SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES FLIGHT PATH PLANS FOR 2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE

Southwest Airlines is taking flight enthusiasts to new heights by announcing its plans for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Building up the excitement, the airline celebrated today’s annular solar eclipse with a countdown to the next celestial event. Southwest Airlines, known for its friendly service and low-cost air travel, is offering customers the opportunity to witness this breathtaking phenomenon from the sky.

The path of totality for the 2024 eclipse will traverse several U.S. states where Southwest operates, including Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Texas, among others. Leveraging their expertise, Southwest’s Meteorology and Network Planning Teams have identified the best opportunities for passengers to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring sight.

David Dillahunt, Chief Meteorologist at Southwest Airlines, expressed his excitement, stating, “Today’s annular solar eclipse was an exciting sneak-peak of the total solar eclipse occurring next year, and our Meteorology and Network Planning Teams identified the best opportunities for a potential view of this breathtaking sight. With our flight schedule, we’re able to offer hundreds of seats in the sky to view the eclipse, and we look forward to showcasing our Hospitality on this day while celebrating with our Customers.”

Southwest’s Network and Schedule Planners have meticulously modeled the operational day against projections of the umbra and penumbra, the shadows cast by the moon’s eclipse of the sun. As a result, several Southwest flights scheduled for April 8, 2024, have the greatest likelihood of providing passengers with the best view of this extraordinary event. These flights may even cross the path of totality during their scheduled operating time.

To ensure the safety of passengers, Southwest Airlines reminds everyone that looking directly at the sun is never recommended. However, specialty-rated solar filters can be used to safely observe an eclipse. Passengers can book open seats on one of the flights operating on April 8, 2024, or any other flights by visiting Southwest.com.

Southwest Airlines Co. is renowned for its exceptional service and has become one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines. Since its inception in 1971, Southwest has been dedicated to providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The airline currently carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline, a testament to its commitment to democratizing the sky.

With a corporate culture that puts its employees first, Southwest Airlines has an impressive record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. The airline’s passionate loyalty among its customers is evident, with over 126 million passengers carried in 2022. Southwest’s success has also translated into 47 consecutive years of profitability for its shareholders.

Southwest Airlines Co. is not only focused on its business but also on making a positive impact on communities worldwide. The airline aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has set near-term targets and a four-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals.

As Southwest Airlines prepares to take flight during the 2024 total solar eclipse, it continues to uphold its reputation for exceptional service, affordable fares, and a commitment to the well-being of its passengers and the environment. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness a celestial spectacle from the comfort of a Southwest Airlines flight.