Southwest Airlines flight attendants
Southwest Airlines flight attendants in an undated historic picture.Southwest Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines experienced problems this holiday season.

  • Southwest celebrates its customer and employee focused mission despite its troubles.

  • The airline used unconventional marketing strategies such as arm wrestling and go-go boots to find success.

Southwest Airlines serves over 100 destinations in the US. The carrier has been in existence for 51 years.

Southwest Airlines Palm Springs
Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest has a lot of systems that help it run efficiently and on time. Even the best carrier can be affected by winter storms.

Southwest Airlines.
Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock

Southwest was affected by more than just the weather in the holiday season.

Canceled flight travelers line for booking in front of a Southwest Airlines sign at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado
Canceled flight travelers line up in front of Southwest Airlines sign at Denver International Airport.Hyoung Chang/Getty Images

According to Captain Mike Santoro, vice president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, the storm was the catalyst of the meltdown.

Southwest Airlines cabin.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Southwest's flight problems were caused by outdated scheduling software according to a frustrated pilot.

Southwest's systems were unable to handle the magnitude of disruptions that took place from Christmas to December 28.

Travelers wait at a Southwest Airlines baggage counter to retrieve their bags after canceled flights at Los Angeles International Airport on December 26, 2022.Eugene Garcia/AP Photo

FlightAware is the source of this story.

We are focused on making investments in technology upgrades to work towards that solution after acknowledging that our software needs an update.

Passengers line up at the Southwest ticket desk at San Francisco International Airport on December 26, amid widespread delays and cancellations for the airline.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Southwest is focused on being a customer- and employee-focused airline, bringing "LUV" to its operation, and keeping safety, hospitality, and customer service at the forefront of its mission. The stock symbol of the company is Luv.

Southwest has one of the highest rated employee 401(k) plans. According to J.D. Power, Southwest has the best economy product in North America.

The grieving owner is planning to sue the airline.MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

The results of J.D. Power's annual customer satisfaction survey are shown.

The founder of Girls LOVE Travel, a Facebook group with over one million members, told Insider that when her flight was canceled, she encountered the most professional and upbeat Southwest employees.

She said that she will look past this and onward for future adventures because of the kindness of the customer.

Passengers wait in line to check in for their flights at Southwest Airlines service desk at LaGuardia Airport, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in New York.Yuki Iwamura/AP

Southwest is likely to bounce back after losing some customers. You can see how the airline has grown over time.

Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

The airline is Southwest Airlines.

Southwest started as a small carrier based in Texas and only operated within the state. Rollin King andHerb Kelleher came up with the idea for the airline on a cocktail napkin.

Herb Kelleher (left) and Rollin King (right)Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

King made a triangle between the three cities. The company would be exempt from the board's regulations if it were to operate solely in Texas.

Rollin King's "Texas Triangle"Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Major carriers like United and Pan Am were regulated by the federal government to make sure they were profitable. Business travelers and deep-pocketed leisure customers were the only ones who could afford the high fares. Planes were half-empty a lot of the time.

Convair 880 club cabinBettmann/Getty Images

The National Air and Space Museum is located in Washington, DC.

Air Southwest did not have to follow federal rules because it was certified by the Texas Aeronautics Commission.

Rollin KingSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Air Southwest was able to fly freely in Texas because of the loophole that allowed it. Legacy airlines were threatened by the business model.

Herb Kelleher with model of Southwest aircraftSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

In 1967, three airlines took legal action against Air Southwest because it did not have the right to fly in Texas.

Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, steps off Braniff Airways jetHarvey Georges/Associated Press

The history of companies.

In 1970, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Air Southwest could operate in the state. The case was not reviewed by the US Supreme Court.

Herb Kelleher (left) Lamar Muse (second from left) and Rollin King (center)Southwest Airlines

The history of companies.

The right to fly in Texas was finalized in 1970. Southwest Airlines began operations on June 18 of 1971 after changing its name.

Southwest flight attendant points to scheduleSouthwest Airlines

The history of companies.

There are two routes from Dallas Love Field to Houston and San Antonio. The flights between Houston and San Antonio began in 1971

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-2T4 at Los Angeles International Airport in 1991.Torsten Maiwald/Airliners.net

Southwest's success was due to its focus on unconventional marketing.

Herb Kelleher on Southwest tailSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The hostesses were called "long legs and short nights" by Pacific Southwest Airways, in keeping with the theme of hiring attractive women to work Southwest flights.

Southwest Airlines flight attendants
Southwest Airlines flight attendants in an undated historic picture.Southwest Airlines

The history of companies.

The hostess on Hugh Hefner's Playboy jet was picked by the same person who picked the airline's first flight attendants.

Southwest Airlines first flight attendant uniformsSouthwest Airlines

The history of companies.

The flight attendants wore bright orange top, orange pants, white belt, and white boots. He wanted a laid back, casual inflight experience and only hired female hostesses who were fun and had a sense of humor.

First Southwest Airlines hostess classSouthwest Airlines

The source is Texas Monthly.

The winter version of the uniform was orange and white striped hot pants, a blazer, white top, and an ascot.

Southwest winter version of hot pants uniformSouthwest Airlines

The source is Texas Monthly.

Kelleher created a love culture at Southwest. Automatic ticket dispensers were "love machines", inflight snacks were "love bites," and drinks were "love Potions."

Southwest "love" adSouthwest Airlines

The source is Texas Monthly.

Free inflight cocktails were created by the airline. The Kentucky Matchmaker, the Pucker Potion, and the Lucky Lindsay were some of the names given to them.

Southwest Airlines flight attendant preparing beverage orders in the galleySouthwest Airlines

The source is Texas Monthly.

He created ads that focused on humor and attractive women. Female flight attendants were often used to gain customers in the 1970s.

A 1968 photo of three flight attendants for Southwest AirlinesAlan Band/Keystone/Getty Images

The source is Texas Monthly.

Southwest made a revolutionary marketing move in 1972. The two-tier fare system was created to cater to different types of travelers.

A Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent checks in a Customer at the gateDavid Woo/Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The Executive Class Service was $26 one-way and thePleasure Class was $13 one-way. The "Pleasure Class" fares were available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Southwest airlines customer service agents with customers at the ticket counterSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest increased its average passenger load from 17 to 75 after the two tier structure was put in place.

Southwest pilotsSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The company launched a "half-fare" sale in 1973. Braniff offered $13 fares between Dallas and Houston. This was the beginning of the war.

Southwest’s ad declaring war against Braniff’s fare cutSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

King came up with a marketing campaign that would put Southwest at the top of the market. "Southwest won't be shot out of the sky for a lousy $13," read the ad.

Southwest ad against Braniff's $13 fare warSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest matched Braniff's fare between Dallas and Houston which was well received by customers. The airline gave away a fifth of the alcohol for passengers who paid the full price.

Ticket agent poses with a bottle of Chivas Regal in front of adSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Three-fourths of Southwest's customers chose to pay full price and take advantage of the free booze promotion, which was a huge hit with business travelers. Braniff was angry that the airline became a fan favorite.

Southwest customer holding advertisement and receiving free liquorSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest made its first profit at the end of 1973, and continued to make profits for 47 years until the coronaviruses ended the streak. Braniff ceased operations in 1982.

Braniff Airways aircraft in PeruCarl & Ann Purcell/Getty Images

Southwest and Braniff International Airways Boutique are related.

Southwest's challenges went beyond Braniff. The board wanted the city of Dallas to build an airport to serve the entire area. When DFW opened in 1974, every air carrier operating out of Love Field moved to it.

British Airways Concord at DFW in 1973 after the airport was finished-/AFP via Getty Images

The source is Encyclopedia.com.

When the new airport opens, Southwest will not be moving from Love Field because it was not part of the agreement. There was no written agreement between the company and the airline to end commercial traffic at Love Field, according to the airline.

Concord and Boeing 747 at DFW after the airport's completion in 1973-/AFP via Getty Images

The source is Encyclopedia.com.

Southwest was sued by the city and the airport board because the CAB rule applied to the airline even before it was founded. Southwest did not have to leave Love Field because it did not fall under the jurisdiction of the CAB.

Opening day of new Love Field terminal in 2013Southwest Airlines

The source is Encyclopedia.com.

Southwest was allowed to operate out of the airport as long as it was still open. Southwest was the last airline to leave Love Field.

Southwest aircraft takes off from Love Fieldstock_photo_world/Shutterstock

The source is Encyclopedia.com.

Southwest carried its five millionth customer by the end of 1977.

Southwest's 3 millionth passenger Bob Pianta in 1976 (middle)Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Government regulation was not necessary for Southwest Airlines to be successful. The Civil Aeronautics Board was abolished by the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978.

President Carter signs the airline deregulation bill at the White HouseBettmann/Getty Images

The National Review is the source of this story.

Southwest Airlines was able to operate interstate flights after all. Eastern Airlines, Trans World Airlines, and Pan Am spread themselves too thin as they attempted to expand.

Southwest Boeing 737-300Southwest Airlines

The UScentennial of flight commission.

Southwest had a simple strategy for success after deregulation, like only operating one aircraft type, cleaning the aircraft before landing, and focusing on humor.

Southwest flight attendant cleans the aircraftSouthwest Airlines

USA Today is the source of this story.

Its plan worked. Southwest was doing well while other airlines were collapsing. The company's plans were disrupted soon after the Wright Amendment was enacted.

Colleen Barrett with Wright is Wrong petitionsSouthwest Airlines

Southwest wanted to start flights from Love Field to New Orleans in 1979 but officials at the DFW airport were worried that increased traffic would hurt their finances. Jim Wright drafted and sponsored a bill to restrict passenger traffic at Love Field.

Wright is Wrong signSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The international air transportation act of 1979 was amended by the Wright amendment. It wasn't possible to fly out of Love Field to cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Southwest was supposed to not be allowed to expand out of Dallas.

Wright Amendment protestersSouthwest Airlines

The Dallas Morning News is the source of this story.

Southwest was the only carrier that applied it. The airline had to use short-haul flights in the five state area.

Southwest employees protest the Wright AmendmentSouthwest Airlines

The Dallas Morning News is the source of this story.

The states were added to the list in 1997. The state of Missouri was added in 2005.

Southwest employees celebrate end of Wright AmendmentSouthwest Airlines

The Dallas Morning News is the source of this story.

Gary Kelly used the slogans "Set Love Free" and "Wright is Wrong" in an effort to repeal the Wright Amendment.

Herb Kelleher with "Wright is Wrong" sloganSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The law was phased out by Southwest, American Airlines, Dallas, and Forth Worth. In eight years, the amendment will be gone, but until then, carriers can fly to any US destination out of Love Field as long as at least one stop was made in any of the nine states.

Passengers sit in new Love Field terminalSouthwest Airlines

The Dallas Morning News is the source of this story.

The clock at Southwest's headquarters in Dallas hit zero at 12:01 a.m. on October 13th, ending the Wright Amendment. The first scheduled flight out of the nine Wright states took off from Love Field.

Wright Amendment endsSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The number of gates at Love Field was capped at 20 and the airport only has 20 today.

Southwest aircraft at gate 2 at Love Fieldstock_photo_world/Shutterstock

The Dallas Morning News is the source of this story.

Southwest was able to expand out of other Texas cities in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s despite the Wright Amendment.

Customer service employee at Houston HobbySouthwest Airlines

In the 1980's, the airline expanded into cities like Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, as well as to Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and California. The airline moved to the east in the late 80's with flights to Nashville and the Midwest.

Southwest flight takes off from VegasSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

In the 1980's, the airline updated its livery. Southwest wanted to stand out in the sky and make it easy for people to identify it, so it wrapped its fuselage in warm colors. In 1984 it received its first jet.

Herb Kelleher with Spirit of Kitty Hawk aircraftSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest's uniforms were updated in the 80s. The airline allowed employees to wear skirts and pants instead of hot pants.

Southwest Airlines 90s flight attendant uniformsSouthwest Airlines

There is a source that says "racked."

Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, Fort Lauderdale, Providence, Islip, and Raleigh-Durham were added to the network in the 1990s. Morris Air was acquired by the airline in 1994.

Southwest aircraft dedicated to Rollin KingSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The Friends Fly Free campaign was launched to fight the recession. Anyone over the age of 18 could bring a friend with them on their flight. Southwest decided to offer the promotion for the next five years.

Southwest's Friend Fly Free adSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest's most famous marketing stunt took place in 1992 betweenHerb Kelleher and Kurt Herwald.

Kelleher and Herwald at the Malice in DallasSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Stevens Aviation objected to Southwest's use of the slogan "Just Plane Smart" in its ads.

Kelleher wearing "Just Plane Smart" sloganSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Steven Aviation suggested an arm-wrestling competition between Herwald and Kelleher instead of going to court. The winner would have the right to use the slogan.

Herb and Herwald arm wrestle at the Malice in DallasSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

TheMalice in Dallas received worldwide press coverage. There was a full show at the arena which earned a note from President George Bush.

Malice in Dallas artwork in Southwest HQSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest's livery was revealed at the turn of the century. The canyon blue color scheme was introduced in 2001.

Debut of Southwest's Canyon Blue livery in 2001Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest refused to charge for things like checked bags and flight changes. Customers can get two complimentary checked bags with the "bags fly free" campaign. Southwest didn't go back on the offer today.

Southwest ramp crew promotes free bagsSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest focused on humor in its marketing. The ads promoted one-way fares.

Southwest Boeing 737-800Steven M. Keller

The source is Southwest.

Southwest added "transfarency" to its brand. The airline wouldn't have any hidden fees and would focus on customer service. The tri-color heart was added to its airplanes.

Heart OneSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest gained access to more network opportunities in Mexico and the Caribbean as a result of the acquisition of AirTran Airways. By the year 2014, the two were integrated.

Southwest acquires AirTranSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

A harder focus on the heart, a new logo, and a sleek new color scheme were some of the changes made to the company's livery in 2004.

Southwest Airlines' updated 2014 liverySouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The airline became international with its first flight. Southwest began service to Nassau in the same month.

First international Southwest flight lands in Montego Bay, JamaicaStephen M. Keller

The source is Southwest.

It was the first time in 20 years that the airline changed the look of its flight attendant uniforms. One of the dresses was black with blue and red stripes and the other was gray with red and black stripes. The men wore a black blazer, a gray shirt and pants.

2017 Southwest flight attendant uniformsSouthwest Airlines

Travel and leisure are related.

Southwest became the launch customer for the Boeing MAX 8 jet in October of last year. The MAX was grounded due to fatal accidents. The plane wasn't flown again until March 2021.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest launched flights from Oakland to Honolulu in the year 2019.

Passenger boards first Southwest flight to HawaiiSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Southwest's profit streak ended when the coronaviruses hit. The health and safety of its customers and employees has always been a priority for the airline.

Southwest flight attendant greets passengers during the pandemicStephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

CNN is the source of this story.

The Pandemic was a blow to Southwest's operation, but the carrier has continued to grow.

Passengers board Southwest flight during covid-19Stephen M. Keller/Southwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

Thanks to newly-appointed CEO Bob Jordan, it is expanding with new routes and destinations.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan.Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has a new leader. The experts have a plan for 100 days.

Southwest has become profitable again and other airlines are trying to keep up with the increase in air travel.

Southwest Heart OneSouthwest Airlines

The source is Southwest.

The carrier has vowed to get its operation back on track, compensate passengers for their time and added expenses, and continue to bring low fares to customers despite its operations collapsing over the holiday of 2022, despite the carrier's vow to get its operation back on track.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 at a gate in Austin, TexasGeorge Rose/Getty Images

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