A Southwest Airlines flight descended to a dangerously low altitude over a residential area in Oklahoma City, triggering alarms and causing fear among residents. The incident, involving Flight 4069, occurred on June 19 and followed another concerning incident involving a Southwest plane dropping to just 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean in April. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating both incidents.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 experienced a sudden, sharp descent while approaching Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City, passing only 500 feet over buildings before regaining altitude and landing safely. The incident sparked concern among local residents and prompted an investigation by Southwest Airlines and the FAA.
Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 carrying 143 passengers and crew members narrowly avoided a catastrophic crash into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida on Saturday, June 15, 2024, after experiencing a critical mechanical failure. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft encountered severe turbulence and engine failure shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Captain Emma Thompson’s quick thinking and decisive actions averted a disaster, while the incident reignited discussions about aviation safety and emergency procedures.
Southwest Airlines has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, securing top accolades and the leading Economy Class Customer Satisfaction award in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study for the third straight year. The study gauges passenger satisfaction among North American carriers based on seven key dimensions of the customer experience, including Day of Travel Pre/Post-Flight Experience, On-Board Experience, Ease of Travel with Airline, Digital Tools, Value for Price Paid, Level of Trust with Airline, and Airline Staff.
Southwest Airlines has announced plans to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation for authorization to begin daily nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. This request is in pursuit of one of five new round-trip slots available at DCA under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Southwest also intends to propose a one-stop, same-plane/no-change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS.
Starting October 6, 2024, Southwest Airlines will introduce nonstop flights connecting Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The flights will operate four times a week, providing a convenient and direct link between the two cities. This is the latest addition to Sacramento Airport’s expanding flight services, which have included new nonstop routes to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Ontario International Airport.
A woman’s unusual sleeping arrangement on a Southwest Airlines flight has gone viral. The woman was captured on video stretching her feet into the overhead luggage compartment and sleeping peacefully. The video has sparked amusement and curiosity, but it’s unclear how she managed to access the storage space.
Colleen Barrett, the President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines, passed away at the age of 79, surrounded by her loved ones. Barrett was an advocate for doing the right thing and lived by The Golden Rule, treating others as she wished to be treated. She instilled in Southwest Airlines the importance of love and respect among employees and toward customers, which became a cornerstone of the Southwest culture. Barrett played a pivotal role in shaping the airline’s Employee Culture and unwavering Customer Service focus and held various leadership positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer. Southwest Airlines President and CEO Bob Jordan said, ‘Colleen’s legacy is the Heart of Southwest Airlines and everything that it stands for—the Golden Rule; Hospitality; Serving others; and most of all, LUV!’
Southwest Airlines announced its decision to discontinue operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, effective August 4, 2024. The move is part of the airline’s network optimization efforts to address underperforming markets. Houston Airports is now in discussions with other domestic air carriers to expand service at IAH, which saw record passenger travel in 2023.
Southwest Airlines offers various boarding options to cater to the needs of different passengers. Upon checking in, passengers are assigned a boarding position within one of three groups (A, B, or C), with each group having 60 positions. Preboarding and family/military/extra boarding groups are also available. To improve boarding position, passengers can purchase Upgraded Boarding, which guarantees an A1 to A15 position. EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks in passengers before the 24-hour mark, can also enhance boarding position. Southwest Rapid Rewards elite members and co-branded credit cardholders may also receive preferential boarding. For those looking to secure their seat preference without additional cost, setting an alarm for exactly 24 hours and 1 minute before the flight and promptly checking in can often result in a Group B boarding position.
