National Wanna Get Away Day 2023: National Wanna Get Away Day is annually observed on June 18. Southwest Airlines is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first commercial flight by giving back to consumers who have been loyal to the company since its inception. The company is committed to making air travel enjoyable, exciting, and affordable, as evidenced by its elevated customer service and low fares, as well as its photo pop-up opportunities in 24 U.S. airport gate areas. Customers will also have the opportunity to win 50 million Rapid Bonus Points this month. The company’s vision for this holiday is for people from all over the country to reconnect with their loved ones and travel to their dream destinations for a fun and thrilling vacation.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WANNA GET AWAY DAY
Southwest Airlines began its humble origins in 1967. Lamar Muse, Rollin King, and Herbert Kelleher co-founded Air Southwest Company. Initially, it transported passengers within Texas. The company altered its name to Southwest Airlines on March 29, 1971, and established its headquarters in Dallas. It began offering commercial passenger service on two routes: Dallas Love Field to San Antonio and Dallas Love Field to Houston International Airport.
On November 4, 1971, the company began offering passenger service between Houston Hobby Airport and San Antonio. Southwest Airlines added its first interstate route between Houston and New Orleans on January 25, 1979. In 1980, the company continued its expansion by adding routes to Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Albuquerque. Throughout the 1980s, they expanded to Denver, Little Rock, St. Louis, Chicago, and Cleveland, as well as other cities, establishing themselves as a reputable multi-state airline.
In the 1990s, Southwest Airlines began concentrating on customer experience and elevated travel branding, following their successful expansion in the 1980s. They devised the catchphrase “Wanna Get Away?” in 1996, and it quickly became synonymous with the company.
Southwest Airlines went one step further on its 50th anniversary in 2021 by registering National Wanna Get Away Day as a national holiday to commemorate its achievements. The company intends to reward its loyal consumers, who have contributed to its success over the years. This holiday offers the possibility of winning Rapid Rewards bonus points, Southwest gift vouchers, and companion passes.
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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Superior customer service
In 2019, more than 60,000 individuals worked to provide an exceptional customer experience.
Four thousand flights per day
Southwest Airlines now operates 4,000 flights per day, as opposed to its humble beginnings 50 years ago.
The first to provide connectivity between gates
In 2013, Southwest Airlines was the first airline to offer Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft equipped with gate-to-gate connectivity.
They offer numerous pretzel
Southwest transported approximately 90 million packages of pretzels in 2019.
Awarded by “Forbes”
Southwest was named the “Best Employer” by Forbes in 2019.
NATIONAL WANNA GET AWAY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 18 | Sunday |
| 2024 | June 18 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | June 18 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | June 18 | Thursday |
| 2027 | June 18 | Friday |
