Southwest Celebrates Another JD Power Award Victory

Image: PHOTO: Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8. (photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines)
Image: PHOTO: Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8. (photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:25 AM ET, Mon June 18, 2018

Southwest Airlines is celebrating its ranking as the top low-cost carrier in terms of customer satisfaction for the second year in a row.

Southwest earned the distinction as part of J.D. Power's 2018 North America Airline Satisfaction Study and will now show off its award as part of a new advertising campaign set to run in key markets.

The airline will launch the ad campaigns in Oakland, Boston, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood/Miami and other cities across the United States.

"We've hung our hat on customer satisfaction for 47 years, and we're world famous for the hospitality we offer our customers every year," Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement. "Being recognized as both low cost and high care by J.D. Power further validates why Southwest stands above the competition. Thank you to our employees who make Southwest a champion for our customers every day."

While Southwest performed well in all seven factors, it scored highest in the reservation, check-in, boarding/deplaning/baggage, flight crew and cost and fees factors in the J.D. Power study. The improvements are being credited to investments made in the airline's fleet.

The carrier has reached several key milestones over the last year, including taking the delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, announcing the intention to serve both the Hawaiian Islands and Paine Field in Everett, Washington, and earning the top spot in the U.S. Department of Transportation's annual aviation consumer satisfaction ranking.


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

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!