Southwest Airlines is a major American low-cost carrier headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1967 and commencing service in 1971, it has grown into one of the largest domestic airlines in the United States by number of passengers carried, operating thousands of flights daily across the country and select international destinations. Southwest is known for its unique point-to-point route network rather than a traditional hub-and-spoke model, its open seating policy, and its customer-friendly policies such as two free checked bags and no change fees. The airline has built a strong brand identity around low fares and a distinctive corporate culture emphasizing employee satisfaction and customer service. The airline operates exclusively Boeing 737 aircraft, simplifying maintenance and training. Southwest has maintained one of the best safety and operational efficiency records in the industry and has historically posted profits for decades, including a remarkable streak of 47 consecutive years of profitability prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.