OREANDA-NEWS. March 24, 2016. Southwest Airlines Co.®(NYSE: LUV) announced today that it ranked #13 of the 500 companies on Forbes' List of Best Employers for 2016. This is the second year of the Forbes' List of Best Employers, with Southwest® moving up from 18 in 2015.

"This ranking is really a recognition of the Employees of Southwest Airlines and the passion they show every day for offering the best in Hospitality to our Customers and to each other," said Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "I consider myself fortunate to be a part of the Southwest Family, where my Fellow Employees are invested in a common goal, which is to connect people to what's important in their lives…they've made it a calling and it's terrific to be a part of such a strong Team."

America's Best Employers are chosen by Forbes based on an independent survey from a vast sample of 30,000 American employees working for large or midsize companies. The employees participated anonymously through several online panels so they could openly state an opinion without influence from their employer. The survey has been conducted on companies from all industry sectors employing more than 1,000 employees in the United States. The recommended employers have been grouped into one or more of 25 industry sectors. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines(NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United Statesand seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

Based on the U.S.Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency?, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay 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 airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.