Southwest Airlines Co. is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwest’s operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Over the decades, it expanded its route network to include more than 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The airline’s growth strategy has focused on both major markets and secondary airports, maintaining a flexible scheduling approach that adapts to seasonal demand and emerging travel trends.
Southwest’s ancillary offerings include the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which rewards frequent flyers with points redeemable for flights and partner services. The airline also provides business travel tools such as corporate fare programs and a mobile app for managing bookings and boarding passes. In addition to passenger operations, Southwest offers cargo services on select routes.
Leadership at Southwest Airlines emphasizes a culture of employee engagement and customer service. As of early 2022, Robert E. Jordan III serves as president and chief executive officer, succeeding long-time CEO Gary Kelly. Under Jordan’s direction, the company continues to focus on operational reliability, fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining its reputation for value and efficiency.