Southwest Airlines is reporting third-quarter profits of $277 million on record revenue of $6.22 billion. Revenue is up more than 32%  over the same period last year. Like JetBlue’s recent earnings call, Southwest predicted continued strong travel demand into the 4th quarter. The company expects operating revenue to jump 13% to 17% in the 4th Quarter. Higher fuel costs and the impact of Hurricane Ian squeezed operating margins for all airlines. The airline indicated delays in Boeing 737 deliveries are hampering expansion.

Southwest Airlines is offering fares as low as $59  available for departures through February 2023. The deep discount applies to select domestic and international flights.   Read the rest of this entry »

Southwest Airlines is offering a special kind of special for the first quarter of 2023: a free companion ticket for flights taken between January 4 and March 4, 2023. But you have to sign up by tomorrow (September 8).

To be eligible for the pop-up program, open today and tomorrow, you must be a member of the Rapid Reward frequency program and book one round-trip or two one-way tickets for a flight departing by November 17. Once that is done, you can take a partner with you on every flight you take.

The fine print: You must include a Rapid Rewards account number at the time of booking, and pay taxes and fees. Travel booked using Rapid Rewards points, Southwest Vacations or charter or group flights is not eligible.

“We know that flexibility and ease have become even more important for our customers, and this offer is a way to remind our members about the unique benefits of our award-winning Rapid Rewards program,” Southwest’s vice president of marketing loyalty and products Jonathan Clarkson said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring back this popular offer, making it easier for new and loyal customers to travel with their special someone.”

Southwest normally offers Companion Passes to Rapid Rewards members who fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.

Sign up here: https://www.southwest.com/html/rapidrewards/companionpasspromo.html

Southwest Airlines yesterday announced the elimination of expiration dates on all Southwest flight credits unexpired on or created on or after July 28, 2022. Read the rest of this entry »

Southwest Airlines Co. has added additional service to its flight schedule beginning in early June, including more options for California travel; new service for Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and the Caribbean also announced.

“For a gamut of travelers seeking a business opportunity, faraway fun, or family time, these new routes and additional flights put the hospitality and value of Southwest Airlines in front of more of our customers,” said Andrew Watterson, Executive Vice President, and Chief Commercial Officer. “We recently extended our flight schedule to early November, and we’re making available new service sooner for planning early summertime journeys.”

Additional access between the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley grows with new Southwest service between San Jose, Calif. and Eugene, Ore., once-daily beginning June 5, and with additional flights on some existing routes.

Recently commemorating three years of serving the Hawaiian Islands, Southwest is increasing the number of flights within the Aloha State to offer interisland service at more times of day to connect people in the islands with business, family, and fun. New, once-daily service nonstop between Kahului (Maui) and Lihue (Kauai) begins June 5, with additional flights, offered on existing inter-island routes.

The carrier’s authorized travel between the U.S. and Cuba is available to more Southwest customers with a tripling of service from South Florida beginning May 4, roundtrip three times daily on the carrier’s Fort Lauderdale—Havana route. That same week, an additional roundtrip on Saturdays begins May 7 on the Tampa, Fla.—Havana route, to complement daily roundtrip service.

Last week, I flew roundtrip from Los Angeles to Oakland to see my grandson and his parents. It was my first time in the air in more than a year. Here’s a report card on how everyone did.

Southwest Airlines: Grade B-

Southwest was nearly the same as it was pre-pandemic. Fast on-time flights, courteous service by flight attendants with a sense of humor, and reasonable prices. Except for wearing masks on the flights, it was like the Delta variant of COVID-19 didn’t exist.

Because my wife and I are both fully vaxxed, but are “Infected Flier Hesitant,” we took an aisle and window seat in the front of the plane and put this sign on the middle seat between us. Read the rest of this entry »