Southwest Airlines Announces Recipients of its 2010 Medical Transportation Grant Program

DALLAS, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines announced today that nearly 30 hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in its Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest is proud to announce the Company has increased its giving by 23 percent in 2010, the program's third year. In total, the airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to 29 medical organizations who then provide tickets to patients and family members in need. The grant list includes 11 hospitals and three medical transportation charities that assist patients nationwide. This year, Southwest has added hospitals in Philadelphia and Denver. To see a full list of recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/cares.

"Southwest Airlines cares about our Customers and the Communities we serve," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach.  "We are proud to provide much-needed assistance to families in need during a difficult time."

To read an excerpt from a few of the families who received free transportation through a grant in 2009, visit Southwest Airlines Nuts About Southwest blog: www.blogsouthwest.com. To learn about qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, which each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets.

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' "Share the Spirit" program embodies the Culture of positive impact in the communities it serves, demonstrated through Southwest's charitable giving, Employee volunteerism, and community relations programs. Southwest Airlines is one of the most honored airlines in the world, consistently appearing on FORTUNE Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" list.  After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines – offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) now serves 68 cities in 35 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide who work hard each and every day to provide excellent Customer Service and make a difference in the community. To learn more about Southwest's community involvement, visit www.southwest.com/cares.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines