Southwest Airlines is a major American low-cost airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, it is one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States. Here are some key points about Southwest Airlines:
History: Southwest was founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. It started operating in 1971 with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three Texas cities.
Business Model: Southwest is known for its low-cost carrier business model. It emphasizes point-to-point routes rather than the traditional hub-and-spoke system.
Fleet: The airline primarily operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. As of my last update, they were in the process of introducing the Boeing 737 MAX into their fleet.
Routes and Destinations: Southwest mainly serves domestic routes within the United States, but it also has some international flights to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Customer Service and Experience: The airline has a reputation for friendly customer service. It doesn't assign seats, instead, it uses an open seating policy, allowing passengers to choose their own seats on the plane.
Baggage Policy: Southwest offers a unique baggage policy where passengers are allowed two checked bags free of charge (subject to size and weight restrictions).
Rapid Rewards Program: Southwest operates a frequent flyer program called Rapid Rewards, which allows passengers to earn points for every flight. These points can be redeemed for future flights.
Financial Performance: As of my last knowledge update, Southwest had been historically profitable, even in challenging times for the airline industry.
Please note that for the most current and specific information about Southwest Airlines, including any updates or changes that may have occurred after September 2021, it's best to visit the official Southwest Airlines website or consult recent news sources.