Southwest Airlines Offers Free Flights to Those in Medical Need

Image: PHOTO: Southwest's heart logo. (photo courtesy of Ashlee Duncan Smith/Southwest Airlines)
Image: PHOTO: Southwest's heart logo. (photo courtesy of Ashlee Duncan Smith/Southwest Airlines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:41 PM ET, Tue March 2, 2021

Southwest Airlines announced it has donated 7,500 roundtrip tickets to those who need to travel for life-changing or specialized medical care.

As part of Southwest's Medical Transportation Grant Program, the carrier awarded the tickets to more than 75 non-profit hospitals and medical transportation organizations across the United States.

The program allows the airline to bring patients and caregivers closer to much-needed medical care at supporting hospitals in 26 states.

"As the airline with Heart, we have a passion for making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve," Southwest Director of Community Outreach Laura Nieto said. "Through our Medical Transportation Grant Program, our hope is to ease the financial burden of air travel expenses and provide a critical lifeline for patients and caregivers, allowing them to stay focused on medical treatment and recovery."

Since Southwest's inception of the program in 2007, the carrier has donated nearly $39 million in transportation value, helping to remove the financial costs associated with travel for more than 96,000 patients and caregivers.

To view the full list of participating hospitals and charitable organizations for 2021, visit the Medical Transportation Grant Program's official website.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...