Gary's Greeting

As seen in this month's edition of "Spirit Magazine"

Holiday Blessings

While visions of sugarplums may be dancing in the heads of many excited children this holiday season, all of us at Southwest Airlines have visions of happy travelers. It’s rewarding to work in the airline industry, and especially so during the holidays as we bring family and friends together to celebrate this special time of year. We’re especially proud that we can connect you with your loved ones with low fares and without any of the hidden fees that other airlines are charging. Whether the calendar reads May or December, there are some things for which you shouldn’t have to pay extra. On us, there is no fee for making a phone reservation, occupying a window or aisle seat, having a snack onboard, changing your reservation, or checking up to two bags (each weighing up to 50 pounds).

Holiday time is traditions time, and we have many in the Kelly household. When my daughters were young, I couldn’t wait for them to rush to the tree to see what Santa brought. It was important for me to know that their wish lists were usually fulfilled. I still remember one childhood disappointment that lingers for me today. When I was young, I kept hoping against hope that Santa would bring me what I wanted most: a BB gun. (I know: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”) Alas, I never did get one, but at least as an adult, I received the coolest guitar one year.

Now that the girls have grown up and gotten married, the season is more serene at the Kelly household (at least until grandkids show up). Our family traditions are still my favorite part of the Holiday Season. If my wife, Carol, and I tried to change our traditions, the girls would disown us. On Christmas Eve, we have brunch at home, and then it’s off to Carol’s brother’s home for the annual “Mexican fiesta,” including tamales and caroling. Many of you probably have similar family traditions, and I am so grateful to those of you who include flying to see family or friends on Southwest as one of them.

Our 34,000-plus Employees will strive to make your holidays memorable. To both our cherished Customers and dedicated Employees, I wish you all the blessings of the season. And special blessings go out to our brave men and women who are defending our country so we can all continue to enjoy our family traditions.

Gary Kelly
Chairman and CEO
Southwest Airlines

Operation: Kick Tail Recognition
Each month, I recognize Southwest Employees who have received commendations from their Coworkers.

• A family writes to us praising REGI, one of our Flight Attendants. The family’s infant son had become ill and vomited on himself and his dad. Not only did Regi help clean up the son, she assisted the father with finding a change of clothes and cleaned his soiled ones so they wouldn’t stink the rest of the day. The family tells us that Regi’s good nature led to everyone involved laughing at the situation.
• As a family was boarding Flight No. 2286 in Nashville, Tennessee, JASON, a First Officer, noticed that the 3-year-old daughter was crying. He found out from her parents that she left her prized stuffed frog in an airport shop and was heartbroken. The daughter kept begging to get off the plane to find her frog. Jason came to the rescue, sprinting to the shop and locating the lost frog. The daughter was incredibly happy and relieved.