• February 16, 2010

Southwest Airlines has launched a new look and feel, along with improved navigation, on its Web site.

The new homepage makes it easier to find what's needed, the company says, including hotel and car rentals. The Dallas-based airline's own site is the only place online where customers can book Southwest flights. Bookings there account for more than 80% of all Southwest Airlines bookings.

The new web site enhancements include the ability to personalize the homepage image and other features to the user's home airport. Saved searches make it easier for customers to shop for flights, cars, and hotels.

Customers can now easily plan any part of their trip directly from the homepage with new car and hotel booking widgets. Every page of the site has updated, easy-to-use navigation and a search box to help users find exactly what they are looking for. Drop downs are available from the global navigation to help users get to interior pages faster. Every page now has a social media bar to help users engage with Southwest on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and the company blog.--Tanya Irwin