✈️ June 18, 1971 – Southwest Airlines Takes Off

Southwest Airlines started flying between Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston with just three planes, upending the airline business with low fares, fast turnarounds, and a playful culture. The airline’s model made air travel accessible to millions and forced the entire industry to evolve.

Southwest didn’t just cut costs - it broke the mold for what an airline could be. By focusing on short-haul routes, flying only one aircraft type (the Boeing 737), and minimizing overhead, Southwest made its operation both simple and efficient. The company’s irreverent spirit - free bags, open seating, and jokes from flight attendants - helped build fierce loyalty and set new expectations for customer service in a notoriously stiff industry.

Interesting Fact:Southwest’s ticker is “LUV,” named after Dallas Love Field and the cheeky, customer-first vibe the airline embraced from day one.