Solar Eclipse From The Heart: Southwest Offers Celestial Chasers Flights With Flare

DALLAS, July 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today celebrated the beginning of a one-month countdown to an exciting moment in the lives of millions of Americans: a total solar eclipse visible in a coast-to-coast celestial shadow that temporarily will envelop Southwest cities from Portland, Ore., to Charleston, SC. The carrier has identified scheduled flights most likely to experience maximum effects of the August 21^st eclipse and will give Customers on those flights commemorative 'flare,' including special viewing glasses, will offer cosmic cocktails, and will engage on social media across the atmosphere on Southwest's gate-to-gate WiFi.

"Not to throw too much shade but with 3,857 flights scheduled to operate that day using our all-Boeing 737 fleet, we'll be unmatched in offering hundreds of seats in the air over the continental U.S. that morning with a potential view of the rare sight," said Warren Qualley, Manager Meteorology for Southwest. "We plan to showcase the glow of our everyday Hospitality in a different light on these celebratory flights in our summer flight schedule and our team of Meteorologists is working hard to provide clear viewing of this solar spectacle from our flights! The next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. won't occur until Apr. 8^th, 2024, so don't miss this opportunity!"

*Looking directly at the sun is never recommended, but one can safely observe an eclipse with specialty-rated solar filters.  

Network & Schedule Planners modeled the operational day against projections of the umbra and penumbra--shadows cast by the moon's eclipse of the sun. On August 21, the scheduled Southwest flights with the greatest likelihood of offering those in the air the best view are:

To book any open seats on the 3,857 Southwest flights scheduled to operate on Aug. 21, 2017, or any day through March 7, 2018, Customers may visit Southwest.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 47th 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 55,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals. On Sept. 5, 2017, Southwest will cease service to Varadero and Santa Clara to concentrate its future Cuba service in Havana.

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 nearly 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. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who 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 44 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 2016 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.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.