Goodbye Southwest 737-300, Hello MAX!
In the last weekend of September 2017, Southwest Airlines retired its “classic” 737, the 300 series, and introduced the latest generation 737, the MAX.
Thirty classics flew off to the California desert that Friday and Saturday. I lucked out and flew on two final revenue flights: aircraft N645SW operating as flight WN 51 from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Houston Hobby (HOU) and aircraft N632SW, returning to DAL as Southwest’s final 737-300 passenger flight as flight WN 68.
Although flight WN 51 was not Southwest's final -300 flight, the crew still made it special for aircraft 645. Boarding at DAL, upon seeing signatures on the fuselage, I was surprised to learn that we would be the final passengers on this aircraft. I got an even better surprise. One of the flight attendants was my good friend, Kanoko! Passengers and crew held our own intimate farewell party during and after the flight. I was glad to have taken part in this unscheduled celebration.
The festivity continued on to the official final flight on WN 68. We had cookies and drinks at the gate, photo opportunities with the crew, signed the aircraft, and gave a toast to the 737-300 onboard.
Everyone also received a final flight certificate. After touchdown and taxi in to the gate, we received a traditional water cannon salute by the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting department.
My 737-300 celebration concluded the next day with a visit to the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field. Southwest’s first 737-300, N300SW Spirit of Kitty Hawk is on display there in an excellent Southwest gallery.
Southwest is the launch customer for the 737 MAX and first to operate the re-engined 737 in the United States. Thus it was appropriate for the airline to pull out all the stops on the inaugural flight.
Aircraft N8707P was to recreate Southwest’s original “Texas Triangle” linking DAL, HOU, and San Antonio (SAT) as flights WN 1, 2, and 3.
While the green screen photo and Southwest trinket giveaway were typical of an inaugural celebration, I was surprised there were no 737 MAX specific memorabilia. As it turned out, they did not get to our gate in time. Southwest generously FedEx’d a 737 MAX care package to all the passengers later in the week. That’s going the extra mile...thanks, SWA!
On board, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly greeted passengers and signed autographs. He also drew seat numbers and gave away Rapid Reward points and an Apple Watch.
Upon departure for SAT on flight WN 2, we received a spoiler indicator light. After making three departure attempts, our MAX was taken out of service after a frustrating three hours. A 737-800 took over flights WN 2 and 3. Majority of the inaugural revelers opted not to complete the Texas Triangle and chose to return home or back to DAL on the next available flight.
While this was an embarrassment for Southwest and Boeing, the airline made good by refunding my ticket AND provided a $250 credit for each flight segment. Southwest didn’t have to do this – BIG kudos!
Thirty classics flew off to the California desert that Friday and Saturday. I lucked out and flew on two final revenue flights: aircraft N645SW operating as flight WN 51 from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Houston Hobby (HOU) and aircraft N632SW, returning to DAL as Southwest’s final 737-300 passenger flight as flight WN 68.
Although flight WN 51 was not Southwest's final -300 flight, the crew still made it special for aircraft 645. Boarding at DAL, upon seeing signatures on the fuselage, I was surprised to learn that we would be the final passengers on this aircraft. I got an even better surprise. One of the flight attendants was my good friend, Kanoko! Passengers and crew held our own intimate farewell party during and after the flight. I was glad to have taken part in this unscheduled celebration.
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| Crew of WN 51 |
The festivity continued on to the official final flight on WN 68. We had cookies and drinks at the gate, photo opportunities with the crew, signed the aircraft, and gave a toast to the 737-300 onboard.
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| Crew of WN 68 |
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| Thanks, Deven! |
Everyone also received a final flight certificate. After touchdown and taxi in to the gate, we received a traditional water cannon salute by the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting department.
My 737-300 celebration concluded the next day with a visit to the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field. Southwest’s first 737-300, N300SW Spirit of Kitty Hawk is on display there in an excellent Southwest gallery.
Southwest is the launch customer for the 737 MAX and first to operate the re-engined 737 in the United States. Thus it was appropriate for the airline to pull out all the stops on the inaugural flight.
Aircraft N8707P was to recreate Southwest’s original “Texas Triangle” linking DAL, HOU, and San Antonio (SAT) as flights WN 1, 2, and 3.
While the green screen photo and Southwest trinket giveaway were typical of an inaugural celebration, I was surprised there were no 737 MAX specific memorabilia. As it turned out, they did not get to our gate in time. Southwest generously FedEx’d a 737 MAX care package to all the passengers later in the week. That’s going the extra mile...thanks, SWA!
On board, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly greeted passengers and signed autographs. He also drew seat numbers and gave away Rapid Reward points and an Apple Watch.
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| With Southwest CEO Gary Kelly |
Upon departure for SAT on flight WN 2, we received a spoiler indicator light. After making three departure attempts, our MAX was taken out of service after a frustrating three hours. A 737-800 took over flights WN 2 and 3. Majority of the inaugural revelers opted not to complete the Texas Triangle and chose to return home or back to DAL on the next available flight.
 |
| Pushback of Shame |
While this was an embarrassment for Southwest and Boeing, the airline made good by refunding my ticket AND provided a $250 credit for each flight segment. Southwest didn’t have to do this – BIG kudos!
Ben I have watched this video a lot and I’m going to subscribe to your channel
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