DALLAS, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines((R)) (NYSE: LUV) announced today it has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs((R)) and Military Spouse. This is Southwest's seventh consecutive year on the list (2010-2016).

"We are proud to be recognized as a Top Military Friendly Employer for the seventh year in a row," said Julie Weber, Vice President People at Southwest Airlines. "We're committed to hiring and retaining veterans, who currently make up 13 percent of our Southwest Family. We value the traits veterans typically bring to the workforce, including leadership skills, a hardworking attitude, and a warrior spirit."

This award recognizes Southwest's continuous efforts to hire and retain the nation's military members. Southwest actively seeks military talent through various recruitment efforts such as career fairs and military job boards. The airline partners with many organizations to help veterans transition from the military and find meaningful employment.

Military Friendly Employers is in its 13(th) year of providing employment information for transitioning military service members and spouses. Criteria for the survey included a benchmark score across key programs and policies, such as the strength of company military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs for veterans, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

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 48,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries.

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 access streaming music provided by Apple Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 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(R) 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 42 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(TM) can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

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

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines