Southwest Airlines Joins TSA Pre Check™

DALLAS, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the busy holiday season, Southwest Airlines announced today the airline will officially join the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) expedited screening program known as TSA Pre Check™.  Beginning immediately, select Rapid Rewards Customers will be able to use dedicated security checkpoint lanes for TSA Pre Check™ benefits. The expedited screening process allows Customers to leave on shoes, light outerwear, and belts as well as keep laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their bags.

"We carry more Customers in the U.S. than any other airline, and they are going to love the benefits of TSA Pre Check™," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board. "TSA Pre Check™ is convenient, it saves Customers time, and it enhances the overall Customer Experience—something we are always striving to do at Southwest Airlines."

Select Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Members will be invited to opt in to the TSA Pre Check™ program. They were chosen through a process where the criteria was established by TSA. Passengers who are already enrolled in other trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, will be able to use their Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights on southwest.com. Those selected for TSA Pre Check™, will see "TSA PRE" printed on their boarding passes. This is the indication that they are eligible for TSA Pre Check™ expedited screening.

The TSA is rolling out TSA Pre Check™ lanes at airports across the country. Currently, 100 U.S. airports have established TSA Pre Check™ lanes. The highly popular program is an intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security focusing on pre-screening passengers who volunteer to participate in the program.

"Working with Southwest Airlines to offer TSA Pre Check™ underscores our commitment to increase the number of Americans eligible for expedited screening, while protecting the traveling public," said John S. Pistole, TSA Administrator. "Expanding TSA Pre Check™ to additional carriers and airports gives us the opportunity to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way possible."

The number of participating security checkpoints will grow in the coming months. For a list of participating airports visit Southwest.com/tsaprecheck.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 43^rd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, and including wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways, operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 96 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet.  The 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

ABOUT TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation's transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation's airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. TSA's workforce comprises approximately 50,000 frontline officers who screen approximately 1.8 million travelers each day at more than 450 airports nationwide. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at www.TSA.gov.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.