Southwest Airlines Teams With Lyft On Rapid Rewards Rideshare Program

Carrier increases Customers' rideshare options in key markets, giving Customers what they've been asking for

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Mar 31, 2016, 09:05 ET

DALLAS, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced a collaboration with Lyft that will offer first-time Lyft Customers who are also Rapid Rewards Members a one-time reward of 1,100 Rapid Rewards points for their first ride. The offer is available for a ride anywhere in the following 11 Southwest® markets where Lyft has an operating agreement in place through the end of 2016:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport
Dallas Love Field
Los Angeles International Airport
Louisville International Airport
McCarren International Airport (Las Vegas)
Nashville International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Reagan National Airport (Washington, D.C.)
San Antonio International Airport
San Diego International Airport

A separate offer is currently available to Southwest Customers who are not Rapid Rewards Members in the markets listed above, offering $15 off a first-time ride with Lyft. The offer took effect on Mar. 22 and runs through the end of 2016. The two offers cannot be combined.

"At Southwest, we're known for low fares and great Hospitality—whether on the ground or in the air. Rideshare is a natural extension to air travel," said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Southwest Airlines®. "It offers an easy, hassle-free way to get to the airport and saves time and money on short- and long-term parking. Lyft makes sense for Southwest as a rideshare partner. Like Southwest, Lyft is Customer-focused and seeks to offer delightful and seamless travel experiences."

Lyft, an app that can be used on iOS or Android, was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to reconnect people and communities through better transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available in more than 200 cities. Preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, Lyft is committed to affecting positive change for cities. This promotion is part of a larger effort as Southwest explores increasing rideshare options.

"Partnering with Southwest, the country's largest domestic air carrier is incredibly exciting, especially given our companies' shared commitment to treating people better," said John Zimmer, co-founder and President of Lyft. "We look forward to Southwest Customers enjoying affordable and delightful door-to-door rides through the Lyft app."

For more information about Lyft visit Lyft.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.