Core Insights - Southwest Airlines has introduced its first assigned seating, with ticket sales starting for flights from January 27, 2024, with prices varying based on route, travel dates, and seat selection [2][3] Pricing and Ticket Classes - A roundtrip ticket in the "Choice" class from Denver to Orlando for Presidents Day is priced at $692, with additional fees for preferred seating ranging from $41 to $46 [3][5] - Extra-legroom seats are priced at $96, while the "Choice Preferred" ticket includes preferred row seats and the "Choice Extra" ticket offers extra-legroom seats along with a complimentary premium beverage [4][5] Changes in Business Model - Southwest Airlines is moving away from its traditional business model, which included open seating and free checked bags, to adopt practices similar to its competitors, who have profited significantly from bag and seat fees [6][7] - The airline's first bag fees were introduced in late May, charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, aligning with industry standards [8] Revenue Expectations - The airline anticipates a positive impact on revenue in Q1 2024 due to the assigned seating, which is expected to encourage upgrades from basic economy to Choice tickets [9] - Major U.S. carriers generated $12.4 billion in assigned-seating fees from 2018 to 2023, highlighting the revenue potential Southwest aims to tap into [7] Customer Loyalty Programs - Frequent flyers with elite status will receive complimentary access to extra-legroom and preferred seats, along with two free checked bags, enhancing customer loyalty [10]

Core Insights - Rakesh Gangwal has decided to step down from his role as Chair at Southwest Airlines, but will remain a member of the Board, indicating a transition in leadership while maintaining continuity [1] - Elliott Investment Management expresses gratitude for Gangwal's leadership during a transformational period for Southwest Airlines and remains confident in the company's future trajectory [1] Company Overview - Southwest Airlines is undergoing significant changes in leadership, with the departure of its independent Chair, which may impact its strategic direction [1] - Elliott Investment Management, managing approximately $72.7 billion in assets, is a significant stakeholder in Southwest Airlines, indicating strong institutional support for the company's long-term value creation plans [2]

Leadership Change - Rakesh Gangwal辞去西南航空公司董事长职务[1] - Gangwal在激进投资者要求对其商业模式和领导层进行全面改革后一年辞职[1]

Leadership Changes - Rakesh Gangwal steps down as independent Chair of Southwest Airlines, effective August 1, 2025, due to additional time commitments unrelated to the company [1] - Doug Brooks is appointed as the new independent Chair of the Board, effective August 1, 2025 [1] - Gangwal will serve as Chair of the newly formed Fleet Oversight Committee and continue on the Finance Committee and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee [1] Business Transformation - Southwest Airlines has implemented a significant overhaul of its business model within a year, aimed at benefiting all stakeholders [2] - Bob Jordan and the management team are credited for unlocking value during this transformation [2] - Doug Brooks expresses honor in leading the Board during this evolutionary time and emphasizes the Board's role in overseeing strategic priorities and financial performance [2] Doug Brooks' Background - Doug Brooks has been a Director of Southwest Airlines since 2010 and has a history of leadership roles, including Chairman, President, and CEO of Brinker International, Inc. [2] - Under Brooks' leadership at Brinker, the company focused on portfolio optimization and achieved significant shareholder returns [2] - Brooks also serves on the Professional Advisory Board of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital [2] Company Overview - Southwest Airlines operates one of the most admired airlines, serving 117 airports across 11 countries [3] - The airline aims to provide friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel, carrying more air travelers flying nonstop within the U.S. than any other airline [3] - The company employs over 71,000 full-time equivalent active employees as of March 31, 2025, and served over 140 million customers in 2024 [3][4]

Core Points - Southwest Airlines Co. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share [1] - The dividend is for shareholders of record at the close of business on September 3, 2025 [1] - The payment date for the dividend is set for September 24, 2025 [1]

To celebrate this launch, Peet's and Southwest will host an immersive, co-branded event at Peet's East 8th Street location in Chicago on Aug. 15-16 during regular coffee bar hours. Timed to coincide with the city's iconic Air and Water Show, the activation invites travelers and locals to experience the partnership through interactive elements, product sampling, and brand storytelling. About Peet's Coffee Hot News: Peet's Coffee Takes to the Skies With Southwest Airlines as Their Official Inflight Coffee Par ...

DALLAS, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) Customers have more choice from booking to arrival beginning today with assigned and premium seating available for purchase at Southwest.com®. In addition, the airline's previously announced service to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands is now on sale. The Choice is Yours The reimagined Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase now make everyday spending and flying even more rewarding. For a limited time, new Southwest Rap ...

Group 1 - Morgan Stanley has adjusted its ratings for the airline sector, believing that American Airlines (AAL.US), Delta Air Lines (DAL.US), and United Airlines (UAL.US) have gained a competitive edge over low-cost carriers [2] - Analyst Jamie Baker noted that the revenue guidance for the three major airlines is significantly stronger, and profit margins are steadily increasing [2] - The remaining three catalysts in the industry are seen as unfavorable for low-cost airlines, as their business model requires ample funding, sufficient aircraft, and enough pilots [2] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley downgraded Frontier Airlines (ULCC.US) from "Overweight" to "Neutral" due to ongoing adverse factors facing low-cost carriers [2] - Southwest Airlines (LUV.US) was also downgraded from "Overweight" to "Neutral," despite its strong profitability record and loyal customer base, due to recent operational issues affecting stock prices and investor patience [2] - The outlook for airlines entering international markets is expected to outperform Southwest Airlines in the short term [2] Group 3 - Morgan Stanley upgraded American Airlines from "Neutral" to "Overweight," anticipating that revenue performance will boost earnings per share in 2024 [3] - The forecast for 2024 earnings per share was raised from $2.50 to $3.00 [3] - The key reason for the rating upgrade is the current importance of revenue momentum and profit margins favoring the three major airlines, along with reduced concerns regarding balance sheets [3]

Incident Summary - Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 experienced a near mid-air collision, prompting a dramatic dive to avoid another aircraft [1][2] - The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Burbank, en route to Las Vegas [3] - Flight tracking data indicates the plane dove approximately 500 feet before recovering [3] - An onboard alert system prevented a collision by warning the pilots of another aircraft's proximity [2][4] Impact and Response - Two flight attendants were injured during the sudden maneuver, with one requiring hospitalization [3][4] - Passengers reported experiencing a frightening drop, initially fearing engine failure or a crash [5] - The pilot explained the collision avoidance maneuver, reassuring passengers after the event [6] - The FAA is investigating why air traffic control did not separate the two aircraft sooner [2][7] Safety and Regulatory Concerns - The onboard alert system is considered the last line of defense in preventing mid-air collisions [7] - The incident adds to growing anxieties regarding air safety [8]

Safety Concerns & Incident Details - Near collision occurred near Burbank, California between Southwest Flight 1496 and a privately-owned Hawker Hunter [1] - Southwest pilot forced to dive approximately 500 feet to avoid collision [1] - Two flight attendants were injured, with one requiring hospitalization [2] - Pilots cited onboard alerts from the plane's Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) as the reason for the maneuver [3] Investigation & Responsibility - FAA and NTSB are investigating why air traffic controllers didn't sound alarms before the near collision [1][5] - Questions raised about whether air traffic control should have issued a warning before the TCAS activation [4] - It is currently undetermined who is responsible for the incident [3] Historical Context - The incident occurred 6 months after a crash near DC between a military chopper and a passenger jet that resulted in 67 fatalities [4] - NTSB is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the previous crash next week [5]