CVV News l August 16, 2023
he western slope of the island of Maui, Hawaii, particularly evident in the historic town of Lahaina, continues to recover from the destruction and displacement of devastating wildfires. In the days following the destruction, Southwest launched a robust plan to support our Employees, Customers, and organized relief under the direction of the State of Hawaii. Our support has included adding service each day, financial assistance and in-kind donation of tickets, shipments of critical items through Southwest Cargo, transportation of critical workers such as law enforcement officers and firefighters, and a relief transport to bring needed capacity to animal shelters.
Southwest is the second-largest air carrier in Hawaii, and we offer more than 90 flights a day that touch the Hawaiian Islands. Of those, 60 operate on interisland routes. Since the onset of the crisis, Southwest has continually added service each day both on routes across the Pacific and within the state to help move people, pets, and critical supplies.
- Southwest initially introduced a $19 interisland fare, and we lowered our pet fare to $1 to facilitate evacuation.
- We are known for our flexible policies and are offering additional flexibility for travel to the area most affected by the Maui wildfires, allowing Customers with reservations involving travel to, from, or through Kahului (Maui) to alter travel plans and rebook with no fare differences.
Supporting the Community
With hundreds of Employees in the Hawaiian Islands and standing relationships with dozens of community organizations across the Aloha State, Southwest is directing our support, and that of our Customers and Employees, to the local and national agencies coordinating in the overall, concerted, and organized effort to deliver both urgent and long-term support.
- In the early days of the emergency response, Southwest donated more than $100,000 in cash and air travel.
- We provided complementary Southwest Cargo transportation of crucial supplies, including shipments of Employee-donated items that local organizations have asked for and can receive and distribute.
- Additionally, we are sending extra water and snacks onboard Southwest west coast flights arriving at OGG.
Southwest’s trusted local partner organizations include:
- The Maui Foodbank
- The Maui Relief Fund
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
- Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund
Southwest also partners with trusted global organizations that provide relief for communities impacted by disasters:
- The American Red Cross
- Team Rubicon
- Airlink
Southwest is coordinating with Hawaii law enforcement and local firefighting agencies, transporting more than 30 volunteer firefighters every two days to provide a continual shuttle of fresh responders on the frontline of critical relief. Our work and partnerships will continue as we support long-term recovery efforts.
Our Hearts are with the people of Hawaii and the communities that are affected by the wildfires, and we have many efforts underway across the Company to offer our assistance and support in the island’s long-term recovery.
Southwest Airlines Launches New Fare Enhancements: Same-Day Standby for Wanna Get Away® and Free Inflight Internet for Business Select®
CVV News l August 16, 2023
ast year, Southwest Airlines added Wanna Get Away Plus and Transferable Flight Credit™ to our fare lineup as new benefits for Customers.
Now, we’re introducing more fare enhancements as part of our ongoing commitment to provide Customers with more choices, more flexibility, and more value when they fly Southwest.
What’s Changing
Today, Southwest adds two new benefits to our fares, including making same-day standby a benefit for Customers traveling on Wanna Get Away fares and introducing a capability for Customers to list for standby online or the Southwest app.
Previously, Rapid Rewards Tier Members and Customers traveling on Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fares have flexibility to list on a different flight free of charge on their day of travel. This new offering expands the benefit to all Southwest Customers.
We’re also offering free Inflight Internet for Customers who purchase a Business Select fare.
A-List Preferred Customers already receive free Inflight Internet, and Customers who purchase Business Select fares now have the ability to connect up to three devices per leg for free with this offering.
We are continuing to enhance our self-service offerings with these changes to create more space for Southwest’s Legendary Hospitality. This aligns with and adds to our signature, flexible, and transparent approach to travel, which includes two free checked bags, no change fees, and flight credits that don’t expire.
Visit Southwest.com for more on our fares.