Which US airline was founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and began flying in 1971?

Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King and began scheduled service in 1971.

The airline was created to provide low-fare flights between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Legal challenges from competing airlines delayed its launch for several years, but Southwest eventually started operations with Boeing 737 aircraft.

Its low-cost model emphasized frequent flights, quick aircraft turnarounds, and a single main aircraft family. Southwest became one of the most influential low-cost carriers in the United States and helped popularize affordable short-haul air travel.

A common mix-up is confusing the airline’s founding date with its first flight date: Southwest was established in 1967, but commercial service began in 1971. Its original name was Air Southwest Co.