DALLAS, Dec. 5, 2016
/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV)
announced today it has been recognized as a "Best Place to Work for
LGBT Equality" after receiving a rating of 100 from the Human
Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation on the 2017 Corporate Equality
Index (CEI). This is Southwest's second consecutive year with a
rating of 100.
"Southwest Airlines is proud to be named as a Best Place to Work
for LGBT Equality for the second year in a row," said Ellen
Torbert, Vice President Diversity and Inclusion at Southwest
Airlines. "We are dedicated to continuing to provide our LGBT
Employees—and all of our Employees—with a great work environment
where they can not only be themselves; they are celebrated for
being themselves."
This recognition reflects Southwest's continuous efforts to put
Employees first, offer great benefits, and positively impact the
communities the airline serves. Southwest Airlines has been a
longtime supporter of the LGBT community and is proud of the
continued community relationships it has with organizations that
are working hard to make a positive difference in the lives of the
LGBT community.
The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which
evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including
non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner
benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency
programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.
For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to
download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
ABOUT HRC
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the
educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization
working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender
and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are
embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every
community.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 46th 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 53,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers
annually. Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day
during peak travel season across a network of 99 destinations in
the United States and eight
additional countries with additional Cuba service to Havana, Cuba, beginning Dec. 12, 2016, and Santa Clara beginning
Dec. 15, 2016.
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 nearly 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. The airline
proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new
logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and
Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated
airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees who 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 2015 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.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.