Which US States Has Southwest Airlines Featured In Its Special Liveries?

Southwest Airlines, known for its distinctive heart logo and colorful fleet, stands out in more ways than one. Among its many aircraft, the airline has taken a unique approach to honoring American culture and history with special liveries. These specially painted planes, dubbed “state liveries,” represent and celebrate different US states, each with unique designs reflecting the state’s identity, history, and symbols.

Southwest Airlines is well known for its fun, passenger-first approach to air travel. Its fleet includes several special liveries that have helped enhance the brand’s image and loyalty. The state liveries are among the most cherished, and each one that takes to the skies generates a sense of pride for the state it represents. Let’s dive into which US states Southwest Airlines has featured in its special liveries, how these designs came to be, and the significance behind each one.

Texas One

As Southwest Airlines’ home base and where it was founded in 1971, Texas was naturally the first state to be celebrated with a dedicated livery. According to Joe’s Bucket List, “Texas One” was introduced in 1990, featuring the state’s lone star flag stretching across the aircraft’s fuselage.

Photo: lorenzatx / Shutterstock

The bold red, white, and blue design with the iconic single star is a tribute to the airline’s Texas roots and the state’s well-known motto of independence and pride. Texas One became the model for future state-specific liveries that followed.

California One

The US’s largest and most populous state received its Southwest livery in 1995. “California One” is a colorful tribute to the Golden State, with the California flag’s famous grizzly bear and red star prominently displayed across the fuselage.

Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock

The design also showcases the red stripe and white background from the state flag, a nod to the state’s diversity, innovation, and natural beauty. This aircraft proudly celebrates Southwest’s extensive operations throughout the state, including major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland, and San Diego.

Arizona One

According to Aircraft Insider, Southwest Airlines unveiled “Arizona One” in 1994, honouring the airline’s significant presence in the state and its commitment to serving the people of Arizona. The plane’s design features the bold colours of the Arizona state flag, including a striking red and yellow starburst symbolizing the state’s vibrant sunsets and copper mining heritage.

The blue and red stripes stretch along the plane’s body, reflecting the flag’s design. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of Southwest’s busiest hubs, and this livery is a fitting tribute to the state.

Nevada One

In 1999, “Nevada One” was introduced, a tribute to the Silver State, home to world-famous cities like Las Vegas and Reno. The aircraft’s design showcases the Nevada state flag with its cobalt blue background, golden star, and green sagebrush sprig, symbolizing its beauty and resilience.

Southwest Airlines maintains a strong presence at McCarran International Airport (now known as Harry Reid International Airport) in Las Vegas, a key gateway for travellers heading to one of the world’s top entertainment destinations.

New Mexico One

“New Mexico One” debuted in 2000, celebrating the state’s unique culture and history. The aircraft’s design directly represents the New Mexico state flag, featuring the Zia symbol in bright red, set against a vibrant yellow background.

The Zia sun symbol represents the four directions, four seasons, four parts of the day, and four stages of life, all essential components of Native American philosophy. Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, is a crucial focus city for Southwest Airlines.

Florida One

The Sunshine State was honoured with its special livery in 2010. “Florida One” sports the iconic elements of the Florida state flag, including the state seal featuring a Native American woman and the state’s natural beauty surrounded by red X-shaped stripes.

Florida is a major market for Southwest Airlines, with a significant presence at Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale airports. This aircraft is a tribute to the many Floridians who travel with Southwest Airlines.

Colorado One

Introduced in 2012, “Colorado One” features the state’s iconic flag design: a large red “C” and a golden sun at its center surrounded by blue and white stripes. Colorado is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and Denver International Airport is one of Southwest’s busiest hubs. This livery celebrates the Rocky Mountain state and the airline’s dedication to serving its people and visitors.

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Other liveries include

• “Tennessee One” took to the skies in 2016, showcasing the state’s tri-star symbol, representing the three regions of Tennessee: East, Middle, and West. The red, white, and blue color scheme honors the state flag, and the stars are arranged in a circle, symbolizing the unity of the state’s regions. Tennessee is home to critical airports Southwest serves, including Nashville International Airport, where the airline has a significant presence.

• “Missouri One” features the state’s red, white, and blue flag design, complete with the state seal at the center. According to Allplane, the livery was introduced in 2015. The seal includes two grizzly bears symbolizing strength and bravery and the motto “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Southwest Airlines has a strong presence at airports like Kansas City and St. Louis, making Missouri an important part of the airline’s network.

• “Louisiana One” honors the Pelican State with its 2020 debut, featuring the Louisiana state flag design. The flag’s central element is the image of a pelican feeding its young, symbolizing the state’s commitment to its citizens. The blue and white background is gold, reflecting Louisiana’s rich cultural history, especially in cities like New Orleans, where Southwest has a significant operation.