Fact 1: The Unprecedented Three-Click Booking System
One of the facts that make Southwest Airlines stand out is its customer-friendly website. They were one of the first airlines to introduce a three-click booking system. The simplified web layout enables customers to book tickets in just three clicks, making the ticket booking process hassle-free and quick.
Fact 2: The Only Airline with "LUV"
Southwest Airlines was initially supposed to be named Air Southwest. However, after a court struggle with other Texas-based airlines over the name, it was rechristened Southwest Airlines. The acronym LUV, used for its stock exchange listing, as well as its headquarters at Love Field in Dallas, has endeared it to its customers who associate the brand with love and happiness.
Fact 3: The First Airline to Offer a Profit-Sharing Plan
Southwest Airlines believes in sharing its success with its employees. It became the first in the airline industry to establish a profit-sharing plan. Started in 1973, this plan has provided employees with an additional 15% of their annual income.
Fact 4: A Pioneer in the Frequent Flyer Program
Southwest Airlines originated the concept of a frequent flyer program. In 1987, it launched "The Company Club," which is essentially the prototype of all frequent flyer programs existing today. The idea was brilliant and helped boost customer loyalty significantly.
Fact 5: Record for the Longest Consecutive Profitability Streak
Southwest Airlines holds the record for the longest continuous profitability streak in the aviation industry. The airline has been profitable for 47 consecutive years, a feat unheard of in an industry characterized by sharp cyclical fluctuations.
Fact 6: The 'Ten-Minute Turn'
In its initial years, Southwest Airlines streamlined its operations to achieve a turnaround time of just ten minutes. Known as the 'Ten-Minute Turn', this strategy was critical in keeping costs low and improving aircraft utilization.
Fact 7: The Witty Airline with a Sense of Humor
Southwest Airlines is known for its unusual sense of humor. It was the first airline brand to incorporate humor and fun into its flight announcements and safety briefings, making the journey more enjoyable for travelers.
Fact 8: There is More than Just Peanuts
Known for being the 'peanuts airline', Southwest used to serve peanuts on all its flights as a symbol of its low fares. However, in 2018, it stopped serving peanuts on board due to allergy concerns. The tradition was replaced by pretzels instead.
Fact 9: The Only Airline with Open Seating
Southwest remains one of the few airlines that continue to uphold the open seating concept. It means there are no assigned seats; you can sit anywhere you like. This policy reinforces Southwest's aim to keep things simple and customer-oriented.
Fact 10: The Boeing 737 Specialist
Southwest Airlines operates only Boeing 737 aircraft. This narrow-body aircraft fleet strategy allows them to simplify training for crew, streamline operations, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure passenger safety.
Fact 11: The Heart Emblem
In 2014, Southwest introduced a new logo: a heart. This emblem is more than just a design. It depicts the airline's commitment to customer service and its love for people.
Fact 12: The Most Domestic Passengers
Southwest carries the most domestic passengers of any US airline. In 2019, it transported more than 162 million passengers, retaining its leading position.
Fact 13: The Largest Operator of Boeing 737 Worldwide
Southwest Airlines is not just a Boeing 737 specialist, but also the world's largest operator of the jet. The airline operates over 700 aircraft, all of which are Boeing 737 models.
Fact 14: Leader in Carbon Offsetting
Southwest Airlines became the first major airline to introduce a carbon offsetting program in 2009. The airline gives passengers the option to invest in sustainable fuel and carbon offset options to counterbalance their flight's carbon emissions.
Fact 15: Innovator of Ticketless Travel
Southwest is the pioneer of ticketless travel. They innovated the E-ticket system in the 1990s, revolutionizing the way we fly and making travel more convenient.
Fact 16: The Bottled Water Memo
In 1993, Southwest issued a humorous internal memo informing staff that cost-cutting measures would include removing bottled water from flights. This ploy, intended to highlight the focus on cost efficiency, ended up increasing the brand's stock by $180m.
Fact 17: The Airline with Most Named Planes
Southwest Airlines holds the record for having the most named planes. Every Southwest airplane has a unique name, usually based on the company's corporate culture or individual state flags.
Fact 18: The Leader in On-Time Performance
Southwest Airlines consistently outperforms its industry peers in on-time performance. Its achievements have resulted in fewer customer complaints and higher customer satisfaction levels.
Fact 19: The Rapid Rewards Program
Southwest Airlines has a successful and appealing loyalty program, "Rapid Rewards". These points never expire and there are no blackout dates, which makes it a customer favorite.
Fact 20: Largest Donator of Free Flights
Southwest's corporate social responsibility shines as it donates more free flights than any other airline to those who need to travel for medical treatments. The "Medical Transportation Grant Program" has donated more than $29.6 million in free transportation since its inception in 2007.