Southwest Airlines makes meeting discounts simple.

OK. You've selected your destination, set your room block, penciled in featured speakers, and chosen your entertainment venues. What's next?

Call Southwest Airlines Meetings to arrange a 10 percent discount off most of the airline's already low fares for your delegates. As an added benefit, your association will receive one free round-trip ticket for every 40 people who travel as part of your meeting. The program is available for small meetings of 25 or more, as well as large nationwide conventions that attract thousands.

"Our affordable fares and frequent service, plus the excellent customer satisfaction you have come to expect, are combined with a simple, straightforward program that rewards you and your members," says Michelle Redford, manager of meetings, Southwest Airlines.

Because Southwest fares do not require a Saturday-night stay, you won't be locked into zone fares for your meeting. Your delegates can take advantage of the range of fares available when they make their reservations. All they have to do is call a special toll-free number and provide the unique identifier code given to your association.

For delegates who aren't near a Southwest Airlines city, the carrier will serve as a co-carrier with another airline.

How It Works

Redford explains that it's easy to work with Southwest Airlines Meetings. All you have to do is:

* Plan ahead. Southwest needs at least two months' lead time before the first expected travel date for your delegates.

* Count participants. A minimum of 25 people are expected to fly from a variety of Southwest Airlines cities to one destination for your meeting.

* Determine schedules. Your delegate's departure and return dates should be no more than a couple of weeks apart.

* Complete the paperwork. You'll need to fill out a meeting profile and return it to Southwest Airlines.

Once the agreement is signed, your association will receive your special 800-number and event ID code. Your association will also receive, upon request, colorful fliers to promote your event to potential participants, as well as arrival and departure reports to assist in scheduling your ground transportation.

Flies to 54 Cities

Beginning its service in 1971 with flights to Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, Southwest has grown to become the fourth largest U.S. airline in terms of domestic customers served. With more than 2,400 flights a day, it flies to 54 cities in 28 states.

Six recognitions worth noting are:

1. The National Airline Quality Rating ranked Southwest Airlines No. 1 for the third year in a row. The ranking includes 19 separate criteria, including on-time arrivals and departures, safety, baggage handling, customer complaints, and financial stability.

2. Fortune has consistently recognized Southwest Airlines in its annual survey of corporate reputations. Among airlines, Southwest came out on top as the most admired airline for 1996, 1997, and 1998. Among all industries, Fortune has listed Southwest among America's most admired corporations year after year, ranking the airline as No. 7 for 1998.

3. Money magazine ranked Southwest Airlines No. 1 in its 1st rating of major U.S. carriers. In a November 1997 survey of more than 1,000 fliers, Southwest was rated first in safety, price, on-time performance, baggage handling, and customer service.

4. Southwest Airlines had the lowest fares among nine major airlines rated in a July 1997 Consumer Reports survey The rating was based on the total per-mile cost of each major airline in four mileage categories.

5. Southwest Airlines has been named a charter member of the International Airline Passenger Association's Honor Roll of Airlines among the World's Safest Airlines. Southwest also has been recognized as one of the world's safest airlines by Conde Nast Traveler.

6. In the November 16, 1998, issue of Computerworld, Southwest Airlines was listed as one of the most effective users of information technology. Plus, Air Transport World recognizes Southwest's Home Gate address (www.southwest.com) as having the best airline Web site.

Did You Know?

* Southwest uses about 74 million gallons of jet fuel per month.

* Southwest served 86.9 million bags of peanuts and 8.7 million bags of raisins in 1998.

* Southwest's average one-way airfare is $75 with an average passenger trip length of 441 miles.

* Southwest's fleet has an average age of only 8.4 years.

* Southwest currently operates 284 Boeing 737 jets.