Southwest Airlines Recognized Amongst Most Valuable Employers For Military®

"We're honored to be a Most Valuable Employer for Military, and immensely proud of the 6,800 veterans currently in our ranks at Southwest Airlines," said Julie Weber, Vice President People at Southwest Airlines. "This recognition is a testament to our veterans and their incredible Warrior Spirit. And, like our military men and women, our sights are on a bigger cause—a commitment to continuing to grow the number of veterans in our workforce."

The 2016 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military presented by DeVry University was open to all United States-based companies. Winners were selected based on surveys in which employers outlined their recruiting, training, and retention plans for military service members and veterans. MVEs are recognized in the month of May to help honor Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2016.

This recognition underscores Southwest's continuous efforts to hire and retain the nation's military members. The Company actively seeks military talent through career fairs and military job boards, and partners with organizations to help veterans transition from the military and find meaningful employment. The airline offers a Military Appreciation Program to express gratitude and admiration for Employees who serve in U.S. military services through affiliation with the National Guard or Reserve Forces.

Southwest Airlines has 12 national sponsorships with military-focused nonprofit organizations. Military-focused organizations are strategically chosen to represent a variety of services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, and represent the second-largest focus area of charitable contributions. In 2015, the Company volunteered nearly 5,400 hours for veteran and military causes. This allowed Employees to donate nearly 110 roundtrip tickets to military-focused nonprofit organizations through volunteer service. The airline's total investment to military causes in 2015 was more than $1 million in cash and tickets.  

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 50,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries, with service to Long Beach, California, beginning June 5, 2016, and has more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

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, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

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

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

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