Southwest Airlines
Home / Southwest Airlines
About Southwest Airlines
The vision for Southwest Airlines was sketched out on a cocktail napkin. After many legal hurdles were cleared, Southwest began service in 1971. Passengers responded positively to the airline and its $20 fares. Routes expanded from Texas, reaching the coast in the 1980s. Growth continued in the decades following, with destinations spanning the United States from coast to coast.
Southwest is known for its 737 fleet, low fares, quick turns and corporate culture. Today, the airline serves approximately 121 airports across 11 countries.
Sources:
Southwest Airlines – History
2023 Southwest Airlines Performance
Overall AQR Rank
5th
Baggage Service
6th
On-Time Arrivals
9th
Fewest Denied Boardings
6th
Customer Satisfaction
Data for all criteria is drawn from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s monthly Air Travel Consumer Report.
Customer Reactions
Share your Southwest Airlines experience. Summarize your flight or highlight an interesting detail.
Please note: Customer Reactions do not factor into the Airline Quality Rating report.
