Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) heard that U.S. troops are coming home from the Middle East for well deserved R&R, and it wants to take U.S. troops the rest of the way home. Special military fares usually made available to military personnel during the holidays are being made available immediately for travel with no advanced purchase restrictions from Baltimore/Washington International airport to destinations throughout the Southwest system. These walk-up fares also are fully refundable.
“We want our service men and women to get home as quickly and as hassle- free as possible because we know their time is limited,” said Joyce Rogge, Southwest`s senior vice president of marketing. “We are overjoyed that our soldiers have this opportunity to visit their loved ones, and we are gratified to help in this way.”
Examples of holiday military fares are as follows: between Baltimore/Washington and Norfolk, $57 one-way; between Baltimore/Washington and Chicago, $117 one-way; and between Baltimore/Washington and Nashville, $87 one-way.
The special military fares require reservations and are valid for travel from Sept. 27, 2003, through Jan. 7, 2004. No advance purchase is required, and the tickets are fully refundable. The last day to purchase tickets is Jan. 7, 2004, and fares are subject to change until ticketed. Seats are limited and will not be available on some flights. Standby travel is not permitted. The fares are valid for active military personnel and their dependents. Standard military identification requirements and policies apply. Special military fares do not necessarily reflect the lowest fares available between two cities, so Customers are encouraged to inquire about all available fares for their travel itineraries. Fares can be purchased one-way and can be combined with other fares. When combining fares, the most restrictive conditions apply. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares do not include up to a $3 segment fee. Fares do not include airport- assessed passenger facility charges of up to $9 one-way or federal September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way per person.
Southwest Airlines was recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in 2003 for its commitment and support of the airline`s Employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. At the height of the recent conflict, Southwest Airlines had 173 Employees called to serve, 140 of who remain on military leave.
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