SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CELEBRATES AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

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Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) is celebrating America's 250th anniversary with customers and employees nationwide. In partnership with FlightAware, a special Independence One aircraft icon will appear on FlightAware.com from June 30 to Sept. 9, 2026.

Festivities include new “America Trio” trading cards, airport decorations at DCA starting July 1, and participation in America250’s July 4 Block Party in New York City.

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Airline celebrates with new Independence One tracking, trading cards, and festive celebrations

DALLAS, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and FlightAware are making it easier for Customers and aviation fans to track Independence One, Southwest's specialty aircraft unveiled earlier this year in honor of America's 250^th, as it flies high across America during the height of summer travel.

Starting today through Sept. 9, 2026, a custom Independence One icon will appear on FlightAware.com. The icon features thirteen stars that represent the nation's original thirteen colonies—a symbol that is also depicted in the aircraft's design.  

"Southwest Airlines is proud to honor this incredible milestone for America with Independence One, and since we unveiled the new livery in April, we've seen a lot of Heart for the design and interest in where it is flying," said Whitney Eichinger, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer. "We are excited to partner with FlightAware to make tracking our new livery easier, whether you are flying Southwest or plane spotting from the ground."

In addition to tracking the high-flying salute to America's 250^th anniversary, Southwest will celebrate with collector's items and festive moments.

Beginning July 1, Southwest Pilots can share the new "America Trio" aircraft trading cards featuring Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One. Customers can request the keepsake cards, if available, from a Pilot on their next flight.

Also, Customers traveling through the nation's capital will enjoy decorations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) starting July 1, and Southwest will participate in America's Block Party hosted by America250 in New York City on July 4.

For more than 55 years, Southwest Airlines® has given People the freedom to fly and now carries more travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹—connecting cities, states, and stories across the country.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 120 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. By empowering its more than 73,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2026

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What is Southwest Airlines (LUV) doing to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026?

Southwest Airlines is marking America’s 250th with special aircraft tracking, trading cards, and themed events. According to Southwest, activities span June 30 to Sept. 9, 2026, and include FlightAware tracking, airport decorations, and participation in America250 celebrations.

How can travelers track Southwest’s Independence One aircraft in 2026?

Travelers can track Independence One via a custom icon on FlightAware.com. According to Southwest, from June 30 through Sept. 9, 2026, FlightAware will display a thirteen-star Independence One icon showing the specialty aircraft’s movements across the United States.

What are the Southwest Airlines “America Trio” aircraft trading cards and how can customers get them?

The “America Trio” trading cards feature Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One aircraft. According to Southwest, starting July 1, customers may request these collector cards from a Southwest Pilot on their flight, subject to availability and individual pilot card supplies.

What special activities will Southwest (LUV) offer at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for America’s 250th?

Southwest will add festive decorations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). According to Southwest, customers traveling through DCA starting July 1 can see themed décor celebrating America’s 250th as part of the airline’s nationwide anniversary recognition efforts.

Will Southwest Airlines join America250 events on July 4, 2026?

Yes, Southwest will take part in America250’s July 4 festivities. According to Southwest, the airline plans to participate in “America’s Block Party” hosted by America250 in New York City, aligning its Independence One celebration with this national anniversary event.

What does the Independence One design symbolize for Southwest Airlines?

Independence One’s design incorporates thirteen stars honoring the original colonies. According to Southwest, this motif appears on both the aircraft and the FlightAware icon, highlighting the airline’s tribute to America’s 250th and its long history of connecting U.S. travelers.