Southwest Airlines Implements New Policy for Portable Charger Safety

Southwest Airlines, founded in 1966 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King and incorporated in 1967 as Air Southwest Co., began operations in 1971 with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three Texas cities: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio[1][3][4]. It was established to provide low-cost, no-frills air travel, pioneering a business model focused on efficiency, customer service, and cost control that revolutionized the airline industry[1][6]. The airline’s early years were marked by fierce legal battles and competition, yet by 1973, Southwest posted its first profit and rapidly grew its passenger base while driving down costs[2]. Southwest was the first major airline to offer ticketless travel in 1994 and launched one of the earliest airline websites in 1995, embracing technology early to improve customer convenience[1]. It expanded beyond Texas steadily, topping domestic passenger rankings in 2003, and extended service internationally starting in 2014 with flights to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Aruba, later adding Hawaii in 2019[1]. Southwest Airlines is notable for its strong corporate culture emphasizing employee-first policies and a fun, customer-friendly atmosphere. This culture, shaped by founders Kelleher and King, has fostered high employee engagement and loyalty over decades[3][6]. The airline’s strategy of operating a single aircraft type, the Boeing 737, has enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings, a key to its long-term success[1]. Currently, Southwest operates over 4,000 daily flights, employs more than 72,000 people, and trades publicly on the NYSE under the symbol "LUV," having paid 185 consecutive quarterly dividends as of 2025[1]. It remains a major player in U.S. domestic and international air travel, known for its low fares, operational reliability, and innovative use of technology in customer service[1][6][9]. Southwest’s combination of visionary leadership