SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EARNS TOP SCORE ON HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION'S 2022 CORPORATE EQUALITY INDEX

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) proudly announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Southwest Airlines^® joins the ranks of over 840 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.

"At Southwest Airlines, it's important that every single Employee feels welcomed and accepted when they come to work each day," said Juan Suarez, Southwest Airlines' Vice President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). "We are proud of this recognition for our continued commitment to equality by being named in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the eighth consecutive year."

"When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically," said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training. "We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to Southwest Airlines for achieving the title of 'Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality' and working to advance inclusion in the workplace."

The results of the 2022 CEI showcase how 1,271 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 56% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Southwest Airlines' efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria earned a 100% ranking and the designation as one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality."

Southwest Airlines believes training and development are powerful tools for progress and change. It's all part of fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and supported—behaviors consistent with its Company Values and DEI promise of Team, value, and respect. Join the carrier's Talent Community to stay up to date on job opportunities from the Company where equality is at the Heart.

ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public's understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 55,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years³ of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest continues to develop tangible steps toward an environmental sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering an opportunity for Customers to contribute toward helping Southwest offset its carbon emissions. For more information, please visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon. Learn more at Southwest.com/citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.  

^{1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded 
2) fulltime-equivalent active Employees  
3) 1972-2019 annual profitability} 

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.