Updated: 10/04/2025 05:28:55
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a major U.S. low‑cost carrier headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Known for a point‑to‑point network, a Boeing 737‑only fleet, customer‑friendly policies (open seating and two free checked bags), and a culture centered on low fares and employee engagement, Southwest operates extensive domestic and select international services and runs the Rapid Rewards loyalty program.
Baggage policy
Southwest’s notable baggage policy allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer within size and weight limits, with fees applied for overweight or oversized items per published rules. [1]
Company overview and business model
Southwest operates as a low‑cost carrier with a point‑to‑point route structure, emphasis on low fares, high aircraft utilization, and a culture that prioritizes friendly service and operational efficiency. [2]
Corporate citizenship and ESG reporting
Southwest frames corporate responsibility around People, Performance, and Planet, publishing an annual corporate responsibility ‘One Report’ and other ESG materials that describe community, environmental, and governance efforts. [3]
Customer commitments and contract of carriage
Southwest publishes formal customer commitments (including safety, tarmac delay, and contract of carriage documents) that define passengers’ rights and the airline’s operational obligations. [4]
Customer service, changes, and refunds
Southwest emphasizes customer‑friendly policies including flexible change and cancellation rules relative to typical industry practice and publishes guidance and help resources for travelers online. [5]
Fare products and boarding
Fare types include Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select; Southwest uses open seating with A/B/C boarding groups and offers Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check‑In options rather than assigned seats. [6]
Fleet and sustainability
The carrier operates an all‑Boeing 737 fleet (including MAX variants), a strategy that simplifies operations and maintenance; Southwest also reports initiatives to improve fuel efficiency and address environmental goals. [7]
History and growth
Founded in 1971 at Love Field (Dallas), Southwest grew through a low‑fare, high‑frequency model, adopting the stock ticker LUV and expanding coast‑to‑coast over decades while maintaining a distinct corporate culture. [8]
Leadership, governance and Code of Conduct
Southwest highlights its leadership team, governance resources, and a Code of Conduct that sets expectations for safety, integrity, and employee behavior aligned with the company’s values. [9]
Network and destinations
The airline serves an extensive domestic U.S. network plus select international destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, focusing on short‑ and medium‑haul flights from multiple focus cities. [10]
Purpose, values and corporate culture
Southwest’s stated purpose is connecting people affordably with a service model framed by Company and Employee Promises and values emphasizing a ‘Warrior Spirit,’ a ‘Servant’s Heart,’ and a ‘Fun‑LUVing Attitude.’ [11]
Rapid Rewards loyalty program
Rapid Rewards is Southwest’s loyalty program for earning and redeeming points on flights and partner purchases, with benefits tied to points accumulation and select boarding or service perks available through purchase options. [12]
Safety, operational performance, and notable events
Historically noted for a strong safety record, Southwest has experienced high‑profile operational disruptions that prompted reviews of processes and technology and attracted regulatory scrutiny and media attention. [13]
References:
Additional Sources:
14. About Southwest Airlines (company overview) [https://www.southwest.com/about-southwest]
15. Code of Conduct (PDF) [https://www.southwest.com/swa-resources/pdfs/about-southwest/230919_Code_of_Conduct_fv_2.pdf]
16. Corporate citizenship and ESG [https://www.southwest.com/citizenship/]
17. Corporate commitments — Contract of Carriage (PDF) [https://www.southwest.com/swa-resources/pdfs/corporate-commitments/contract-of-carriage.pdf?clk=7396032]
18. Fleet information (third‑party summary) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Airlines#Fleet]
19. Rapid Rewards loyalty program [https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/]
20. Southwest Airlines (homepage) [https://www.southwest.com]
21. Southwest baggage information [https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/index.html]
22. Southwest media center [https://www.southwest.com/media-center/]
23. Southwest route map [https://www.southwest.com/air/route-map/]