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Southwest Airlines Tips Off a New Era in Indy

DALLAS — Oct. 26, 2016 — It's a slam dunk for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and the Indiana Pacers as the two brands team up. During a news conference this morning at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Southwest and the Pacers announced a new partnership that will bring exciting events to Central Indiana including giving out 50,000 Rapid Rewards Points to celebrate the Pacers’ 50th season (2016-2017), player appearances, and much more.

"This is an exciting partnership highlighting passion points that make Indianapolis a great place to live, work, and play," said Katherine Findlay, Southwest's Vice President of Internal Audit who also is Southwest's executive ambassador to Indianapolis. "We look forward to joining the Pacers and their fans to showcase our new destinations, low fares, and the Customer-friendly policies that make Southwest Airlines a great choice for business and leisure travel."

"It's very fitting that as we begin a season-long celebration of 50 years of Pacers basketball and history with Opening Night this evening, we gather today to begin a new era with our friends from Southwest Airlines," said Rick Fuson, President of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. "This is a remarkable day in so many ways, and we are so proud to associate our organization with this great airline."

To tip-off the new partnership, Southwest debuted a new video highlighting the airlines' arrival to Bankers Life Fieldhouse with Pacers mascot Boomer arriving into Indianapolis’ International Airport. The video also features some of the nearly 200 locally-based Southwest Employees.

As the Official Airline of the Pacers, Southwest will have a branding presence at Bankers Life Fieldhouse including in-arena advertisements and digital/broadcast features. The carrier also partners with Fox Sports Indiana during broadcasts of Pacers games.

Southwest began service to Indianapolis more than 25 years ago and offers nearly 40 daily nonstop flights to 17 destinations including top business destinations like Washington Reagan (DCA), Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago Midway, and Dallas Love Field.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th 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 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional countries with service to Varadero, Cuba beginning Nov. 13, 2016, and to Havana, Cuba, beginning Dec. 12, 2016, both routes subject to governmental approvals.

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 nearly 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. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who 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 2015 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.