How Southwest Airlines' 5-Minute Crew Rule Change Quietly Pulled Boarding Forward On 65% Of Its Fleet

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines commenced operations in 1971 with just three Boeing 737-200 aircraft. More than five decades later, it has grown into one of the largest airlines in the US, with a fleet of more than 800 aircraft. For much of its history, Southwest built its operation around simplicity and speed. Fast aircraft turnarounds have been an important part of that model, allowing the airline to keep its fleet in the air for more of the day.