operates three aircraft types), [[Philippines]]' [[Cebu Pacific]], [[Thailand]]'s [[Nok Air]], [[Mexico]]'s [[Volaris]], [[Indonesia]]'s [[Lion Air]] and [[Turkey]]'s [[Pegasus Airlines]].<ref name="upinair" />

=== Lobbying against high-speed rail ===
In the early 1990s, Southwest Airlines actively opposed proposals to develop high-speed rail in Texas, viewing the project as a competitor to its short-haul flights. The proposed rail system would have connected Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Southwest lobbied both the United States Congress and the Texas Legislature, and filed multiple lawsuits aimed at halting the initiative.<ref name="Batheja 2014">{{Cite news |last=Batheja |first=Aman |date=March 7, 2014 |title=Bullet Train Failed Once, but It's Back |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/us/bullet-train-failed-once-but-its-back.html |access-date=December 29, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Perl 1997">{{Cite journal |last1=Perl |first1=Anthony |last2=Dunn |first2=James A. |date=1997 |title=Fast Trains: Why the U.S. Lags |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24995961 |journal=Scientific American |volume=277 |issue=4 |pages=106–108 |doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1097-106 |jstor=24995961 |bibcode=1997SciAm.277d.106P |issn=0036-8733}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Perl |first=Anthony |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt130j48n |title=New Departures: Rethinking Rail Passenger Policy in the Twenty-First Century |date=2002 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |isbn=978-0-8131-2211-3 |pages=165–166|jstor=j.ctt130j48n }}</ref><ref name="Powell 1995">{{Cite journal |last=Powell |first=Kathy |date=January 1, 1995 |title=Southwest Airlines v. High-Speed Rail: More Powerful Than a Locomotive |url=https://scholar.smu.edu/jalc/vol60/iss4/5 |journal=Journal of Air Law and Commerce |volume=60 |issue=4 |pages=1091}}</ref> In a 1991 statement to Texas officials, the airline argued that high-speed rail would only be feasible if it displaced existing airline services and received substantial public subsidies.<ref name="Batheja 2014" /> The project was cancelled in 1994<ref name="Perl 1997" /> with many observers citing Southwest’s lobbying efforts as a significant factor in its failure.<ref name="Powell 1995" />

=== Advertising ===
The company has always employed humor in its advertising. Former slogans include "Love Is Still Our Field", "Just Plane Smart", "The Somebody Else Up There Who Loves You", "You're Now Free to Move About the Country", "THE Low Fare Airline", "Grab your bag, It's On!", and "Welcome Aboard". The airline's slogan (as of 2022) is "Low fares. Nothing to hide. That's TransFarency!"<ref>{{Cite news |title=Southwest Airlines zings competitors' fees in new ads |work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2015/10/08/southwest-airlines-zings-competitors-fees-in-new-ads/73613386/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120060631/https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2015/10/08/southwest-airlines-zings-competitors-fees-in-new-ads/73613386/ |archive-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref>

In March 1992, shortly after Southwest started using the "Just Plane Smart" motto, ''Stevens Aviation'', which had been using "Plane Smart" for its motto, advised Southwest that it was infringing on its trademark.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51a5xuxxxZQ Malice in Dallas part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016105037/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51a5xuxxxZQ |date=October 16, 2015}}" "YouTube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 23, 1992 |title=Malice in Dallas &#124; Kevin & Jackie Freiberg |url=http://www.freibergs.com/books/nuts-southwest-airlines-crazy-recipe-for-business-and-personal-success/excerpts/malice-in-dallas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918004029/http://www.freibergs.com/books/nuts-southwest-airlines-crazy-recipe-for-business-and-personal-success/excerpts/malice-in-dallas/ |archive-date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2013 |publisher=Freibergs.com}}</ref>  Instead of a lawsuit, the CEOs for both companies staged an arm-wrestling match. Held at the now-demolished [[Dallas Sportatorium]] and set for two out of three rounds, the loser of each round was to pay $5,000 to the charity of his choice, with the winner gaining the use of the trademarked phrase. A promotional video was created showing the CEOs "training" for the bout (with CEO Herb Kelleher being helped up during a sit-up where a cigarette and glass of [[Wild Turkey (bourbon)|Wild Turkey]] 101 whiskey was waiting) and distributed among the employees and also as a video press release along with the video of the match itself. Herb Kelleher lost the match for Southwest, with Stevens Aviation winning the rights to the phrase. Kurt Herwald, CEO of Stevens Aviation, immediately granted the use of "Just Plane Smart" to Southwest Airlines. The net result was both companies having use of the trademark.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwU9m4oCtRE& Malice in Dallas (Round 3 and results)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012053018/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwU9m4oCtRE& |date=October 12, 2016}}" "YouTube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
<!-- Please read [[WP:AIRCRASH]] before adding additional incidents. -->
Southwest has had 11 accidents, including three aircraft [[hull loss]]es and four deaths: one accidental passenger death in flight, two non-passenger deaths on the ground, and one passenger death from injuries he sustained when subdued by other passengers while attempting to break into the cockpit of an aircraft. The airline is considered among the safest in the world. No passenger has died as a result of a crash.<ref name="In depth: World">{{Cite web |title=In depth: World's Safest Airlines |url=http://www.terminalu.com/travel-features/in-depth-worlds-10-safest-airlines-your-questions-answered/15229/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707052628/http://www.terminalu.com/travel-features/in-depth-worlds-10-safest-airlines-your-questions-answered/15229/ |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |access-date=July 15, 2012}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Southwest Airlines incidents and accidents, by date
|- 
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|Flight
!scope="col"| Date
!scope="col"| Aircraft
!scope="col"| Location
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|Description
!scope="col"| Casualties
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 1455|1455]]
|{{nowrap|March 5, 2000}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]]}} N668SW
|{{nowrap|[[Burbank, California]]}}
|The aircraft [[runway excursion|overran the runway]] upon landing at [[Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport]], injuring 44. The accident resulted in the dismissal of the captain. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
|Two serious injuries, forty-two minor injuries
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 1763|1763]]
|{{nowrap|August 11, 2000}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N798SW
|In flight
|The aircraft was flying from [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], to [[Salt Lake City, Utah]] when 19-year-old Jonathan Burton attempted to storm the cockpit in an apparent case of [[air rage]]. He was restrained by six to eight other passengers. In the scuffle, Burton died of [[asphyxiation]].
|One death, one minor injury
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 1248|1248]]
|{{nowrap|December 8, 2005}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N471WN
|[[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]]
|The aircraft overran the runway during landing at [[Chicago Midway Airport|Chicago Midway International Airport]] in heavy snow and slid into a nearby street, striking several cars and killing a six-year-old boy inside one of them. Injuries to several passengers and other people on the ground.
|One death, nine seriously injured (on ground); three minor injuries (on board)
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 2294|2294]]
|{{nowrap|July 13, 2009}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]]}} N387SW
|In flight
|The flight from [[Nashville International Airport]] to [[Baltimore-Washington International Airport]] was forced to divert to [[Yeager Airport]] in [[Charleston, West Virginia]] after a hole formed on the top of the aircraft's fuselage near the tail, resulting in depressurization of the cabin and deployment of the oxygen masks. The aircraft landed safely and was repaired.
|None
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 812|812]]
|{{nowrap|April 1, 2011}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]]}} N632SW
|In flight 
|The crew of the flight from [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport]] to [[Sacramento International Airport]] diverted to [[Yuma International Airport]] after a hole appeared in the top of the aircraft fuselage. The aircraft landed safely.
|Two minor injuries
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 345|345]]
|{{nowrap|July 22, 2013}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N753SW
|{{nowrap|[[Queens|Queens, New York]]}}
|The flight from [[Nashville International Airport]] was severely damaged in a [[hard landing]] at New York's [[LaGuardia Airport]]. The nose landing gear collapsed with sufficient force to penetrate a nearby electronics bay; the aircraft then slid off the runway. The captain was fired and the aircraft was ultimately scrapped.
|Ten minor injuries
|-
!scope="row"|149
|{{nowrap|August 4, 2016}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]]}} N368SW<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/320035|title=Accident description for N368SW at Aviation Safety Network|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate= August 29, 2024}}</ref>
|{{nowrap|[[Anne Arundel County, Maryland]]}}
|During pushback at [[Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport]], the aircraft suffered a failure of the nose landing gear because of the tug operators speed during pushback. The nose landing gear collapsed in a forward direction, causing severe damage to the gear structure, nose gear wheel and crushing the forward bulkhead. The plane was substantially damaged and written off.
|None
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 3472|3472]]
|{{nowrap|August 27, 2016}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N766SW
|In flight
|The flight from [[Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport]] to [[Orlando International Airport]] suffered an [[uncontained engine failure]], damaging the engine nacelle and causing a gash in the fuselage. The aircraft diverted and landed without further incident at [[Pensacola International Airport]].
|None
|-
!scope="row"| [[Southwest Airlines Flight 1380|1380]]
|{{nowrap|April 17, 2018}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N772SW
|In flight
|The flight from [[LaGuardia Airport|New York-LaGuardia]] to [[Dallas Love Field|Dallas]] made an emergency landing at [[Philadelphia International Airport]] after debris from an uncontained engine failure smashed a passenger window. The resulting depressurization pushed a passenger partially out a window, causing critical injuries that led to her death. The pilot's efforts to land the crippled aircraft were rewarded with numerous awards and accolades.
|One death, eight minor injuries
|-
!728
|December 6, 2018
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N752SW
|{{nowrap|[[Burbank, California]]}}
|The flight from [[Oakland International Airport]] overran the runway upon landing at Burbank, but the aircraft was stopped by an [[engineered materials arrestor system]] (EMAS) that had been implemented as a result of the Flight 1455 accident.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilbertson |first=Dawn |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Southwest plane skids off the runway in rainy weather in California |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/12/06/southwest-airlines-plane-skids-off-runway-burbank-airport-california/2226932002/ |access-date=6 December 2018 |website=USA Today}}</ref>
|None<ref>{{cite news |last=Hradeky |first=Simon |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Incident: Southwest B737 at Burbank on Dec 6th 2018, overran runway on landing |url=http://avherald.com/h?article=4c1378c5 |newspaper=[[The Aviation Herald]]}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 1392
|{{nowrap|May 7, 2020}}
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]]}} N401WN<ref name="wn1392">{{Cite web |title=Flight history for Southwest Airlines flight WN1392 |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/wn1392 |website=flightradar24.com}}</ref>
|[[Austin, Texas]]
|Shortly after landing at [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport]], a pilot reported having seen someone on Runway 17R; subsequent investigation by airport operations found the body of a man on the runway, having seemingly been struck by the aircraft during or shortly after it touched down.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
|One death (on ground)
|-
!307
|August 13, 2023
|[[Boeing 737-700]] N7737E
|[[Houston|Houston, Texas]]
|Shortly after takeoff at [[William P. Hobby Airport]], reports say that the 737-700's right engine was found engulfed in flames because of a mechanical issue. The plane landed back at the airport. <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2023 |title=Southwest B737 at Houston on Aug 15th 2023, engine shut down in flight |url=https://www.aeroinside.com/18469/southwest-b737-at-houston-on-aug-15th-2023-engine-shut-down-in-flight# |website=aeroinside}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sawadah |first=Bhaimiya |last2=Rebecca |first2=Cohen |title=Southwest passenger's video shows plane's engine spitting out flames mid-flight |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/southwest-airlines-flight-engine-flames-video-2023-8 |website=BusinessInsider}}</ref>
|None
|-
! scope="“row”" | 2494
|November 15, 2024
|{{nowrap|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-800]]}}N8744B<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2024 |title=Aviation Safety Network |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/460792 |website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref><!--i'm making this guess based on news outlets.-->
|{{nowrap|[[Dallas, Texas]]}}
|Struck near the cockpit by a bullet while preparing to take off from Love Field. No injuries were reported, the aircraft safely returned to the gate, and the passengers transferred to another aircraft. The incident aircraft was taken out of service. [[Dallas Police Department|Dallas police]], [[Dallas Fire-Rescue Department|Dallas Fire-Rescue]], and the FAA initiated investigations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yoon |first=John |title=Bullet Hits Southwest Plane at Dallas Love Field Airport |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/16/us/dallas-southwest-plane-bullet.html |url-access=limited |work=The New York Times |location=New York City |date=November 16, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kyle |first=Matt |date=November 16, 2024 |title=Southwest plane hit by gunfire at Dallas Love Field, police say |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2024/11/16/southwest-plane-hit-by-gunfire-at-dallas-love-field-police-say/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=November 18, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title=Southwest Airlines plane struck by bullet before departure in Dallas |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/southwest-airlines-plane-struck-by-bullet-before-departure-dallas-2024-11-16/ |date=November 16, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=Reuters |website=reuters.com}}</ref>
|None
|}

==Controversies and passenger incidents==
{{See also|1=Access Now v. Southwest Airlines|l1=Access Now v. Southwest Airlines|2=Flying while Muslim#Southwest Airlines|3=Boeing 737 MAX groundings}}

On June 22, 2011, a March 25 recording was released to the press of an apparently inadvertent in-flight radio transmission of Southwest captain James Taylor conversing with his first officer. The conversation was peppered with obscenities directed at gay, overweight, and older flight attendants. According to Southwest, the pilot was reprimanded and temporarily [[suspended without pay]] and received [[diversity education]] before being reinstated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 23, 2011 |title=Southwest disciplines pilot for rant during flight |work=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/22/airline.pilot.rant/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133514/http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/22/airline.pilot.rant/ |archive-date=November 10, 2012}} CNN Travel – Retrieved June 22, 2011</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Southwest Airlines Pilot's Rant – Transcript, Here's What He Said |url=http://www.sure-start.com/southwest-airlines-pilots-rant-transcript-heres-what-he-said/3675417/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628012804/http://www.sure-start.com/southwest-airlines-pilots-rant-transcript-heres-what-he-said/3675417/ |archive-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Southwest Airlines Pilot Broadcasts Hate For Flight Attendants Over ATC Radio – Raw Audio File |url=http://aviationnewstoday.com/2011/06/22/southwest-airlines-pilot-broadcasts-hate-for-flight-attendants-over-atc-radio-raw-audio-file/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305105522/http://aviationnewstoday.com/2011/06/22/southwest-airlines-pilot-broadcasts-hate-for-flight-attendants-over-atc-radio-raw-audio-file/ |archive-date=March 5, 2013}} Aviation News Today – Retrieved June 22, 2011</ref>

On September 26, 2017, a woman was removed from a Southwest flight after claiming to have a life-threatening allergy to dogs, two of which were present on the aircraft, including a [[service animal]]. Southwest employees requested that she provide documentation of her condition and staff asked her to exit the aircraft multiple times. Police ultimately had to escort her away.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rosenblatt |first=Kalhan |date=September 27, 2017 |title=Southwest Airlines Apologizes After Video Shows Woman Being Dragged off Plane |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/airplane-mode/southwest-airlines-apologizes-after-video-shows-woman-being-dragged-plane-n805111 |url-status=live |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929045433/https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/airplane-mode/southwest-airlines-apologizes-after-video-shows-woman-being-dragged-plane-n805111 |archive-date=September 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gant |first=Michelle |date=September 27, 2017 |title=Southwest Airlines passenger dragged off plane after claiming to have life-threatening pet allergy |work=[[Fox News]] |url=https://www.foxnews.com/travel/southwest-airlines-passenger-dragged-off-plane-after-claiming-to-have-life-threatening-pet-allergy |url-status=live |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929091141/http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/09/27/southwest-airlines-passenger-dragged-off-plane-after-claiming-to-have-life-threatening-pet-allergy.html |archive-date=September 29, 2017}}</ref>

On December 29, 2017, a family was removed from a flight from [[Chicago Midway Airport]] because of an unconfirmed [[head lice]] accusation. The family did not have lice and was re-accommodated on a flight two days later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Darby |first=Adam |date=January 1, 2018 |title=Disneyland-bound family kicked off Southwest flight after unconfirmed lice accusation |work=[[The Kansas City Star]] |publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]] |url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article192437134.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222050309/http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article192437134.html |archive-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref>

In October 2019, a Southwest flight attendant filed a lawsuit against the airline, claiming that two pilots had livestreamed footage from a camera hidden in the plane's toilet to an [[iPad]], and that one of the pilots said that such cameras were a "top-secret security measure" installed in all of the airline's [[Boeing 737 Next Generation#737-800|737-800]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Southwest Airlines pilots 'livestreamed plane toilet on hidden camera' |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50195763 |url-status=live |access-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028015310/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50195763 |archive-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> Southwest and the pilot union stated that the film was a hoax and a "poor attempt at humor" by one of the pilots, who had previously recorded himself on a different aircraft, fully clothed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2019 |title=Press Release - Southwest Airlines Pilots Association Denies Media Reports Regarding Pilots' Alleged Use of Cameras to Conduct Video Surveillance in Lavatories |url=https://swaparesources.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/articles/2019/191029_PressRelease_LAV.pdf |access-date=November 20, 2019 |website=Southwest Airlines Pilots Association}}</ref>

In February 2020, a report conducted by the DOT inspector general found that Southwest was flying airplanes with safety concerns and that the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] was failing to properly oversee the airline.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Koenig |first=David |date=February 12, 2020 |title=Federal report faults Southwest Airlines and FAA on safety |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/d9461062f43a622a942b77800053b54d |access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>

In 2020, a captain of a Southwest flight watched pornography on a laptop computer with his clothes removed while his female first officer continued her duties. The captain retired before the incident was reported, but he was subsequently prosecuted for intentionally committing a lewd, indecent or obscene act in a public place, and the airline terminated his retirement benefits.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!---staff writers, no by-line.---> |date=April 5, 2021 |title=Southwest pilot is accused of indecent exposure during flight |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2021/04/05/southwest-pilot-is-accused-of-indecent-exposure-during-flight/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |agency=Associated Press |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=May 29, 2021 |title=Ex-US airline pilot admits lewd act in cockpit mid-flight |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57294412 |work=BBC |location= |access-date=May 31, 2021 |quote="[The pilot] further engaged in inappropriate conduct in the cockpit, as the first officer continued to perform her duties," federal prosecutors said in a statement... [He] was charged in Maryland because it was the state that the plane was flying over at the time. He pleaded guilty to intentionally committing a lewd, indecent or obscene act in a public place.}}</ref>

On May 23, 2021, a female passenger aboard a Southwest flight repeatedly punched a female flight attendant in the face after landing at [[San Diego International Airport]], causing the attendant to lose two teeth. The passenger was subsequently charged with causing serious bodily injury.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lieberman |first=Grace |date=May 27, 2021 |title=This video captures the punches that knocked out a Southwest Airlines flight attendant's teeth |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2021/05/27/this-video-captures-the-punches-that-knocked-out-a-southwest-airlines-flight-attendants-teeth/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=May 31, 2021}}</ref>

Citing four [[whistleblower]]s, federal investigators with the [[US Office of Special Counsel]] released a report on July 27, 2022, that follows up on the 2020 DOT inspector general's report. The 2022 report claims that Southwest stonewalled [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) investigations into maintenance and piloting safety lapses, and criticized the FAA for failing to adequately oversee the airline, stating that senior FAA staff "mismanaged and interfered" with investigations "in the face of SWA's intimidation tactics". The report accuses Southwest of misusing the FAA's [[Aviation Safety Action Program]] (ASAP) to hide pilot errors, while accusing the FAA of failing to adequately oversee Southwest's mechanics, and of failing to adequately vet maintenance records provided by the airline for forty-nine [[Boeing 737|737 aircraft]] purchased from foreign carriers whose documentation practices did not meet FAA standards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=July 27, 2022 |title=Southwest Airlines stonewalled FAA safety investigations, whistleblowers say |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2022/07/27/southwest-airlines-stymied-faa-investigations-federal-watchdog-report-says/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=July 28, 2022 |quote=The investigation confirmed that senior leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration “mismanaged and interfered” with the arm overseeing Southwest Airlines between 2018 and 2020 “in the face of SWA’s intimidation tactics.”}}</ref>

===December 2022 holiday meltdown===
{{Main|2022 Southwest Airlines scheduling crisis}}

The airline experienced severe delays and thousands of flight cancellations starting on December 21, 2022, and continuing through the Christmas holiday.<ref name=Reuters-fine>{{cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Southwest Airlines agrees to $140 million penalty over 2022 holiday meltdown |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/southwest-airlines-agrees-140-million-penalty-over-2022-holiday-meltdown-2023-12-18/ |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref><ref name=NYT-fine>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Mark |last2=Chokshi |first2=Niraj |date=December 18, 2023 |title=U.S. Fines Southwest Airlines $140 Million for Holiday Meltdown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/business/southwest-airlines-fine.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |location=New York City |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref><ref name=BBC-fine>{{cite news |last=Yousif |first=Nadine |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Southwest Airlines fined $140m for holiday meltdown |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67751069 |work=[[BBC]] |access-date=January 5, 2024}}</ref> While many cancellations were due to bad weather from the severe [[late December 2022 North American winter storm|late December winter storm]] across much of the United States, industry experts and SWAPA also blamed inadequate staffing and the airline's "outdated" employee scheduling system, citing reports of pilots waiting on hold on the telephone for up to eight hours awaiting work assignments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/27/1145616523/southwest-airlines-flight-cancellations-2022 |title=The blizzard is just one reason behind the operational meltdown at Southwest Airlines |last1=Neuman |first1=Scott |last2=Ludden |first2=Jennifer |date=December 27, 2022 |work=[[NPR]] |access-date=December 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name=reset/> On December 26, the airline initiated a massive system "reset", preemptively canceling thousands of flights and halting ticket sales over concerns that travelers might buy tickets for flights that were subsequently canceled.<ref name=reset>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Southwest Airlines slashes thousands of flights in days ahead to 'reset' after meltdown |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2022/12/27/southwest-airlines-slashes-thousands-of-flights-in-days-ahead-to-reset-after-meltdown/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=December 28, 2022}}</ref> Federal officials criticized the airline and [[US Department of Transportation]] (USDOT) Secretary [[Pete Buttigieg]] announced a formal investigation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Arnold |first=Kyle |date=December 27, 2022 |title=DOT 'ready to take action to hold Southwest accountable' over thousands of cancellations |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2022/12/27/dot-ready-to-take-action-to-hold-southwest-accountable-over-thousands-of-cancellations/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=December 28, 2022}}</ref> Some experts attributed the crisis to the lack of scheduling flexibility inherent in the airline's point-to-point operations model.<ref>{{cite news |last=Skores |first=Alexandra |date=December 28, 2022 |title=Should Southwest Airlines reconsider its point-to-point route system? |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2022/12/28/should-southwest-airlines-reconsider-its-point-to-point-route-system/ |url-access=limited |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |location=Dallas, Texas |access-date=December 28, 2022}}</ref> [[Paul Krugman]] in ''[[The New York Times]]'' suggested the turmoil was not as much about corporate greed as some might expect and noted that despite an increasingly digitalized world, "there's a lot of physical action, and real-world labor, going on behind the scenes."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krugman |first=Paul |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Learning From the Southwest Airlines Fiasco |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/29/opinion/southwest-airlines.html |access-date=December 30, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Another writer on the paper's opinion pages, [[Elizabeth Spiers]], said this was an example of the airlines knowing they are offering passengers a poor deal but that many people have little choice given the alternatives.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Spiers |first=Elizabeth |date=December 30, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} The Airlines Know They Are Scamming Us |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/30/opinion/southwest-holiday-travel.html |access-date=December 30, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In December 2023, the airline reached a settlement and received a record-setting $140 million fine from the USDOT, the largest fine ever imposed by the agency by a factor of roughly 30, and has reported losses exceeding $1.1 billion stemming from the crisis.<ref name=Reuters-fine/><ref name=NYT-fine/><ref name=BBC-fine/><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Southwest Airlines reaches $140 million settlement for December 2022 flight-canceling meltdown |url=https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-settlement-canceled-flights-4c2a6bc25b52019a5966f6d5ef702fc6 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Southwest fined $140 million over 2022 holiday flight disruptions |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/southwest-fined-140-million-2022-holiday-flight-disruptions-rcna130179 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Air transportation in the United States]]
* [[State Fair Classic]], which Southwest Airlines formerly sponsored
* [[Effect of low-cost airlines on communities]]
* [[Transportation in the United States]]
* ''[[Nuts! (book)|Nuts!]]''

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.southwest.com/}}
** {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/*/http://iflyswa.com/|title=Southwest Airlines (iflyswa.com)}}<!--This is so people can find the earliest copies of the websites-->
* {{Official website|https://www.swamedia.com|Corporate media site}}
* [https://www.swapa.org/ Southwest Airline Pilots' Association] 
* [https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Southwest_Airlines/information.php Southwest Airlines Seating Charts] on SeatGuru.com
{{Finance links
| name = Southwest Airlines
| symbol = LUV
| sec_cik = 92380
| yahoo = LUV
| google = LUV
}}
* [https://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=LUV&d=t Southwest Airlines' Yahoo! Finance profile]
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