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Southwest unveils new 'freedom' livery, gives workers 50,000 points for 50th anniversary

June 18, 2021
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3 min read
210613FreedomOne-PRINT016 (1)
Southwest unveils new 'freedom' livery, gives workers 50,000 points for 50th anniversary
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Southwest unveiled a new aircraft livery on Friday as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The carrier also said it would dole out 50,000 Rapid Rewards frequent flyer points to its workforce of more than 55,000 people.

The livery, dubbed "Freedom One," is meant as a nod to members and veterans of the armed forces, including nearly 8,000 Southwest employees.

The American-flag design on the Boeing 737-800 — Southwest's first -800 with a special livery — was meant to evoke the idea of "freedom" to align with the anniversary date, the airline said, linking "freedom" with 50 years of the "freedom to travel."

Southwest Airlines unveils its latest specialty aircraft.
Southwest Airlines shows off its new Freedom One special livery, which coincides with 50th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines/ Stephen M. Keller)

“The word ‘freedom’ has significant meaning to the People and history of Southwest Airlines,” Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said. "We simply couldn’t fulfill our purpose if not for the sacrifices and dedication of our military men and women.

Freedom One features the 13 stripes and 50 stars of the American flag — another link to the 50th anniversary, the airline said.

Five decades: Southwest Airlines, which gave us everything from hot pants to ‘Wanna Get Away’ fares, turns 50 today

As part of the unveiling and celebration, which occurred at an employee party and rally in Houston, each employee at Southwest was given 50,000 Rapid Rewards points.

Southwest Airlines shows off its new Freedom One special livery.
Southwest Airlines shows off its new Freedom One special livery, which coincides with 50th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines/ Stephen M. Keller)

"Southwest revolutionized the travel industry since our very first flight on June 18, 1971—a time when less than 15% of Americans ever had traveled by air,” Kelly said. “The people of Southwest democratized the skies with friendly, reliable, and affordable air travel, and what better way to honor you, our employees, on our 50th Anniversary than by offering a gift of 50,000 Rapid Rewards points.”

Following the employee event, Freedom One will depart Houston for Dallas Love Field (DAL), a tribute to Southwest's first flight (which actually went in the opposite direction). The flight is slated to fly a new approach into DAL named HERBZ, for Southwest co-founder Herb Kelleher.

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TPG will be aboard the flight, so stay tuned for more from Southwest's 50th!

Southwest Airlines unveils its latest specialty aircraft.
Southwest Airlines unveils its latest specialty aircraft livery, Freedom One, to mark its 50th anniversary.
Featured image by Stephen M. Keller
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.