Top 5 Holiday Travel “Don’t Forgets”

By: Adrienne Yurdyga - Assistant Manager Proactive Customer Service Communication

1. Allow extra time to get to the airport.

Just like your favorite shopping center, the airport is “the place to be” during the holidays, especially on peak travel days. Though our Employees and airport personnel will be working diligently to ensure a pleasant airport experience, we recommend that you allow yourself a bit more time than usual, as many folks will be traveling during holiday time. Be sure to review the Suggested Airport Arrival Times at the Southwest Cities included in your holiday travel plans prior to your trip.

2. Bring proper ID for all travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration requires that all ticketed and traveling Customers carry a government-issued photo ID and will be asked to show identification at the security checkpoint. In addition to your photo ID, all Customers will be required to present a Security Document or Boarding Pass at the security checkpoint in order to proceed to the gate. Parents must also provide proof of age for children under the age of two traveling as a lap child. Visit our Baby On Board page for more information on traveling with little ones.

In addition, the TSA has implemented a new program called Secure Flight, which is intended to enhance the security of commercial air travel. Under Secure Flight, airlines are now required to ask traveling passengers for their full legal name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID they intend to travel with, along with their gender and date of birth. We encourage you to update your MySouthwest account with this information prior to your trip.

3. Become familiar with our policies if you’re traveling with little ones (or if your little ones are traveling alone).

We want to ensure a pleasant travel experience for all parents traveling with their young children, as well as Unaccompanied Minors.  As such, we ask you to take a few minutes to become familiar with our policies and procedures on the same by reviewing our Children/Unaccompanied Minors Policy, and our Family Travel Tips.

4. Pack your liquids and other prohibited items in your (2 free!) checked bags.

It’s always more difficult to pack only one bag during the holidays. Thankfully on Southwest Airlines, your first two checked bags fly free, through baggage weight and size limits still apply. And remember that if you plan to bring gifts onboard, all wrapped packages must be opened for inspection by airport security. Please consult our Baggage Policies for additional information.

If you’re not sure whether an item will be accepted past the security checkpoint, it’s probably best to travel without it or pack it in your checked baggage. Review the TSA’s list of prohibited items prior to your trip. In the new era of security procedures, many hotel chains are assisting Customers by maintaining a supply of essential toiletries. And if you’re traveling to see loved ones, why not ask if you can borrow some of their household items? After all, ‘tis the season for sharing!

5. Plan ahead when picking up family, friends, or unaccompanied minors from the airport.

If you’re meeting an Unaccompanied Minor (a child traveling alone) or someone needing extra assistance, you must obtain a Non-Passenger Escort pass from the ticket counter to get through the security checkpoint. In order to get a pass, you must present a photo ID and a copy of the passenger's reservation. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the gate early. When making arrangements to meet friends and family, be sure to decide on a meeting place before your trip. We suggest designating a location in the terminal building - such as the baggage claim area.

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Tags: Holiday tips Travel

Top 5 Holiday Travel “Don’t Forgets” was written on Nov 20,2009 at 09:27am and posted in the categories Flying

The Southwest Porch...Now Open for Winter!

By: Whitney Eichinger - Manager Regional Media Relations

Who’s ready to sip hot toddies, snuggle in a Slanket, and toast ‘smores?  That’s right, you are!  This week we opened up the winterized Southwest Porch at Bryant Park in New York City.  Many of you were with us when we opened the Porch in June.  It was so popular that we added some heaters, a fire pit, and even created a new menu so the summer fun could continue into the winter!

This time of year Bryant Park (behind the New York Public Library in the heart of midtown between 5th and 6th Avenues, and between 42nd and 44th Streets) is full of the holiday spirit with an ice skating rink and holiday shops.  How perfect is it to have the Southwest Porch tucked away in the winter wonderland, where folks can cool their heels and warm their bones?!

Our partners at ‘wichcraft added some incredible new creations to the menu at the Porch.  We’re serving flavored popcorn, savory chili, and ‘smores—just to name a few items!  The Porch also offers spiked cider, tipsy hot chocolate, and Irish coffee--just the ticket to warm the soul after a hard day at work or a long day of sightseeing!

The Porch is open from noon-9pm daily and we’ll have our “winter look” going through March 2010.

Next time you’re in NYC, pay us a visit!  We have a Slanket with your name on it, and we’ll keep the fire lit for you!

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Tags: s'mores Southwest Porch winter

The Southwest Porch...Now Open for Winter! was written on Nov 19,2009 at 03:37pm and posted in the categories Customers

Hold On, I’m Rapping

By: Steve Heaser - Sr. Multimedia Specialist

Have you called our Customer Support & Services lately? Do you read the airline industry blog called FlyerTalk? CS&S is the Department at Southwest formerly known as Reservations—but that Department does so much more now than make reservations, we had to rename it. FlyerTalk is a blog about the travel and airline industry and the two of these come together on this episode of Red Belly Radio.

When calling Southwest Airlines for information, with our relatively new, cool call-back feature, you no longer ever have to wait on hold. But if you choose to, you will hear a number of Employees talking about their jobs and various products and offers from Southwest Airlines.

David Holmes is one of those Employees you might hear. David is the Southwest Flight Attendant known for his great Customer Service and his fantastic raps. He can often be heard rapping the safety information on his flights, but was also on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and is a popular YouTube entertainer with more than 2.5 million views of his videos.

David wrote and performed a rap for the on-hold entertainment that we use.  It caught the ear of expert7700 who commented on Flyer Talk, asking if anyone had a recording of it?

Just so you’ll know, I had to call CS&S three times trying to record David but never got put on hold—it went straight to an agent! So I finally asked if I could be put on hold so that I could record it. Also in this edition of RedBelly Radio, learn about another fun project that David’s working on—a video response to the Air New Zealand challenge.

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Tags: Air New Zealand Beat-box David Holmes Flight Atendant Max Reynolds Rapping Flight Attendant Red Belly Radio Steve Heaser

Hold On, I’m Rapping was written on Nov 18,2009 at 04:37pm and posted in the categories Airports and Flying and Southwest Culture

I’d Rather Be Skiing than Working…Epic Contest

By: Lindsey Reynolds - Emerging Media Specialist

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling this winter season, you might find yourself bogged down with some heavy baggage: skis, boots, and poles, perhaps? 

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed other airlines charging an arm and a leg for you to fly with your bags—let alone your sports equipment.

I don’t want to brag (who am I kidding, of course I do!) but Southwest Airlines lets skis fly free, along with a whole lot of other sports equipment.  Of course, all that “size and weight” stuff does apply, so be sure to read the fine print.

To get the word out about our “skis fly free” policy, we’re asking YOU to tell us a reason why “You’d Rather Be Skiing than Working.” Submit your entry to @SouthwestAir via Twitter using the #Skiswa hash tag or here in the comments section of this blog.  

If your reason is funny enough to be selected the winner, you will receive two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and an ’09 – ’10 EPIC Season Pass from Vail Resorts, which gives you a full season of phenomenal skiing at six of the finest mountains on the planet: Vail, Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin--with no restrictions and no black-out dates. Go to epicpass.com to learn more or follow @Snowdotcom on Twitter. 

Southwest Airlines will have a panel of highly-qualified comedians and ski bums select the winner.

You know you’d rather be skiing than sitting at your desk, so let us know why now!  Contest ends Sunday, November 22, at 12:00 noon CST.

 

CONTEST RULES

“I’d Rather Be Skiing”

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1.   How to Enter the Contest

a.    Southwest Airlines “I’d Rather Be Skiing” (“Contest”) will begin on or around 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 and will end on or around 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2009. 

b.    Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, mangled, mis-delivered, postage due, illegible, incomplete or late entries, telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, equipment malfunctions and any other technological difficulties that may prevent an individual from completing his/her telephone call.]

c.    To participate in the Contest, you may enter via the following method:

Sumbit a reason why you’d rather be skiing than working via Southwest Airlines Twitter account @SouthwestAir using the hashtag “#skiswa”  or in the comments section of Nuts About Southwest blog post on the subject.  All entries submitted become the sole property of Southwest Airlines and will not be acknowledged or returned.  Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest.  Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches. 

d.    One internet entry per person and one internet entry per email address is permitted.

2.   Eligibility Restrictions

a.    The contest is open to all persons who are 21 years of age or older. Employees of Southwest Airlines and the members of their immediate families and or households are ineligible to participate or win.  

b.    Only one winner per household is permitted in any Contest administered by Southwest.

c.    Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and Southwest Airlines will also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.]

3.   Prizes:

a.   One (1) First Prize: The winner will receive one Epic Ski Pass and two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.  (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV"): $1,300) but will vary depending on travel origination and fares in effect at the time of departure.  Certain travel restrictions may apply.  Travel arrangements must be made through Administrator’s agent on a carrier of Administrator’s choice.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Contest Entities. Prize subject to availability and the Contest Entities reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable.  If winner cannot travel on dates specified by Contest Entities, winner may be disqualified and an alternate winner selected.  All other costs not specifically stated herein, including, but not limited to, taxes, meals, tips and ground transportation, are the responsibility of the winner.  Taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner and travel companion must travel on the same itinerary and are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents.  In addition, travel companion of Winner must be 21 years of age or older.  Winner may be required to present a valid credit card upon hotel check in to cover any incidental expenses incurred during their stay.  Winner and travel companion are responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) where applicable, at their option, and hereby acknowledge that the Contest Entities have not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance.  Winner and travel companion must sign a Publicity, Liability Waiver and Travel Release form prior to traveling. If a selected event is unable to take place as scheduled, for reasons such as cancellation, preemption, postponement or unavailability, or for any reason beyond the control of the Contest Entities, the Contest Entities’ sole responsibility to a Winner will be to award the remaining available portion of the prize and no substitution will be provided for unawarded portion of prize. Tickets are subject to terms and conditions as specified by issuer.  Seat locations to be determined by Contest Entities.  Contest Entities reserve the right to remove or to deny entry to winner and/or guest if he/she engages in a disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person at the reception.

b.    In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Southwest Airlines is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate.

4.   Selection of Winners

Decisions of Contest Entities management with respect to the Contest are final.

a.    The top reason why you’d rather be skiing than working. Southwest Airlines panel of judges from the Communications department will select the winning reason.

b.    The odds of winning are dependant on the total number of entries received. 

c.    Winner need not listen or be present to win.

d.    Winners must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release within one (1) day of notification attempt or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen at random. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize.

5.   Conditions

a.    Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winners.  Winners may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent.

b.    By participating in the contest, the winner or winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize.

c.    Prior to awarding any prize or prize certificate, Southwest Airlines in its sole discretion may require contest winners (and their travel companions, if any) to sign a liability release, agreeing to hold Southwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, its corporate licensee, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each of them harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the Contest.

d.    Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules.  It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.

e.    The Contest Entities reserve the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  If due to circumstances beyond the control of Southwest Airlines, any competition or prize-related event is delayed, rescheduled, postponed or canceled, Southwest Airlines reserves the right, but not the obligation, to cancel or modify the contest and shall not be required to award a substitute prize.

f.     Failure to comply with the Contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Contest Entities.

g.    The Contest Entities are not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize.

h.    Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of winners (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines Emerging Media 2502 Love Field Dr. Dallas, TX 75235

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Tags: contest Skiing Vail

I’d Rather Be Skiing than Working…Epic Contest was written on Nov 18,2009 at 04:26pm and posted in the categories Flying

Southwest Flies Home to Wisconsin

By: JessicaTurner

"Go Pack Go!"
"It's On!"

Two of my favorite cheers collided on November 1 when I had the pleasure of attending the Southwest Milwaukee tailgate party to celebrate Southwest's opening in the land of cheeseheads. Wisconsin happens to be my home state, and Milwaukee is where my entire family resides, so I couldn't be happier about Southwest's newest destination. The tailgate event was filled with families and exemplified all that Southwest is: Spirit, Fun, and LUV. Family-friendly opportunities abound in Wisconsin, making it a great vacation spot that I think many people overlook. Why go to Florida when you can go to the frozen tundra? :)

From a great zoo to great museums, Milwaukee offers something for families of all ages. Moreover, the city is filled with great restaurants, shopping districts, beautiful parks and the gorgeous Lake Michigan lakefront.

Here is a list of some of my favorite family destinations in Milwaukee:

The Milwaukee County Zoo  http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/

The Brewers  http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=mil

Betty Brin Children's Museum  http://www.bbcmkids.org/

Discovery World  http://www.discoveryworld.org/

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (aka The Domes) http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm

Milwaukee Repertory Theater  http://www.milwaukeerep.com/

Pettit National Ice Center: US Olympic Training Facility http://www.thepettit.com/

Summerfest: The World's Largest Music Festival http://www.summerfest.com/flash/

And if you feel like taking a drive when you get to Milwaukee you could also visit some of my other favorite spots in Wisconsin:

The University of Wisconsin-Madison http://www.wisc.edu

Wisconsin Dells, including my favorite attraction, Noah's Ark  http://wisdells.com/   http://www.noahsarkwaterpark.com/

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is America's largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts   http://www.eaa.org

Door County http://www.doorcounty.com

Lambeau Field, home to The Green Bay Packers http://www.packers.com

In Wisconsin you will find good-natured, hard-working, fun-loving people--just like you find on a Southwest plane. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy Milwaukee and the great state of Wisconsin. Be sure to get some cheese curds while you are there!

Jessica Turner is Southwest’s resident Mommy Blogger. Her guest blog posts and vlogs will focus on traveling with her baby, tips she discovers and family-friendly activities to experience around the country. When she isn't traveling, she enjoys spending time with her family, working, blogging and scrapbooking. She and her husband, Matthew, live in Nashville, Tenn., with their 16-month-old peanut, Elias, who is currently into everything! 

You can find Jessica's mommy blog at: www.TheMomCreative.com

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Tags: Jessica Turner Milwaukee MKE Mommy Blogger

Southwest Flies Home to Wisconsin was written on Nov 17,2009 at 09:51am and posted in the categories Airports and Customers

The Must-Have Southwest Fall Accessory!

By: Marilee McInnis - Manager Public Relations

The fashionable accessory for this fall season is the new Southwest Airlines pet carrier.  Seen in the trendiest of places--like the airport and onboard Southwest jets--the new carrier recently provided a dash of color to Gary’s Halloween costume, and Lloyd the cat was seen modeling one right here on the Southwest Blog. 

If you are traveling with your furry four-legged friend, you can purchase one of these good looking, high-quality carriers to help properly transport Fluffy and Fido.  This bold fashion statement fits comfortably beneath the aircraft seat and provides a well-ventilated and roomy rest for your beloved pet.

The carriers are exclusively available at a Southwest ticket counter near you or online at www.swafreedomshop.com.  Help Fluffy and Fido be fashionable and safe this holiday season, because Pets Are Welcome at Southwest (P.A.W.S.)!  For more information on P.A.W.S. and our pet fares, visit www.southwest.com/pets.

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Tags: Fall PAWS pets

The Must-Have Southwest Fall Accessory! was written on Nov 16,2009 at 06:29pm and posted in the categories Flying

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CONFIRMS PASSENGERS ARE NOT SUPERSTITIOUS: AIR TRAVEL NOT HINDERED BY FRIDAY THE 13TH

By: Paula Berg - Manager Emerging Media

Southwest Airlines can confirm that passengers are NOT avoiding travel today, Friday the 13th.  Traditional superstitions appear to have been cast aside by many travelers still looking for a low fare and great Customer Service.

Initial reports indicate that Customers are not avoiding row 13 on the Southwest Airlines fleet today, nor has the date prevented flying altogether.  In fact, the bag fees charged by other airlines are proving to be much scarier than Customers’ superstitions, driving travelers to find good luck on Southwest Airlines.   

In addition to our Bags Fly Free policy, we can assure Customers that we will not charge a fee for throwing salt over one’s shoulder and will even allow black cats to travel onboard with our new pet fare, as long as they are carried in an appropriate carrier.  We are recommending, however, that Customers carefully wrap mirrors in bubble wrap to avoid breakage and seven years of bad luck.

Customers feeling particularly lucky today may want to consider heading to a popular casino destination and bet on number 13 at the Roulette table.

 

***If you would like to adopt Lloyd, the kitty featured in this picture, please visit the SPCA of Texas at http://bit.ly/2Fz7SL.

 

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Tags: Friday the 13th Southwest Airlines Superstitious

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CONFIRMS PASSENGERS ARE NOT SUPERSTITIOUS: AIR TRAVEL NOT HINDERED BY FRIDAY THE 13TH was written on Nov 13,2009 at 08:32am and posted in the categories Flying and Nutty stuff and Southwest Culture

SEND US YOUR “VACATION INSPIRING PHOTOS” FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

By: ahalton

Don't forget! Southwest's VIP Contest ends Friday, November 13th!

There are times when you see a picture of a beautiful landscape, a charming café, or the bright lights of a big city, and it makes you just want to grab your bags and go!  We’re looking for your “Vacation Inspiring Photos,” or VIP’s, to feature on our Travel Guide, with great prizes for the best of the best.

Submit your original, jaw dropping, pack-your-bags-right-now-because-It’s-On! photos to the Southwest Airlines Travel Guide between October 20, 2009, and November 13, 2009.   Each week, we will select one winning photo and the winner will receive a new digital Kodak camera. At the end of the four weeks, one Grand Prize winner will receive two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and have his or her photo featured in our onboard magazine, SPIRIT.

To Enter:

• Visit http://www.southwest.com/vipcontest/ and create a Travel Guide profile. 
• Add a Trip titled “(insert city name) has V.I.P’s!” For Example:  “DENVER has V.I.P’s!”       
• Enter the appropriate destination city name
• Upload your photo
• Title the photo “VIP Contest – (insert title of photo).”  For Example:  “VIP Contest—Rocky Mountains”

Show us what you’ve got! 

OFFICIAL RULES
Southwest Airlines Travel Guide’s  “Vacation Inspiring Photo(s)” Contest
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
How to Enter the Contest
1.    Submission Format:
Southwest Airlines “My Vacation Inspiring Photo(s)” (“Contest”) will begin on or around 12 a.m. CT on Monday, October 20, 2009, and will end on or around 4 p.m. CT on Wednesday, November 13th, 2009.
•    Visit southwest.com/travelguide and create a Travel Guide profile. 
•    Add a new Trip to your Travel Guide profile:
•    Title Your Trip:  (Insert City Name) has VIPs!  (Ex. Dallas has VIPs!)
•    Enter the appropriate destination
•    Upload a photo:  Submit a Vacation Inspiring Photo(s)  
o    (Required format: photo must be submitted as a 528x193 jpg)
•    Title your photo:  “VIP Contest –(insert title of photo)”.  (Ex. “VIP Contest—Rocky Mountains”)
All entries submitted become the sole property of Southwest Airlines and will not be acknowledged or returned.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest.  Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches. 
2.   Eligibility Restrictions
a.    The contest is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous state, who are 18 years of age or older as of October 19, 2009. Employees of Southwest Airlines have to be in good standing and on the payroll as of, October 19, 2009. 
b.    Only one winner per household is permitted.
c.    Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements
3.   Vacation Inspiring Photos—“Helpful Hints”
•    Ask yourself, “Does this photo remind me that it’s been too long since I had a vacation?”
•    Focus on showing photos with scenery in the background. (Ex Beautiful photos of city landmarks )
•    Avoid images taken inside a building and with large groups of people.
•    Inappropriate photos will not be posted or entered for judging
4.  Prizes:
a.    One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive the following:  1) A full page placement of their winning photo in our Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine (2010 issue; month TBD),  2) Winning photo showcased within southwest.com Travel Guide (on the appropriate destination page), and  3) Two green passes to travel to any of our Southwest Airlines destinations.  (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV"): $1,000)   Certain travel restrictions may apply.  Travel arrangements must be made through Southwest Airlines.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of Southwest Airlines.   All other costs not specifically stated herein, including, but not limited to, taxes, meals, tips and ground transportation, are the responsibility of the winner.  Taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner and travel companion must travel on the same itinerary and are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents.  In addition, travel companion of Winner must be 18 years of age or older.   Winner and travel companion are responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) where applicable, at their option, and hereby acknowledge that Southwest Airlines has not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance.   Tickets are subject to terms and conditions as specified by Southwest Airlines.  (Should the grand prize winner be an Employee of Southwest Airlines, then they will be awarded two blue passes in exchange for the two green passes.)  Southwest Airlines reserve the right to remove or to deny entry to winner and/or guest if he/she engages in a disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.
b.   Four (4) First Prizes Weekly Winners will receive a Kodak digital camera.  (Approximate Retail Value: $200) 
c.    In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Southwest Airlines is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate.
5.   Selection of Winners
Decisions of Southwest Airlines management with respect to the Contest are final.
a.    The top 5 Vacation Inspiring Photo(s) Winners will be selected by a Southwest Airlines panel of judges from the Marketing/Communications department to determine the most inspiring vacation photo.   All submissions will be judged on the following:  Created Travel Guide Profile (33%), Quality of photo submitted with required formatting sizes met (33%) and Photo submitted is deemed a Vacation Inspiring Photo (33%).
b.     Winners must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release within ten (10) days of notification attempt or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize.
6.   Conditions
a.    By participating in the contest, the winner or winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation, unless prohibited by law and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize.
b.    Prior to awarding any prize or prize certificate, Southwest Airlines in its sole discretion may require contest winners (and their travel companions, if any) to sign a liability release, agreeing to hold Southwest Airlines and it’s officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the Contest.
c.    Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules.  It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.
d.    Southwest Airlines reserve the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  If due to circumstances beyond the control of Southwest Airlines, any competition or prize-related event is delayed, rescheduled, postponed or cancelled.  Southwest Airlines reserves the right, but not the obligation, to cancel or modify the contest and shall not be required to award a substitute prize.
e.    Southwest Airlines is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize.
g.    Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of winners (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines Online Marketing 2702 Love Field Dr. Dallas, TX 75235

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Tags: contest photos Southwest Airlines

SEND US YOUR “VACATION INSPIRING PHOTOS” FOR A CHANCE TO WIN was written on Nov 12,2009 at 06:08pm and posted in the categories Customers and Nutty stuff and Southwest Culture

Southwest Airlines Employees Give Turkeys to Feed Thousands

By: Brad Meuli

At the end of the first week in November, the Denver Rescue Mission was gravely concerned about the lack of turkey donations. Thousands of homeless and low-income men, women, and families were counting on us. We wondered if it was even possible to collect 6,000 turkeys by Thanksgiving.  Five lonely turkeys sat in a freezer that could hold thousands.  Then along came Southwest—specifically, the Denver Station Manager Dave LaPorte.  He heard about the need on a local network, felt compelled to act, and asked CEO Gary Kelly if Southwest Airlines could help.

This week, Southwest Airlines answered the urgent call and donated $50,000 to the Denver Rescue Mission’s Annual Turkey Drive.  This donation marks the largest turkey donation in the history of our drive, which spans the last fifteen years.  Southwest Employees helped unload a semi-trailer of more than 4,000 birds, and about 50,000 pounds of turkey went into the Mission’s Lawrence Street Shelter freezer.  

Because of the enormous donation from Southwest Airlines, we are now equipped with enough turkey to serve 1,000 meals to homeless men, women, and children at the annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet hosted by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.  At the Banquet-in-a-Box distribution, 1,250 holiday food boxes filled with a turkey and all the fixings will be given to low-income families who cannot afford a Thanksgiving meal. The Mission also acts as a turkey distributor and can now fill a bigger need in the community. We will hand out thousands of birds to smaller nonprofits and local churches, helping them provide a Thanksgiving feast for poor and homeless people in Metro Denver. 

Before the Southwest turkeys arrived, we thought about cutting back on this distribution because of the lack of donations.  Additional turkeys collected from this drive will serve as the primary food source for the Denver Rescue Mission’s meal programs, providing nearly 700,000 meals throughout the year at our five facilities.

For people around the world, 2009 is proving a challenging year, and Metro Denver has seen the number of homeless individuals and families rise to more than 11,000. Many people need food assistance for the first time in their lives: Veterans, women, men, children, homeless people, and working families.  Because of Southwest Airlines, we can now rest easy that folks who depend on the Denver Rescue Mission to provide a holiday meal will receive one. On behalf of our employees and those most in need in our community, I want to thank Southwest Airlines for helping the Denver Rescue Mission continue our 117-year-old commitment to feeding Metro Denver’s hungry. 

Brad Meuli is the President and CEO of the Denver Rescue Mission 

 

 

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Tags: Denver Denver Rescue Mission Thanksgiving turkey

Southwest Airlines Employees Give Turkeys to Feed Thousands was written on Nov 12,2009 at 04:07pm and posted in the categories Customers and Southwest Culture

Kidd's Kids

By: Steve Heaser - Sr. Multimedia Specialist

This episode of Red Belly Radio is about kids. Not just any kids, but some very special ones. Nationally syndicated, Dallas-based radio show, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, raises funds every year to send between 40 and 50 families with special needs kids to the Disney parks in Orlando Florida. Several companies help sponsor the trip, but Southwest Airlines helps out in a number of ways:  hosting a phone bank; providing volunteers to take donations from Kidd Kraddick listeners; and, providing an aircraft and crew to fly these deserving families to Florida.

It is a very big deal for the families and everyone who has the opportunity to participate.  In fact, this trip has become a very sought after “assignment” for many of our Flight Attendants, and we always have many more Employee volunteers than there are spots on the plane. On this episode of Red Belly Radio, you will hear from several of the Flight Attendants who were selected to assist in with this year’s trip, Cinda from the medical staff, one of the parents, and more.

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Tags: DIsney Kidd Kraddick Kidd's Kids Red Belly Radio Steve Heaser

Kidd's Kids was written on Nov 11,2009 at 12:06pm and posted in the categories Customers and Southwest Culture