Southwest Airlines Celebrates 15 Years of Live at 35 with the Plain White T's
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) recently marked a significant milestone in its popular Live at 35® program, celebrating 15 years of delivering live musical performances at 35,000 feet. In an exciting twist, the airline invited the iconic band Plain White T's to serenade passengers with their hit song "Hey There Delilah," a track that has regained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, garnering billions of plays. This memorable performance echoed the airline's commitment to creating unique in-flight experiences that transform travel into cherished moments.
1. A Unique In-Flight Experience
Sabrina Callahan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at Southwest Airlines, expressed pride in the airline's distinctive approach to hospitality. "At Southwest, we're proud to deliver our signature Hospitality in unexpected ways with surprise performances at 35,000 feet," she stated. The Live at 35 program has become a hallmark of Southwest's in-flight culture, featuring a range of artists from independent musicians to mainstream stars.
The recent performance by Plain White T's included band members Tom Higgenson, Tim Lopez, Mike Retondo, and De'Mar Hamilton, who entertained passengers with their nostalgic hit, reminding them of the band's first performance with Southwest over a decade ago. Higgenson shared his enthusiasm, saying, "There is nothing like hearing a plane full of people singing along with your music at 35,000 feet."
2. Future Endeavors and Enhanced Customer Experience
Looking ahead, Southwest Airlines aims to amplify the Live at 35 experience by featuring more artists and innovative performances in the coming months. This initiative aligns with the airline's broader strategy of continuous improvement, as it seeks to enhance customer comfort, choice, and enjoyment on every flight. The airline's commitment to customer feedback is evident in its ongoing investments in cabin experience and service offerings.
In addition to the musical entertainment, Southwest recently announced the introduction of fast, free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards® members, powered by T-Mobile®, with a new partnership with Starlink set to launch this summer. These advancements reflect the airline's dedication to providing a seamless travel experience.
New In-Flight Offerings
Starting June 18, Southwest will introduce Siete® Mini Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies along with Cherry Coke™ Zero Sugar, further showcasing its commitment to evolving its in-flight menu based on customer preferences. These additions aim to enhance the overall in-flight experience, ensuring that passengers enjoy a delightful journey from takeoff to landing.
3. A Legacy of Hospitality and Commitment
Since its inception in 1971, Southwest Airlines has built a reputation as one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, operating across 122 airports in 12 countries. With a mission to democratize air travel through friendly and reliable service, Southwest continues to carry more travelers within the United States than any other airline.
As of March 31, 2026, the airline employs over 73,000 staff members, all dedicated to maintaining the high standards of hospitality that Southwest is known for. In 2025 alone, the airline proudly carried over 134 million customers, demonstrating its strong commitment to serving communities and enhancing the travel experience.
For more details, high-resolution images, and ongoing updates from Southwest Airlines, customers and media can visit the airline's media site.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines' celebration of its Live at 35 program with the Plain White T's is not just a nostalgic nod to its past but also a forward-looking testament to its commitment to innovative customer experiences. As the airline continues to evolve, its focus on hospitality and unique offerings positions it as a leader in the aviation industry.
