DALLAS, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced plans to keep
middle seats open through at least September
30, reinforced its face mask policy and added another layer
of confidence for travelers by requiring Customers to complete a
Health Declaration prior to traveling.
As Customers begin to travel again, Southwest also launched a
sale offering low domestic fares starting at $49 one-way to select destinations today through
June 18, 2020, 11:59 p.m., CDT.
Examples of Southwest Airlines' low fares:
- As low as $49 one-way nonstop
between St. Louis
and Nashville
- As low as $49 one-way nonstop
between Chicago (MDW)
and Minneapolis
- As low as $79 one-way nonstop
between Oakland and
Seattle
- As low as $99 one-way nonstop
between Denver and Phoenix, and
- As low as $109 one-way nonstop
between Houston (HOU)
and Baltimore
Both the number of seats and days of week of these fares are
limited. Blackout dates also apply. See complete fare rules, terms
and conditions below.
The Southwest Promise outlines policies and protocols designed
to further the comfort of Customers and Employees throughout their
travel journeys. The carrier has bolstered communication of its
round-the-clock cleaning efforts and distancing protocols through
new videos that overview the travel journey of Southwest Customers
through airports and onboard. Today, we are announcing additional
enhancements to the Southwest Promise.
MIDDLE SEATS OPEN THROUGH AT LEAST SEPTEMBER 30
Employee and Customer Safety is, and always will be, the
carrier's top priority from check-in to deplaning the aircraft.
Today, Southwest announced that middle seats will remain open
through at least September 30, 2020,
to provide Customers more personal space onboard and promote
physical-distancing.
Customers may still pick their own seat, and Southwest will not
block or direct seating. In the open seating environment, families
or those traveling together may sit together.
SOUTHWEST HEALTH DECLARATION
Southwest is announcing an additional element of the Southwest
Promise by introducing a Customer Health Declaration which must be
acknowledged during online check-in beginning on June 16. Customers will now be required to
acknowledge an awareness of the carrier's face covering policy and
confirm they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been
diagnosed with, or exposed, to COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to
travel. They will also have to confirm they do not have a fever
when they travel. The declaration will appear during the online
check-in process via the Southwest app, Southwest.com, SWABIZ.com,
and the carrier's mobile website.
"The introduction of the Customer Health Declaration is an
additional layer offered by our Southwest Promise. As part of this
commitment, Southwest is performing enhanced cleanings and giving
special attention to our airport locations and aircraft to support
Customer and Employee well-being. Now, we ask that our Customers
join us in these efforts by acknowledging their personal wellness
prior to flying with us," said Tony
Roach, Managing Director, Southwest Customer Experience.
"When Customers are ready to fly again, the Southwest Team is ready
to welcome them with our ongoing commitment to safety and comfort,
paired with our low fares."
In addition to the Customer Health Declaration, Customers will
notice these Southwest Promise highlights the next time they
fly:
- Boarding in groups of 10 to allow for distancing and queuing
only on one side of boarding poles
- Airport signage and floor markers encouraging distance
throughout gate areas
- Plexiglas® at ticketing and gate counters, and baggage service
offices
- If Customers forget a face covering, a mask will be
provided
- Hand sanitizer will be available in airport locations
REQUIREMENT FOR FACE COVERINGS OR MASKS
In May, Southwest began requiring Customers and Employees to
wear face coverings or masks while in airports and onboard
Southwest aircraft. During this pandemic, the airline asks that
individuals comply with the policy out of respect for the
well-being and comfort of fellow travelers and all those who are
serving Southwest Customers. As part of this ongoing policy,
Southwest will deny boarding to any Customer choosing not to wear a
face covering or mask while traveling. Southwest's Ground
Operations Team and Flight Attendants will make announcements to
remind Customers of this requirement throughout the travel journey
and will have masks available, upon Customer request. Additionally,
the carrier is notifying Customers of the policy in advance of
travel dates and requiring acknowledgement of the policy via the
new Customer Health Declaration Form.
Southwest has published more about the Southwest Promise and
Health Declaration at www.swamedia.com.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SALE FARE RULES
A 14-day advance purchase required. Purchase June 16--18, 2020, 11:59
p.m. Central Time. Continental U.S. and San Juan, Puerto Rico travel is valid
June 30 through Dec. 3, 2020.
International travel is valid July 1 through
Dec. 9, 2020. Continental U.S. travel is blacked out
Nov. 25 & 28-30, 2020. Except as
otherwise specified, continental U.S. travel is not valid on
Fridays and Sundays. Displayed prices include all U.S. and
international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not
include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at
least $5.60 per one-way flight. Fares
not available to/from continental U.S. to/from Hawaii. Seats and days are limited. Fares may
vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available
on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and
holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away
fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines®
combinable fares. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward
future travel on Southwest Airlines, as long as reservations are
canceled at least ten minutes prior to scheduled departure. Standby
travel may require an upgrade to an Anytime fare, depending on
Rapid Rewards® tier status. Fares are subject to change until
ticketed. This offer applies only to published, scheduled service.
To view the full list of available cities and prices, and to take
advantage of Southwest's fare sale,
visit Southwest.com.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 49th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines
Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air
carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than
60,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 130 million passengers
in 2019. Southwest became the nation's largest domestic air carrier
in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on the U.S. Department of
Transportation's most recent reporting of domestic originating
passengers boarded. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest
operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101
destinations in the United States
and 10 additional countries.
Southwest coined Transfarency® to
describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and
fairly, and low fares actually staying 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 carriers offer free checked bags on
select routes or in qualified circumstances), and there are no
change fees, though fare differences might apply.
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. Learn more about how the carrier gives
back to communities across the world by visiting
Southwest.com/citizenship.
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.