SO MANY WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SPIRIT

"Flying has never been so much fun." Now Southwest want to share with its loyal fans some of their gear and accessories at reasonable prices. Seasonal products, apparel for men, women and children are available at Freedom Shop. Also collectibles are available for customer purchase. This is a great website for customers that want to buy a product that contains the Southwest Airlines logo.
Our team was not able to buy the shirts for the presentation because we wanted to pay a much lower price for a one time use shirt.

Maria Alfaro
https://www.swafreedomshop.com/apparel.html

Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Southwest Airlines gift cards are a great way to get new customers.  These gift cards can be redeemed online, by phone or at the airport. Gift cards amounts vary from $10 to $1,000. The gift cards do not have fees, expiration date and are also fast delivery, e-mail or overnight it.
The company tag line for the gift cards promotion is:
"Don't get them something. Get them somewhere"
I thing this is a great campaign promotion. The company can add new costumers while the gift card receivers redeem the gift cards. 
Maria Alfaro
http://www.southwest.com/gift-card/home.html

Southwest Airlines announces Executive Changes

Mark Shaw, currently Southwest's Associate General Counsel of Corporate & Transactions is going to be the successor of Madeleine Johnson, the company's Vice President and General Counsel. She announced today her decision to retire, effective Feb. 1, 2013.  During her short period of time working for Southwest, Madeleine put together the legal work to make possible the AirTran Airways purchased.
Shaw said:  "I look forward to continuing the work of our talented General Counsel group and on building on the many important initiatives and accomplishments of Madeleine Johnson, who has been an outstanding leader and mentor to me during her time at Southwest. I am honored to step into this leadership role."
Maria Alfaro
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/southwest-airlines-announces-executive-changes-222200682.html

MORE WAYS TO GO NUTS

Southwest employees wanted to build a close relation with consumers. Everyone is invited to post a comment, suggestion, share photos or videos after completed a profile form.  This forum does not offer personal customer service but count with a appropriate links to book a trip, look for special offers and also a travel guide is available.

Southwest Airlines blog, has a lot ways to connect with more text savvy social media users. During the last 10 years, social media have change the advertising industry forever. Everyday more a more companies are making use of social networks and blogs to promote product and services.

Maria Alfaro
 http://www.blogsouthwest.com/awards

Southwest Airlines Kidds Kids send off

This year Southwest had one more time the opportunity to be part of a good cause.  The Airlines has partnered with radio deejay Kidd Kraddick’s charity, Kidd’s Kids, by loaning him one of our Southwest jets to send more than 57 deserving families to Disney World "The Happiest Place on Earth" in Orlando, Florida for a fantastic few days adventure.

The trip allows children with special medical needs to take a break from their daily stresses and enjoy a family getaway. After boarding the plane, Employees gave the  little heroes a special Southwest send-off with waves and cheers as they departed on the trip of a lifetime.  

Southwest Airlines takes seriously its commitment to people and their communities. By partnering with Kraddick’s charity,  SWA is allowing families with special needs children to create happy and memorable moments at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is amazing what a fun trip can do. These kids look so happy that they don't look sick to me.
Maria Alfaro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAvDsdqXtnM

Southwest Salutes

Southwest makes the top 100 military friendly employer list 4 years in a row!! I was unaware of how committed Southwest is to the military, but they are one of the leading employers of veterans with over 5,000 employees who serve in the national guard and reserves. "Our Employees are our competitive advantage, and we salute all of our Employees, but especially those who have served, for their dedication to Southwest and helping us remain the most successful airline in the history of aviation."

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/11/08/4399298/southwest-airlines-honored-as.html

Southwest is celebrating November (Military Heroes Month) by working with numerous non-profit organizations to raise money for military personnel and their families. Here is a look at their schedule for the rest of the week.

Nov. 12 | Veterans Day Parade, Dallas, Texas Southwest Airlines is sponsoring and volunteering at the Dallas Veterans Day Parade to celebrate those who safeguard our country and say thank you to those who served or are serving.

Nov. 14-15 | Veterans Day Tour with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, Washington, D.C.Southwest Airlines and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club will take recent Military Veterans and their families to Washington, D.C., for a Veterans Day tour.

America is proud of our military, and Southwest demonstrates its gratitude by flying high with our troops. Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPYMAC

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/11/08/4399298/southwest-airlines-honored-as.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/11/08/4399298/southwest-airlines-honored-as.html#storylink=cpy

Southwest Airlines Launches Service To Key West International Airport

On Nov. 4,  SWA announced new services to Florida. By adding Key West, a popular tourist destination to their vast route map. Key West is now the eight city that Southwest serves in Florida and the 78th city overall. Southwest introduced a new service destination. By using AirTran Airways  a wholly-owned subsidiary Southwest is offering two daily nonstop departures from Orlando and Tampa Bay International Airports.
"Our arrival in Key West represents one of the true benefits of our integration with AirTran Airways, allowing us to continue to bring low fares and legendary Customer Service to the Florida Keys," said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President Marketing, Sales, and Distribution.  "Key West is a destination our Customers have been eagerly awaiting."
Southwest entrance a new market using the benefits of integration. The acquisition of AirTran Airways allows SWA to provide low fares and excellent customer service to a larger market.

Maria Alfaro
http://www.swamedia.com/releases/639fd4a2-5a93-4a94-be8f-55a3f5afadca

Southwest.com/vamonos Is The New Option To Book Travel In Espanol

Southwest Airlines introduced southwest.com/vamonos. This website contains similar information compared to the English version. The purpose of this Spanish version is to facilitate the online experience to the Hispanic customers. With the new international service provided by AirTram Airways a wholly owned subsidiary of southwest Airlines. The company is expecting to increase the number of Spanish speaking customers. Kevin Krone, Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution for Southwest Airlines said.  "This enhancement will provide Customers who prefer Spanish the same level of Customer Service provided by our regular website."
By providing a website in their native speaking language to a large market segment. Southwest Airlines definitely would increase its revenues.  

Maria Alfaro
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/southwest-com-vamonos-option-book-150000767.html

Sandy's calling the shots

Due to Hurricane Sandy Southwest Airlines closed up shop at 12 airports through out the east coast today. There are several other airlines in the same situation as expected, and hopefully most if not all airports effected will be back to business by Halloween (Oct 31st). Anticipated delay from the aftermath of Sandy is expected and more flight cancellations will be approved i'm sure, but the financial hit Southwest has to endure is well worth the safety of employees and passengers.

http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Sandy-s-New-York-Flight-Upheaval-Disrupts-Air-3990253.php

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

Cold September

The end of the summer should be easy money from seasonal vacations, but Southwest felt an unwanted chill in the month of september. The Associated Press posted an article on October 18th describing how southwest saw some light at the end of the tunnel with an increase in profit this month compared to a decline in september.

Usually family reunions, vacations, and labor day take up the seats of southwest planes during the summer and september. As september rolled around i'm sure the trend was expected to continue but actually slowed earlier than anticipated. According to the press an important measure of their revenue is 4 percent higher this month than October 2011, with the holiday season right around the corner you can count on southwest flying high for the holidays. 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/10/southwest_airlines_posts_small.html

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

The Southwest Airlines App for iPhone is Here

Southwest Airlines app would facilitate customers to plan their next trip. Traveling with Southwest Airlines is now more  convenient and simple. With the app customers also have access to limited time air fare deals with:

 

The use of iPhone is making easy for all  travelers to have control of their trip.  Also is a cheaper way for Southwest airlines to market features and benefits to costumers.
*Manage air reservations
*Get alerts about  deals
*Book your air reservations
*Book car rentals
*Check your flight' status
*Access your Rapid Rewards account
*View flight schedules
*And more 

Maria Alfaro
http://www.southwest.com/iphone/

Southwest Airlines Raises More Than $600,000 For Ronald McDonald Charities At 27th Annual LUV Classic Charity Golf Tournament

On October 5, Southwest Airlines rise  a donation of $6000,000 during a Classic charity golf tournament. The purpose of this tournament was to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dallas, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Washington D. C., Spokane, Buffalo  and Reno. In the last three decades Southwest Airlines has raised over 13 million for the McDonalds Charities.

I believe that organizations' social responsibilities are fundamental for communities but also benefits the companies because their reputation are affected by public perceptions.

Maria Alfaro
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/11/4903454/southwest-airlines-raises-more.html

Soaring high with social media

Are you following Southwest Airlines on Twitter??. If not maybe you should. Southwests online presence with social media is working quite well for their business. It sounds easy enough to decide to make a bunch of social media accounts and be done, but they understand the importance of constantly adding content and being visually cohesive with one another.

http://blog.kissmetrics.com/guide-to-online-branding-2/

With their continuos effort to stay connected with consumers and fans the loyalty and interest in southwest should sustain for quite some time.

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

Southwest Airlines begins 40 percent off fare sale

Southwest Airlines announced today a great winter promotion.  The company is offering a 40% discount on selected destinations. The promotion code is valid from October 9 to October 11 at 11:50 p.m. PST.  According to the Airline, customers should be able to travel between November 28 - December 12 and January 7 - February 14, 2013 in order to use the discount rate.
"Southwest Airlines is thrilled to offer this outstanding discount on our lowest fares for the winter travel season," said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. "We are proud that Southwest remains committed to providing low fares to Customers across the nation."

By positioning by product attributes and benefits Southwest Airlines stand it’s brand apart from competitors. Excellent customer service, lowest prices in the markets, and a positive experience are the attributes that separate the company apart from competitors.



 PROMO CODE




Maria Alfaro
Source
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/10/09/southwest-airlines-begins-40-percent.html

Des Moines goes Nuts for Southwest

I guess before last sunday if you told someone at Des Moines International Airport, "Somebody who works here told me I could fly Southwest airlines from this airport." They might just say...ummm Iowa you an apology. I know that was as corny as jokes can get, but now that Southwest Airlines offers flights to and from Des Moines, Iowa this may never be a potential reality again. Katie List, a Southwest airline employee posted a well written blog on Southwest coming to Des Moines and what that means to her.
http://www.blogsouthwest.com
The video above shows a few residents of Iowa aboard a southwest aircraft speaking on their history and pride for their state, as well as Katie greeting her family as she and others land in Des Moines.  Considering how Des Moines International Airport only carried six other airlines before Southwest, I would say Iowa really is the place where dreams come true.

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

Southwest Airlines Unveils A High-Flying Tribute To The State Of Colorado With Dedication Of Colorado One

Colorado One a Boeing 737-700  was unveiled at a ceremony at Denver International Airport with the presence of community leaders, Colorado Governor John Hickenklooper, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Manager of aviation for Denver International Airport, Kim Day and more than 500 local employees. 
"There is no question about it—Southwest Airlines LUVs Colorado!" said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO. "Denver is our fifth largest city and has been the fastest growing city in our history, 
thanks in large part to our Front Range Customers and our hard-working Colorado-based Employees. What better way to thank them than by dedicating an aircraft in their honor!" 
This airplane is really nice and Southwest Airlines gets a great advertisement by designing a special plane for the Colorado state employees and customers.

Maria Alfaro
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-unveils-a-high-flying-tribute-to-the-state-of-colorado-with-dedication-of-colorado-one-167062005.html

Preventing an Identity Crisis

Southwest Airlines (SWA) has experienced incredible growth and success as a low-cost air carrier since it began operations as a company in 1971.  But times have changed, and their creative marketing strategy hasn't.  The look and feel of SWA has remained fairly constant while the competitive market for low-cost carriers, despite ever-rising fuel costs, has boomed.

In 2010, SWA made a move to expand its service to the international market as well as increase its presence in key east coast U.S. cities.  Upon its full acquisition of AirTran Holdings in May of 2011, Southwest is dipping its toe into international waters by absorbing routes to Mexico served by AirTran.  The AirTran brand is expected to be fully integrated into LUV sometime in 2013, which means that plans for rebranding should be solidly in place soon (very soon).

SWA circulated an RFP early in 2012 to selected creative agencies asking for help to design a new creative campaign for reveal this Fall (2012) and thereby prevent an identity crisis.  Omnicom Group's TBWA\Chiat\Day, located in Playa del Rey, California, emerged as the winner and joins SWA's creative strategy team albeit with a very tight deadline to launch a Fall campaign that is both fresh and able to differentiate the low-cost leader from its many copycats.

Will LUV prevail?

AP

Sources:
1) http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/southwest-mulls-new-strategy-creative-search-138967
2) http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-02/business/os-southwest-airtran-reuters-update2-20110502_1_southwest-executive-vice-president-southwest-brand-airtran-holdings
3) http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/southwest-airlines-finally-selects-shop-141602

Aloha!!!

Southwest Airlines may be one step closer to offering flights to Hawaii from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, this would be an asset to the company holding strong against its competition. Flight Attendants voted in agreement last week for a contract that allows flights over water, since Southwest is John Wayne's largest carrier and wants to expand this brings speculation for some soon to be Hawaii get aways.

paylessairportshuttle.com

Aloha Airlines operated between Honolulu International Airport and John Wayne Airport until the Airline said ALOHA in 2008 and shutdown operations due to bankruptcy. This would be the perfect opportunity for southwest to fill a potentially missing void for customers, besides I live in Orange County and could use a vacation :]

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/archive/2006/06_08_31.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2012/09/25/southwest-agreement-renews-hope-for-oc.html

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

Hispanic Business Magazines Names Southwest Airlines To The 2012 Directory Of Best Companies For Diversity

The Hispanic Business Magazine has named Southwest Airlines one of the Best Companies for Diversity in 2012. Southwest Airlines Company has a commitment with the Hispanic community by hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy, and supplier diversity.
“We are proud to be include on the Hispanic Business Magazine’s list of the best companies for Diversity,” said Ellen Torbert Southwest Airlines Vice President of Diversity. according to her the diverse workforce at Southwest Airlines is represented on every division of the company.
I think that diverse workforce is very important in a company that has a customer diversity. People like to be surrounded by familiar faces. Also for the Hispanic community the importance of finding personal who speaks their language is very helpful. 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hispanic-business-magazine-names-southwest-airlines-to-the-2012-directory-of-best-companies-for-diversity-169663076.html 

Maria Alfaro

Keeping It In the (SWA) Family

Keeping It In the (SWA) Family

[Source: http://www.incentivemarketing.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=39]

Southwest Airlines (SWA) is known for keeping its company mission and culture alive (which is anything but stuffy, traditional corporate culture) through its employee-centric programs, but the most important message from the top may be that it trusts its employees not only to do their jobs right but also to refer friends and family members to join the SWA family and support the company's growth.  In essence, SWA is asking its employee family to serve as preliminary recruiters.

This makes sense: If employees work with people whom they know and like, they are more likely to be enthusiastic about going to work and may be more willing to collaborate.  And it also has a much deeper implication: SWA values its employees' opinions.  This is sure to boost employee commitment to the organization and likely reduce turnover (=save $ and maintain productivity).  And, it can also save money for coworkers, especially spouses, who can carpool.

Who says you can't pick your "family"?

AP

Atlanta Flash Mob demonstrates how FLY they really are

If you thought Flash Mobs were approaching extinction, well guess again because the employees for Southwest Airlines at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport put on quite a show. For those who have no idea what a "Flash Mob" is allow me to explain: A Flash Mob is when a group of people (usually a large group) casually appear in one place and then begin to do the exact same action or actions for a period of time before leaving. 

These Southwest Airlines employees do a somewhat convincing job of transforming a call for security regarding upset customers to a full length choreographed dance routine. Beginning with some perceived passengers and flight attendants doing a few steps, and ultimately finishing with what seems to be their entire staff and maybe some unknown willing participants, this Flash Mob appeared to be entertaining to anyone who witnessed it live.
Article.wn.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqaWH6LstbU

Christopher Moore A.K.A ChrisPY MAC

Southwest Airlines Launches swafreedomchop.com With A Big Sale!

Southwest Airlines is proudly announcing swapfreedomchop.com. Through this website consumers can purchase a variety of merchandise with southwest airlines logo embedded. Customer can obtain a 10% off on merchandise from Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 21. Southwest employees were selected to promote the new merchandise. According to the company, the employees are the spirit of the company and that makes them the perfect fit for swafreedomshop.com. 

As a consumer a think this idea going to generate more revenues to Southwest Airlines because the customers are going to advertise the company as they wear the company's products.

Maria Alfaro 
http://www.swamedia.com/releases/34b4c0a1-848c-4e37-99d9-111078a89ba5

A free Ford just for showing up to work?

Well, almost.  Southwest Airlines (SWA) abounds with employee incentives, including giving away Ford Explorers for perfect attendance.  From a financial perspective, it makes sense: Whether a firm is encouraging thousands of employees to report to work consistently, increase the level of training or education, or simply meet a monthly goal, the company can afford to award a new vehicle or two and still contribute to the bottom line.   

Countless companies are learning the value of strategic employee incentive programs in today's workforce, which thrives on competition, achieving milestones, and rewarding good work with items of value.  When personal performance milestones are tied to incentive items perceived as valuable, both the employee and the company win.

A happy employee is [almost always] a productive employee, and that translates to an increase in LUV.

AP

Source:

http://www.incentivemarketing.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=39