# Southwest Airlines on The No Agenda Show

Southwest Airlines comes up in 78 chapters across 71 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from May 2008 to May 2026.

- **Chapters:** 78
- **Episodes:** 71
- **Discussed:** May 2008 – May 2026
- **Related topics:** [Tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [Aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [Faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [Nashville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nashville.md), [Air Travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-travel.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [Vaccine Mandates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine-mandates.md), [Air Traffic Control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-traffic-control.md), [Airport Security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), [Boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 78

### Donor Credits, Southwest Airlines Pricing, Birthday Announcements

- **Episode:** [1869: Trollery](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1869-trollery.md)
- **Published:** 2026-05-17
- **Time:** 2:26:24–2:33:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1869-trollery/chapter/donor-credits-southwest-airlines-pricing-birthday-announcements.md

The show concludes with a final reading of donor credits and a critique of Southwest Airlines' recent price increases and changes to their boarding process. The hosts acknowledge various "Value for Value" supporters, including a hot dog maker and a recurring "boob donation." Birthday wishes are extended to several community members before the final sign-off.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [nashville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nashville.md), [hot dogs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hot-dogs.md), [boob donation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boob-donation.md), [birthday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthday.md)

### Southwest Flight 2094, Ramadan Prayer Misunderstanding

- **Episode:** [1849: Hose Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-08
- **Time:** 1:16:23–1:19:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water/chapter/southwest-flight-2094-ramadan-prayer-misunderstanding.md

A SWAT team swarmed Southwest Flight 2094 after a passenger set a timer on his phone to pray for Ramadan, which was misinterpreted as a threat. The plane was evacuated in Nashville, and passengers were subjected to extensive searches. Adam Curry links this incident to a broader "fear-based" political strategy used to drive Republican turnout by highlighting the perceived threat of Islam.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [swat team](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swat-team.md), [ramadan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ramadan.md), [nashville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nashville.md), [fort lauderdale](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-lauderdale.md), [islamophobia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/islamophobia.md)

### Airline Boarding Policies, Active Military Status

- **Episode:** [1071: Commie Comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1071-commie-comey.md)
- **Published:** 2025-12-31
- **Time:** 13:15–14:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1071-commie-comey/chapter/airline-boarding-policies-active-military-status.md

A discussion on airline travel focuses on Southwest Airlines' boarding procedures for families and military personnel. The hosts question the specific definition of "active military" in the context of preboarding. They joke about the phrasing implying soldiers must be in combat gear or ready for immediate action to qualify for early entry.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), airline boarding, active military, preboarding

### Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating Policy

- **Episode:** [1680: Seismic Sundae](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1680-seismic-sundae.md)
- **Published:** 2024-07-25
- **Time:** 2:33:08–2:36:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1680-seismic-sundae/chapter/southwest-airlines-ends-open-seating-policy.md

Southwest Airlines is ending its 50-year tradition of open seating, moving to assigned seats and extra legroom options to increase revenue. The hosts lament the end of the "democratic" boarding process and predict the airline will lose its unique identity. They jokingly suggest the change is a pretext for a $10 billion IT upgrade from their current "Commodore 64" systems.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), open seating, herb kelleher, [crowdstrike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdstrike.md), [commodore 64](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commodore-64.md)

### Southwest Airlines, Dutch Roll Incident and NTSB Findings

- **Episode:** [1676: Douche Mobile](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1676-douche-mobile.md)
- **Published:** 2024-07-11
- **Time:** 2:15:48–2:17:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1676-douche-mobile/chapter/southwest-airlines-dutch-roll-incident-and-ntsb-findings.md

The NTSB concluded that a "Dutch roll" incident on a Southwest Airlines Boeing aircraft was caused by rudder damage sustained during 84 mph winds in New Orleans, rather than a manufacturing defect. The findings shift the blame from Boeing's production to Southwest's maintenance and storage practices.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), dutch roll, [ntsb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ntsb.md), rudder damage, [new orleans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-orleans.md)

### Southwest Airlines Safety Incidents, FAA Investigation, Pilot Experience

- **Episode:** [1671: It's The Boyfriend](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1671-it-s-the-boyfriend.md)
- **Published:** 2024-06-23
- **Time:** 1:55:49–2:01:33
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1671-it-s-the-boyfriend/chapter/southwest-airlines-safety-incidents-faa-investigation-pilot-experience.md

The FAA is investigating two separate incidents involving Southwest Airlines flights, including a Boeing 737 that dropped to 525 feet over a residential area in Oklahoma. Another flight in Hawaii reportedly came within 400 feet of the ocean due to a pilot error during a "go-around" maneuver. Industry analysts are raising concerns about the declining experience levels of commercial pilots as veteran airmen retire and are replaced by lower-hour instructors.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [boeing 737](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing-737.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md), [pilot training](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilot-training.md)

### Southwest Airlines, Seating Policy Changes and Snack Ingredients

- **Episode:** [1664: Friendshoring](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1664-friendshoring.md)
- **Published:** 2024-05-30
- **Time:** 59:53–1:02:20
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1664-friendshoring/chapter/southwest-airlines-seating-policy-changes-and-snack-ingredients.md

Southwest Airlines is reportedly considering a shift away from its signature open-seating policy toward assigned seating and boarding groups. This change comes amid complaints from flight attendants about the "ragamuffin" boarding process and pre-boarding abuses. Additionally, a review of airline snack mixes reveals they can contain up to 70 ingredients, including enriched flours and various chemical additives, far removed from simple "nuts and bolts" recipes.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), airline seating, dame christina pearl, [food additives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-additives.md), czech mix

### Boeing Whistleblower Sam Salehpour Alleges Structural Flaws

- **Episode:** [1650: Algo Juice](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1650-algo-juice.md)
- **Published:** 2024-04-11
- **Time:** 1:14:56–1:20:35
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1650-algo-juice/chapter/boeing-whistleblower-sam-salehpour-alleges-structural-flaws.md

Boeing whistleblower Sam Salehpour alleged that sections of the 787 Dreamliner's fuselage are improperly fastened, potentially leading to structural failure over time. The FAA is investigating these claims as Boeing's stock hits a five-month low. Separately, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 experienced an engine cowling detachment during takeoff in Denver, an incident attributed to maintenance issues rather than design flaws.

Keywords: [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), sam salehpour, [787 dreamliner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/787-dreamliner.md), [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md)

### Southwest Airlines Pilot "In The Morning" Shout-out

- **Episode:** [1552: Old Trout](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1552-old-trout.md)
- **Published:** 2023-05-04
- **Time:** 2:22:19–2:26:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1552-old-trout/chapter/southwest-airlines-pilot-in-the-morning-shout-out.md

A Southwest Airlines pilot and "No Agenda" knight, Sir BNA, shared a recording of his pre-takeoff announcement in which he uses the show's catchphrase "In the morning." He has been incorporating the greeting into his PA announcements for two years, hoping to identify fellow listeners among the passengers and crew.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [nashville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nashville.md), [in the morning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/in-the-morning.md), [air traffic control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-traffic-control.md)

### Southwest Airlines Glitch, Private Flight Emergency Landing

- **Episode:** [1548: Dangle Op](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1548-dangle-op.md)
- **Published:** 2023-04-21
- **Time:** 6:01–10:48
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1548-dangle-op/chapter/southwest-airlines-glitch-private-flight-emergency-landing.md

A computer glitch at Southwest Airlines delayed over 2,200 flights, prompting a host to fly a private aircraft to Nashville instead. During departure from Gillespie Airport, the host and his wife witnessed a Cessna crash-land and nose over on the runway directly in front of them. Despite the trauma of the crash and subsequent heavy turbulence, the flight was completed successfully.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), gillespie airport, [emergency landing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emergency-landing.md), [cessna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cessna.md), flight training

### Southwoke.com Parody and Southwest Airlines Pilot Shortage

- **Episode:** [1543: Buffalo Feathers](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1543-buffalo-feathers.md)
- **Published:** 2023-04-02
- **Time:** 10:50–14:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1543-buffalo-feathers/chapter/southwoke-com-parody-and-southwest-airlines-pilot-shortage.md

A parody website, Southwoke.com, launched on April Fool's Day to satirize Southwest Airlines' corporate culture, featuring mock news stories about Sam Brinton and drag-themed flights. Meanwhile, actual aviation issues persist as Delta Airlines experienced significant flight cancellations in Minneapolis due to a 31-day month pilot hour shortage and severe weather.

Keywords: southwoke.com, [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [pilot shortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilot-shortage.md), [delta airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/delta-airlines.md), sam brinton

### Aviation Hiring Practices, Pilot Meritocracy Concerns

- **Episode:** [1536: Killer Clown](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1536-killer-clown.md)
- **Published:** 2023-03-09
- **Time:** 1:30:08–1:31:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1536-killer-clown/chapter/aviation-hiring-practices-pilot-meritocracy-concerns.md

Reports from the aviation industry suggest that hiring practices are increasingly focused on identity-based conferences, such as the Gay Pilots Association and Women in Aviation, rather than traditional flight hour merit. Critics argue that prioritizing diversity over qualifications like the 1,500-hour jet minimum could lead to safety issues. There is a secondary theory that degrading the pilot profession is a deliberate step toward implementing fully autonomous, pilotless flight systems.

Keywords: [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [pilot shortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilot-shortage.md), [dei](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dei.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [meritocracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meritocracy.md)

### FAA Near-Miss Incidents and Air Traffic Control Safety

- **Episode:** [1530: Red Queen](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1530-red-queen.md)
- **Published:** 2023-02-16
- **Time:** 2:57:28–3:01:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1530-red-queen/chapter/faa-near-miss-incidents-and-air-traffic-control-safety.md

Recent near-collisions at airports in Austin and New York have raised alarms about the safety of the U.S. aviation system. In Austin, a FedEx cargo plane nearly landed on a Southwest jet after both were cleared for the same runway by air traffic control. Senator Ted Cruz questioned FAA officials about these lapses, suggesting that a focus on "diversity hires" may be impacting technical proficiency in the tower.

Keywords: [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [fedex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fedex.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [ted cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-cruz.md)

### Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Crisis and CEO Apology

- **Episode:** [1516: Carbon Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-29
- **Time:** 9:45–13:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb/chapter/southwest-airlines-flight-cancellation-crisis-and-ceo-apology.md

Southwest Airlines canceled over 12,000 flights during the 2022 holiday season, operating at only one-third capacity. CEO Bob Jordan issued a video apology, attributing the collapse to a severe winter storm. While some passengers remained patient, thousands of others were stranded at airports across the United States with lost luggage and no reimbursement.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), bob jordan, [flight cancellations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-cancellations.md), [holiday travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holiday-travel.md), [ntd news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ntd-news.md)

### Pete Buttigieg and Federal Investigation into Southwest Airlines

- **Episode:** [1516: Carbon Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-29
- **Time:** 13:26–15:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb/chapter/pete-buttigieg-and-federal-investigation-into-southwest-airlines.md

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a federal investigation into Southwest Airlines' 70% cancellation rate, which far exceeded the industry average. Buttigieg emphasized that federal regulations mandate proactive vouchers for hotels and meals when airlines are at fault. The Senate Commerce Committee has also promised an investigation into the carrier's failure to locate crews and baggage.

Keywords: [pete buttigieg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pete-buttigieg.md), [department of transportation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-transportation.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), senate commerce committee, [federal regulations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-regulations.md)

### Southwest Airlines IT Infrastructure Failures and Bankruptcy Speculation

- **Episode:** [1516: Carbon Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-29
- **Time:** 15:44–22:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb/chapter/southwest-airlines-it-infrastructure-failures-and-bankruptcy-speculation.md

Industry analysts suggest Southwest Airlines' collapse was caused by an obsolete crew-rescheduling system known as "REACCOM" that failed to handle mass disruptions. The airline's corporate culture reportedly declined following the death of founder Herb Kelleher, leading to speculation about potential bankruptcy or acquisition. There is further speculation that the crisis may be used to renew political interest in high-speed rail projects.

Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [it infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/it-infrastructure.md), reaccom, herb kelleher, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md)

### History of PSA Airlines and American Eagle Acquisition

- **Episode:** [1516: Carbon Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-29
- **Time:** 22:29–25:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb/chapter/history-of-psa-airlines-and-american-eagle-acquisition.md

Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) is remembered as the California-based carrier that inspired the Southwest Airlines business model. Known for its "smile" livery and flight attendant uniforms, PSA was eventually acquired by American Airlines and integrated into American Eagle. The transition resulted in the removal of the iconic smile branding and a shift toward regional jet operations.

Keywords: psa airlines, pacific southwest airlines, american eagle, airline history, smiles

### NGO Migrant Flights, Airline Windfalls and DOT Statistics

- **Episode:** [1488: Torture Telephone](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1488-torture-telephone.md)
- **Published:** 2022-09-22
- **Time:** 1:09:50–1:17:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1488-torture-telephone/chapter/ngo-migrant-flights-airline-windfalls-and-dot-statistics.md

Aviation data and Department of Transportation statistics reveal a massive spike in outbound passenger imbalances at border-region airports like El Paso and McAllen. Producers suggest that NGOs are using government funds to purchase high-fare domestic airline tickets to transport migrants across the country. This "windfall" for airlines is evidenced by a net increase of 250,000 outbound passengers over the last 12 months compared to inbound traffic.

Keywords: [department of transportation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-transportation.md), [ngos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ngos.md), [el paso](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/el-paso.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [migration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/migration.md)

### Charleston Travel Report, Southwest Airlines Operations

- **Episode:** [1452: Toxic Stew](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1452-toxic-stew.md)
- **Published:** 2022-05-19
- **Time:** 1:37–4:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1452-toxic-stew/chapter/charleston-travel-report-southwest-airlines-operations.md

A travel report details a smooth trip from San Antonio to Charleston, South Carolina, via Nashville on Southwest Airlines. Despite a national pilot shortage and route reductions, the airline's boarding process and Business Select options are praised for efficiency. Charleston is described as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in the United States.

Keywords: [charleston](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charleston.md), [south carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-carolina.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [san antonio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-antonio.md), [pilot shortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilot-shortage.md)

### The "Fisting" Method of Eating Snacks on Airplanes

- **Episode:** [1447: G.E.R.M.](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1447-g-e-r-m.md)
- **Published:** 2022-05-01
- **Time:** 1:53:52–1:59:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1447-g-e-r-m/chapter/the-fisting-method-of-eating-snacks-on-airplanes.md

A listener requests a replay of John Dvorak's critique of how people eat snacks on airplanes. Dvorak describes the "fisting method," where a passenger pours a pile of nuts into their palm and attempts to eat them through a small hole made by their fingers. The hosts joke about the absurdity of the visual and the lack of traditional snacks on airlines like Southwest.

Keywords: airplane snacks, [peanuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peanuts.md), [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [etiquette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etiquette.md), [humor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humor.md)

[Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md?offset=20)

---

This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`.

- [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt)
- [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md)
- [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md)
- [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md)
- [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)
