Spirit Magazine - August 2013 - (Page 12)

As summer draws to a close, one of my favorite seasons is upon us: football season! I know many of our Employees and Customers are passionate about sports, and football seems to rule this time of year, as teams wrap up training and prepare to take the field for preseason games. At Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways, we are a Team—and while we don’t strap on helmets and pads, we are united, like all great Teams, by a singular Purpose. Our Purpose is to connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and lowcost air travel, and our success is dependent on our ability to execute and fulfill that Purpose. The key to execution is Teamwork, and I am Customer Service in Action I received a commendation recently from a Customer who traveled with us to orlando. her son was scheduled to pick her up, but he had a conflict and couldn’t make it. one of our Flight attendants learned the Customer’s son lived in Satellite Beach—an hour-and-a-half drive from the airport. It just so happens that’s where our Flight attendant was headed, and she insisted on taking the Customer to the son’s house. this kind of generosity and thoughtfulness is characteristic of Southwest employees, and I could not be prouder or more appreciative of all they do every day to take care of our Customers. so fortunate to be a part of the most successful Team in the history of commercial aviation. The numbers don’t lie: We have been profitable for 40 consecutive years—a record unmatched and unheard of in our industry; we consistently rank first in Customer Service according to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics; we’re an Employer of choice, and we’ve never reduced our Employees’ pay or benefits; and we consistently make Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies list, ranking tenth in 2012. I mention those accolades not to brag, but simply to show what can be accomplished when a Team of 46,000-plus Employees pulls together to deliver on a common Purpose. We will work to keep our costs low, thereby passing the savings on to our Customers in the form of low fares. We will not nickel-and-dime our Customers. We are committed to providing you the best Customer Experience in the business. We will do our best to make the airport experience smooth, convenient, and pleasant. And our Team is committed to getting you to your destination ontime, with your bag, and with a smile. I’ve been privileged to be part of the Southwest Team for 27 years. Southwest has the heart of a champion and a passion for Teamwork and serving you, our valued Customers. Here’s to another great season! Gary Kelly Chairman, President, and CEO Southwest Airlines 12 spirit august 2013 PhotograPhy By Dan SellerS Gary’s Greeting The Power of Teamwork

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - August 2013

Spirit Magazine - August 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Wise Guide
Business
The Greatest Show on Turf
Flipped Out
Your Adventure In Grand Rapids
Life Adventure In Grand Rapids
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - August 2013