Southwest Airlines Statistics and Facts (2025)
Last Updated on: June 5th, 2025
Here are a few of the most interesting Southwest Airlines statistics and facts I was able to dig up including revenue totals and passenger and employee counts. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.
Southwest Airlines Facts
Here is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about Southwest Airlines.
- Website: Official Website
- Year Founded: 1971
- Headquarters: Dallas, TX
- Founder(s): Herbert Kelleher and Rollin King
- Current Chief Executive: Gary Kelly
- App Download (iOS)
- App Download (Android)
Southwest Airlines is an American low-cost airline that was founded in 1967. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and is known for its distinctive business model and customer service.
Southwest Airlines operates a large domestic network in the United States, with flights to more than 100 destinations. It focuses primarily on short-haul and point-to-point routes, offering frequent flights between popular cities. The airline has a fleet consisting primarily of Boeing 737 aircraft, which helps maintain operational efficiency and simplify maintenance.
One of the key aspects of Southwest’s business model is its commitment to providing affordable fares. The airline has been recognized for its no-frills approach, where passengers pay for the transportation and have the option to purchase additional services or amenities. Southwest’s approach has allowed it to attract a large customer base, including both leisure and business travelers.
Southwest Airlines is also known for its unique customer service approach, often referred to as the “Southwest Spirit.” The airline emphasizes friendliness, humor, and a relaxed atmosphere on its flights. Passengers are offered a free checked bag, and there is no assigned seating, allowing passengers to choose their own seats upon boarding.
In addition to its customer-oriented approach, Southwest Airlines has received accolades for its operational efficiency and strong safety record. The company has consistently ranked among the top airlines in terms of on-time performance and customer satisfaction.
Southwest has expanded its reach through acquisitions and partnerships over the years, including the acquisition of AirTran Airways in 2011. This allowed the airline to increase its presence in additional markets and expand its route network.
Southwest Airlines Passenger Count
Total emplaned passengers (annual):
- 2022: 156.9 million
- 2021: 123.3 million
- 2020: 67.8 million
- 2019: 162.7 million
- 2018: 163.6 million
- 2017: 157.6 million
- 2016: 151. 7 million
- 2015: 144.5 million
- 2014: 135.7 million
- 2013: 133.1 million
- 2012: 133.9 million
- 2011: 127.5 million
- 2010: 106.2 million
- 2009: 101.3 million
- 2008: 101.9 million
- 2007: 101.9 million
- 2006: 96.2 million
- 2005: 88.3 million
- 2004: 81 million
- 2003: 74.7 million
- 2002: 72.4 million
- 2001: 73.6 million
- 2000: 72.5 million
Southwest Airlines Revenue Totals
Southwest Airlines revenue (annual):
- 2023: $26.1 billion
- 2022: $23.8 billion
- 2021: $15.790 billion
- 2020: $9.048 billion
- 2019: $22.428 billion
- 2018: $21.965 billion
- 2017: $21.146 billion
- 2016: $20.289 billion
- 2015: $19.820 billion
- 2014: $18.605 billion
- 2013: $17.699 billion
- 2012: $17.088 billion
- 2011: $15.658 billion
- 2010: $12.104 billion
- 2009: $10.350 billion
- 2008: $11.023 billion
- 2007: $9.861 billion
- 2006: $9.086 billion
- 2005: $7.584 billion
- 2004: $6.530 billion
- 2003: $5.937 billion
- 2002: $5.522 billion
- 2001: $5.555 billion
- 2000: $5.650 billion
Southwest Airlines net income (annual):
- 2023: $498 million
- 2022: $539 million
- 2021: $977 million
- 2020: $3.074 billion net loss
- 2019: $2.3 billion
- 2018: $2.465 billion
- 2017: $3.357 billion
- 2016: $2.183 billion
- 2015: $2.181 billion
- 2014: $1.136 billion
- 2013: $754 million
- 2012: $421 million
- 2011: $178 million
- 2010: $459 million
- 2009: $99 million
- 2008: $178 million
- 2007: $645 million
- 2006: $499 million
- 2005: $484 million
- 2004: $313 million
- 2003: $442 million
- 2002: $241 million
- 2001: $511 million
- 2000: $626 million
Additional Southwest Airlines Statistics
Total flights per year:
- 2022: 1.298 million
- 2021: 1.066 million
- 2020: 897,540
- 2019: 1.367 million
- 2018: 1.375 million
- 2017: 1.347 million
- 2016: 1.311 million
- 2015: 1.267 million
- 2014: 1.255 million
- 2013: 1.312 million
- 2012: 1.361 million
- 2011: 1.317 million
- 2010: 1.114 million
- 2009: 1.125 million
- 2008: 1.191 million
- 2007: 1.160 million
- 2006: 1.092 million
- 2005: 1.028 million
- 2004: 981,591
- 2003: 949,882
- 2002: 947,331
- 2001: 940 426
- 2000: 903,754
Average passenger fare:
- 2022: $169.12
- 2021: $141.92
- 2020: $141.72
- 2019: $154.98
- 2018: $151.64
- 2017: $151.73
- 2016: $152.89
- 2015: $154.85
- 2014: $159.80
- 2013: $154.72
- 2012: $147.17
- 2011: $141.90
- 2010: $130.27
- 2009: $114.61
- 2008: $119.16
- 2007: $106.60
- 2006: $104.40
- 2005: $93.68
- 2004: $88.57
- 2003: $87.42
- 2002: $84.72
- 2001: $83.46
- 2000: $85.87
Number of aircraft:
- 2022: 770
- 2021: 728
- 2020: 718
- 2019: 747
- 2018: 750
- 2017: 706
- 2016: 723
- 2015: 704
- 2014: 665
- 2013: 681
- 2012 694
- 2011: 698
- 2010: 548
- 2009: 537
- 2008: 537
- 2007: 520
- 2006: 481
- 2005: 445
- 2004: 417
- 2003: 388
- 2002: 375
- 2001: 355
- 2000: 344
Number of destinations in the US:
Last updated 10/28/18
Average number of daily departures during peak travel season:
Last updated 10/28/18
Average age of fleet:
Last updated 10/28/18
Average amount of time per day that each aircraft flies:
Last updated 10/28/18
US airport with the most Southwest Airlines daily departures:
Last updated 10/28/18
Average number of reservations that customer reps book monthly:
Last updated 10/28/18
Number of people who applied for jobs with Southwest Airlines in 2016:
Number of new hires in 2016:
Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. A few of these Southwest Airlines statistics come from their own reports, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. No information contained on DMR should be relied upon to make investment decisions. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%.
Related Categories:
Related Tags:
