DALLAS, April 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) loyalty program, Rapid Rewards®, has been
named Program of the Year for the Americas by the Freddie Awards,
one of the most prestigious honors for loyalty programs in the
travel industry. Rapid Rewards was also recognized as Best Customer
Service at InsideFlyer magazine's 28th annual
Freddie Awards ceremony yesterday in Las
Vegas.
"We constantly strive to provide our loyal Customers with the
best program, so to receive the official title of the Program of
the Year means a lot to us," said Jonathan
Clarkson, Southwest's Senior Director of Loyalty,
Partnerships, & Products. "Our Customer-focused loyalty program
offers a unique combination of Customer Service, award
availability, and program value. We're proud Customers continue to
come back for more."
For the fourth consecutive year, Rapid Rewards, which was
relaunched in 2011, won the Freddie awards for Best Customer
Service. This is the first time the loyalty program has been voted
Program of the Year since it's relaunch.
Introduced in 1988, the Freddie Awards give voice to the
frequent flyer and honor the most respected travel loyalty programs
in the world. Nearly three million ballots are cast annually as
travelers vote for the program they feel provided the best value
and services during the previous year. The 28th annual
Freddie Awards ceremony took place in Las
Vegas on April 28, 2016.
Visit Rapid Rewards for information on the
program and the latest offer.
ABOUT RAPID REWARDS
Originally launched in 1987, Rapid Rewards Members who once
earned credits can now earn points by flying or through qualifying
purchases with our Partners. Members can redeem their points for
every seat, every day, on every flight with absolutely no blackout
dates or seat restrictions, and points won't expire as long as
Members have earning activity within a 24-month time period. Points
are earned for every dollar spent on Southwest® flights, and the
amount of points earned is based on the fare and fare product
purchased. The number of Rapid Rewards Points that are needed to
redeem for flights varies based on factors such as destination,
time, day of travel, and availability. Rapid Rewards Points are
also earned by spending with a variety of Rapid Rewards Partners.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their points for
expanded international travel, gift cards, hotels, car rentals,
merchandise, and more. Learn more about the program by visiting the
Rapid Rewards web site.
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
509,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers
annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97
destinations across the United
States and 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.
From its first flights on June 18,
1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented
affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and
increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new
markets. With 43 consecutive years of profitability,
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. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online
at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-rapid-rewards-program-named-program-of-the-year-at-the-28th-annual-freddie-awards-300260077.html
SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.