Southwest Airlines is taking steps to mitigate heat hazards for its employees and passengers as summer temperatures soar across the United States.

The airline, known for its extensive domestic network, is particularly vulnerable to heat-related issues given the outdoor nature of many ground crew and ramp agent tasks.

The specific changes implemented are likely multi-faceted and evolving, but could include: For Employees: Increased hydration breaks: Southwest may be increasing the frequency and length of scheduled breaks for ground crews, allowing for more frequent access to water and shaded rest areas.

This is crucial given the strenuous physical demands of baggage handling and aircraft servicing in extreme heat.

Modified work schedules: The airline might be adjusting work schedules to minimize exposure during the hottest parts of the day, potentially shifting tasks to cooler morning or evening hours.

This could involve staggered shifts or shorter work periods during peak heat.

Heat safety training: Reinforced training programs focusing on heatstroke prevention, recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion, and proper hydration strategies are likely being implemented or reviewed for effectiveness.

This includes educating employees on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for high temperatures.

Improved PPE: Southwest may be providing or upgrading PPE to better protect employees from the sun and heat.

This could include lighter-weight, breathable uniforms, improved sun hats, and cooling vests.

Access to cooling stations: Ensuring adequate access to shaded areas, air-conditioned facilities, and cooling stations with misting fans or other cooling technologies at airports is paramount.

For Passengers: Enhanced communication: Southwest may be improving communication with passengers about potential delays or disruptions due to heat-related issues.

This proactive communication can manage passenger expectations and avoid unnecessary stress during periods of high heat.

Improved airport conditions: While not directly under Southwest's control, the airline may advocate for and collaborate with airports to improve passenger waiting areas by providing more shade, water fountains, and air-conditioned spaces.

In-flight adjustments: While less directly impacted by extreme external heat, the airline might review in-flight procedures to ensure adequate cabin climate control and passenger comfort during hot weather, including pre-flight cabin cooling.

It's important to note that the specific details of Southwest's heat mitigation strategy are likely confidential and may vary across different airports and operations.

However, the examples above represent common-sense approaches employed by airlines and other businesses to protect their workforce and maintain safe operations in extreme heat.

The airline's commitment to the well-being of its employees and passengers will be critical in navigating the increasingly frequent and intense heat waves experienced in recent years.

High temperatures are expected to impact 195 million Americans on Tuesday as warnings are issued along the eastern half of the U.S.

The sweltering heat is also a challenge for airlines. Southwest Airlines limits the amount of time the ground crews spend in the weather — not only because of the sun, but due to the heat radiating from the pavement.

Southwest also deploys roving hydration stations and aims to get ground crews out of the unrelenting heat after every flight they work.

"Play by the rules, stay hydrated and stay covered. Stay out of the sun as much as possible," said John Rawlings, who has worked on the ramp for Southwest Airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for the last six summers.

But in 2024, Southwest dealt with a new heat problem: . For the last two summers, Phoenix experienced weeks above 110 degrees, causing the carbonated drink cans waiting to be loaded onto flights to ripple and even burst, resulting in some injuries to crew members.

"Once it got up to 105, 110, you started hearing the cans before you even saw 'em you could hear 'em deforming," said Jake Stoddard, who is part of the team stocking planes with drinks and snacks. "When it was 115, 120, half of your stock would be deformed. So yeah, it was bad."

The bursting issue prompted a multi-million dollar response by the airline. Southwest bought 60 new refrigerated provisioning trucks for Phoenix and Las Vegas, its two hottest hubs.

"Our summers are extending and that product is under that intense heat for longer periods of time," said Steve Land, who oversees Southwest's provisioning team at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport as they stock about 200 flights per day.

The old trucks didn't have air conditioning, but the storage area for the new ones are kept at 40 degrees.

The trucks also serve as roaming cooling stations for workers. 

Southwest will use heat guns to monitor can temperatures this summer, with the goal of keeping them at room temperature.

High temperatures can affect anyone, the says. 

Symptoms may include:

Experts say the best way to stay safe is to avoid being outside for long periods of time. If you must be outdoors for an extended duration, the CDC reminds people to take breaks when they can, stay in the shade if possible and hydrate.