Southwest Airlines Says Thank You With Special Fares for U.S. Military
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) thanks U.S. troops for their commitment to our country by offering special discounted military fares, available system wide from all Southwest cities.
Because we realize that U.S. soldiers and their families need flexibility, these fares can be purchased for one-way travel, are valid for travel any day of the week, and can be purchased with as little as one day's advance notice. Plus, these special military fares do not require an overnight stay and start at just $47 one way.
"We support our troops and their families, and we want to help them reunite as easily as possible," said Keith Taylor, Southwest Airlines vice president of revenue management. "It's also an opportunity for the men and women of the armed services to get away for some well-deserved R&R."
Examples of special military fares are as follows: between Los Angeles and Seattle, $128 one-way; between Baltimore/Washington and Norfolk, $47 one-way; between San Diego and Phoenix, $47 one-way; between Oakland and Salt Lake City, $79 one-way; between Austin and New Orleans, $110 one-way; and between Philadelphia and Orlando, $108 one-way.
Fares are valid for purchase beginning May 5, 2004, for travel from May 6, 2004 through Oct. 29, 2004. Tickets must be purchased within one day of making reservations and at least one day before departure. Fares may be combined with any other one-way or roundtrip fare, but the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.10 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges of up to $9.00 one-way or federal September 11th Security Fees of up to $5.00 one-way. Tickets are nonrefundable but (except for tickets purchased through our Group Tickets program) may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Seats are limited and may not be available on some flights that operate during peak or holiday travel times. Fares are subject to change until ticketed, and any change in itinerary could result in an increase in the fare.
The sale is available only to U.S. military active duty personnel, their dependents, and U.S. military who have been discharged from active military duty and complete their travel within seven days of discharge. All standard military identification requirements and policies apply. A military passenger or military dependent passenger of at least 12 years of age must accompany dependents ages two to 11. Tickets may not be purchased with a government travel request. Military personnel must present a valid active duty identification card or a copy of discharge orders. Dependents must present uniform services dependent identification and a privilege card marked active.
Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve bestowed Southwest Airlines with the 2001 Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is presented annually by the Secretary of Defense, and recognizes the nation's top Companies that provide outstanding support to their National Guard and Reserve Employees, that is above and beyond what is required by law. The ESGR again honored Southwest Airlines in 2003 for its commitment and support to the airline's Employees that serve in the National Guard and Reserve. At the height of the recent conflict, Southwest Airlines had 173 Employees called to serve, many of whom remain on military leave.
SOURCE Southwest Airlines