Celebrating 45 years of service, it flies more domestic passengers than any other airline

When it comes to airline travel, Southwest is soaring. Celebrating 45 years of service, it flies more domestic passengers than any other airline. But it has not been an entirely smooth ride for travelers, with airport security lines lasting hours and warnings about a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Southwest Airlines president and CEO Gary Kelly joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the company's strategy.

• Jun 22, 2016
• 07:06

Several people were injured after a Southwest Airlines plane skidded off a runway at Nashville in International Airport

Several people were injured after a Southwest Airlines plane skidded off a runway at Nashville in International Airport. CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave discussed the scene with CBSN's Contessa Brewer.

• Dec 15, 2015
• 02:49

The engine on a Southwest jet caught fire during takeoff in Chicago, forcing passengers to evacuate the plane

The engine on a Southwest jet caught fire during takeoff in Chicago, forcing passengers to evacuate the plane. CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers and Kristine Johnson have footage of the incident.

• Jul 9, 2015
• 00:38

Southwest Airlines is extending a ticket sale for an extra day

Southwest Airlines is extending a ticket sale for an extra day. As CBSN's Elaine Quijano reports, the airline says so many people tried to cash in on the extra-low fares that it caused a digital traffic jam.

• Jun 4, 2015
• 00:26

A majority of workers believe that employers should be required to pay for sick leave, Dish Network is in talks to merge with T-Mobile, and Southwest Airlines' massive three-day sale crashed its website

A majority of workers believe that employers should be required to pay for sick leave, Dish Network is in talks to merge with T-Mobile, and Southwest Airlines' massive three-day sale crashed its website. CBS News MoneyWatch's Jill Wagner joins CBSN with the day's business and money headlines.

• Jun 4, 2015
• 01:13

The country's major airlines are resuming limited service to airports in the Northeast following a crippling snow storm

The country's major airlines are resuming limited service to airports in the Northeast following a crippling snow storm. Jeff Pegues went to Southwest Airlines' command center to see how difficult of an orchestration it is to bring air travel back to normal.

• Jan 27, 2015
• 02:00

A woman on a Southwest Airlines flight from San Francisco to Phoenix gave birth shortly after take-off

A woman on a Southwest Airlines flight from San Francisco to Phoenix gave birth shortly after take-off. The flight had to be diverted to LAX.

• Dec 9, 2014
• 00:25

An 85-year-old woman was left alone in a wheelchair at Newark International Airport earlier this month

An 85-year-old woman was left alone in a wheelchair at Newark International Airport earlier this month. She was flying to Denver on Southwest Airlines. Suzanne McCarroll from Denver affiliate KCNC reports.

• Aug 28, 2014
• 02:28

Marilyn Hartman, who has a history of trying to fly without a ticket, is in jail after allegedly sneaking onto a Southwest flight to Los Angeles

Marilyn Hartman, who has a history of trying to fly without a ticket, is in jail after allegedly sneaking onto a Southwest flight to Los Angeles. Norah O'Donnell reports.

• Aug 6, 2014
• 00:26

After Duff Watson condemned the airline over a tweet for not giving his family priority seating, a Southwest crewmember forced him and his children off the jet

After Duff Watson condemned the airline over a tweet for not giving his family priority seating, a Southwest crewmember forced him and his children off the jet. Southwest is apologizing to the family this morning. Norah O'Donnell reports.

• Jul 23, 2014
• 01:40

More than 1,000 oil and gas companies were compromised by Russian hackers. Also, Southwest Airlines takes its first international flights

More than 1,000 oil and gas companies were compromised by Russian hackers. Also, Southwest Airlines takes its first international flights. "CBS This Morning" takes a look at some of the headlines from around the globe.

• Jul 1, 2014
• 01:25

Southwest Airlines is latest to ban emotional-support animals

The airline said it will let passengers bring trained service dogs in the cabin, but it will no longer accept support animals, starting March 1.

• Jan 25, 2021

Southwest flight diverted after crew finds "suspicious" note

A heavy police presence surrounded the plane after it landed at BWI.

• Jan 12, 2021

Airlines say more relief funding is needed

Several of the country's top airline CEO's visited the White House in an effort to push for additional relief funding for the industry. The CARES Act, which was signed in March, included the Payroll Support Program and prohibited airlines from terminating employees through October 1. CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave joins CBSN with the latest.

• Sep 17, 2020
• 09:10

Airlines lobby Congress for more bailouts

There is a growing push from airline employees, their unions and even executives to include additional federal aid in the next coronavirus relief package. Without it, they say thousands of workers could lose their jobs. Kris Van Cleave speaks with Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly about the plight of the nation's airlines.

• Aug 8, 2020
• 03:08

U.S. airlines face difficult recovery

U.S. airlines are taking a major financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic. Since mid-March, air travel has dropped 95% and the industry could lose $250 billion in revenue this year. CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave joins CBSN's Reena Ninan for a closer look at how the industry is being impacted

• Apr 22, 2020
• 06:36

Jetliner hits and kills person as it lands at Austin airport

Southwest Airlines says pilot spotted the person shortly after it touched down and maneuvered to try to avoid the person.

• May 8, 2020

Southwest CEO urges TSA to begin temperature scans at checkpoints

By Monday, virtually all U.S. airlines will require passengers and crew to wear masks.

• May 6, 2020

Southwest Airlines CEO says it’s safe to fly

Southwest Airlines has grounded about 400 planes and cut capacity by up to 70% as passenger traffic plummeted amid the coronavirus pandemic. Company CEO Gary Kelly said he believes things will return to normal once the pandemic is over, and told Kris Van Cleave about what crews are doing to disinfect planes and described the “multi-layered” approach his airline is taking to ensure passenger and crew safety.

• May 6, 2020
• 03:31

Transcript: Gary Kelly on "Face the Nation"

The following is a transcript of an interview with Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, that aired Sunday, May 3, 2020, on "Face the Nation."

• May 3, 2020

You have to wear a face mask on these airlines

Virtually every major U.S. airline insisting all customers wear their own face masks while flying, starting this month.

• May 1, 2020

This week on "Face the Nation," May 3, 2020

Gilead CEO Daniel O'Day and Southwest CEO Gary Kelly appear on Sunday's "Face the Nation"

• May 1, 2020

Health care workers board plane to NYC

"These brave souls soldier on in the midst of tremendous risk and exposure, constantly putting the needs of others above their own," Southwest Airlines said.

• Mar 30, 2020

Airlines seek $50 billion bailout from U.S.

Government grants, loan guarantees and tax waivers would easily surpass what carriers got after September 11 attacks.

• Mar 16, 2020

Investors fear American Airlines cash crunch after travel ban

The price of buying insurance against a possible default of the carrier's bonds has soared 5,700%.

• Mar 12, 2020

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