An awe5ome adventure.

Time flies when you’re democratizing the skies. Since 1971, Southwest’s purpose has been to connect People to what’s important in their lives and give them the freedom to fly through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. Join us as we look back on 50 years of upholding that purpose.

Latest updates:

Latest updates:

Shop the Boxercraft Fuzzy Fleece Pullover for $45 on the SouthWest store Shop the Boxercraft Fuzzy Fleece Pullover for $45 on the SouthWest store
The Colleen C. Barrett Institute

Visit the CCB Institute for Cultural Excellence & Customer Service to engage with resources designed to help you and your organization make a remarkable impact.

Celebrate Southwest’s first 50 years with your own copy of this visually engaging coffee-table book showcasing a collection of 50 unique objects, outfits, and artifacts, short stories from the Company’s inspiring history, and a special foreword by Chairman & CEO Gary Kelly. Celebrate Southwest’s first 50 years with your own copy of this visually engaging coffee-table book showcasing a collection of 50 unique objects, outfits, and artifacts, short stories from the Company’s inspiring history, and a special foreword by Chairman & CEO Gary Kelly.
50 Years. One Heart.

Grab your copy today of the special history book showcasing 50 iconic Southwest objects, short stories from the Company’s inspiring past, and a foreword by Gary Kelly.

Shop the Boxercraft Fuzzy Fleece Pullover for $45 on the SouthWest store Shop the Boxercraft Fuzzy Fleece Pullover for $45 on the SouthWest store
Excuse me, is this seat open?

We’ve created a podcast, “Is This Seat Open?” to share fascinating stories from our 50 years of flying, in partnership with LA Times Studios.

50 years. One heart.

Moments in time. Experience the full journey

1980

The Ultimate Report Card: The Southwest Effect

Blair, owner of a tour company in Bristol, Connecticut, dialed his print shop in a hurry. They were about to print 350 brochures announcing tours to Nashville for the year 2000, with flights originating in Providence, Rhode Island—nearly two hours away by bus. But Southwest Airlines had just announced plans to open routes from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, 30 minutes from Bristol.

More on this moment
2013 – Present

Something Old, Something New: The Southwest Repurpose with Purpose Program

The giant heaps of gently wrinkled leather could easily have been labeled “trash” and sent on their way.

More on this moment
2020

COVID Response: Flying Through a Pandemic

As 2020 dawned, Southwest was poised for another banner year. But in less than a month, everything changed. January brought reports of a dangerous new virus spreading rapidly around the globe, one that would dramatically impact life as we know it. In particular, it brought the travel and tourism industry to a near-standstill, affecting every related business, from hotels to entertainment events to restaurants, and, of course, airlines.

More on this moment

Make sure to check out all of Southwest’s iconic moments in the Our Stories section.


Dive deeper into some of the incredible stories
that lead up to our 50th year!

The Heart of our People.

The Heart of our People.

Our Heart is to take care of People because we are more than an airline, we’re your neighbor.

Since 2008 we’ve contributed…

1.5 million hours of volunteer work by our Employees.

Over $222 million dollars toward local communities.

Nearly 480 thousand flights for those in need.

In honor of our 50th year, we’re inviting our Customers, communities, partners, and friends to join us in the call to put Hearts in Action to inspire a kinder, more compassionate world. Stay tuned for how you can join, and click below to learn more about our current Community Programs.

Learn about our community efforts

Source: Southwest Airlines One Report.

Our Founder’s Philosophy.

Our Founder’s Philosophy.

Herb Kelleher, Founder of Southwest Airlines.
More quotes from Herb Herb’s legendary Laugh

#Southwest50

Celebrate 50 years with us by sharing your stories and photos using #Southwest50.

Celebrate with us!

Showcase your Heart with stylish swag commemorating our 50th.

Shop 50th merchandise
50

Our memorable runway looks.

Our planes have been instantly recognizable for decades. Take a look at some of our high-flying fashions from the past.

Feeling inspired?

Make your own history with us!

Visit Southwest.com