Southwest Airlines Celebrates #GivingTuesday By Donating $25,000

DALLAS, ­­Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced a $25,000 donation to 10 nonprofit organizations in honor of #GivingTuesday, a global holiday dedicated to giving back.

"Southwest Airlines has always been dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.  We are excited to participate in this special day of giving in addition to our ongoing community outreach efforts," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Communication & Outreach. "#GivingTuesday is a great opportunity to join a worldwide movement that brings people together for one common purpose: to give back.  This is a great way for Southwest to raise awareness for these nonprofit organizations and empower them with the resources they need to achieve their missions."

In the airline's first year to participate in #GivingTuesday, the company will give $2,500 each to the following 10 nonprofit organizations:

• 3Arts advocates for Chicago's women artists, artists of color, and artists with disabilities who work in the performing, teaching, and visual arts
• All Hands Volunteers is dedicated to providing immediate, effective, and sustainable support to communities in need by harnessing the energy and commitment of dedicated volunteers
• AmeriCares is a nonprofit emergency response and global health organization that delivers medical and humanitarian aid to people in need worldwide
• Dream Foundation® enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness by fulfilling a heart's final wish
• FIRST® inspires young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership
• Miracle Flights for Kids® helps fly children who are struggling with serious cancers and other debilitating diseases to specialized medical treatment centers across the U.S.
• Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams
• The Mission Continues empowers veterans to serve in new ways at home so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service
• The Student Conservation Association builds the next generation of conservation leaders and inspires lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land
• The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars provides students with transformational experiences that foster academic and professional achievement, leadership, and civic engagement

To learn more about Southwest Airlines' commitment to the community, please visit southwest.com/citizenship.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate nearly 3,600 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, subject to government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity while over the United States that enables video-on-demand and a free, live TV offering of 13 channels compliments of DISH.  Bags Fly Free® at Southwest Airlines (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

ABOUT #GivingTuesday

December 2, 2014, follows the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, kicking off the holiday giving season with a global day dedicated to charitable giving, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities.  Now in its third year, #GivingTuesday is a worldwide movement that celebrates the power of giving in all its forms.  This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners – charities, families, businesses and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.  #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media to create a global moment that is dedicated to giving around the world.  #GivingTuesday was founded by 92nd Street Y and is spearheaded in tandem with the support of the United Nations Foundation. A team of recognized experts and influencers, initially convened by leaders of 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation and supported by a core group of founding partners, originally spearheaded this effort. The founding partners in 2012 included Blackbaud, CECP, charity: water, GlobalGiving, Groupon, Kiva, Microsoft, Pvblic Foundation, (RED), and Unilever, United Nations Development Programme, among many others.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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