1. The Delicate Art of Saying No  

First aired: 1/5/2004

Storyline 1 The series follows the extraordinary stories of the staff and passengers of America's No. 1 Airline - Southwest Airlines. The season premiere opens with a diverse and astonishing range of stories - in Los Angeles, Supervisor Steve Ramirez has to handle an out of control drunken passenger - at 7 o'clock in the morning!

Storyline 2 Supervisor Suzie Boersma has the delicate task of telling a passenger he smells too bad to travel. She gives him deodorant and some clean clothes as well as a $12 voucher to go and get himself something to eat. After putting his carry-on bag in a plastic bag to keep the odors from seeping out, the passenger boards the next flight and takes the whole situation very well.

Storyline 3 In Chicago, stormy weather is causing massive delays and stormy passengers are pushing staff to their limits...and Supervisor Val Brown has the difficult task of trying to persuade a passenger that he's too big for one seat and that he'll have to buy two tickets.

2. Consider Yourself One of the Family  

First aired: 1/5/2004

Storyline 1 It's a day of shouting, laughing and celebrity sightings on the Airline. In Chicago Supervisor Anita Herbert has her work cut out trying to pacify an angry family who have to buy an extra ticket for their big baby. They can't prove he's under two but still think he should travel for free.

Storyline 2 Rap star Sisqo has been spotted in the Airport. Manager Colleen Bragiel and Supervisor Val Brown track him down to talk underwear with the singer of the "thong song".

Storyline 3 In Los Angeles, Yolanda's got two situations to deal with; a nervous flier who's furious that there's someone on board with no ID, and a drunk couple who get pulled off their flight to phoenix and instead of trying to sober up, head to the bar to wait for the next flight. Not the intelligent thing to do.

3. Kids... Who'd Have Them?  

First aired: 1/12/2004

Storyline 1 There's big trouble at Chicago's Midway Airport. Manager Colleen's patience is tested to the limit by a rowdy group of BMX bikers. The kids have terrorized a plane full of people all the way from Las Vegas to Chicago. Now the distraught passengers are looking to Colleen for compensation for the worst flight of their life! Storyline 2 In LAX, it's 10 year old Mark Gomez' first unaccompanied flight. Mark has a helping hand from Southwest flight attendant Heather Hale, but who's helping his anxious mother. Storyline 3 A stressed mom and her two kids miss their flight in Chicago. Their attempts to get home to San Diego push everyone to the limit.

4. Beyond Our Control  

First aired: 1/12/2004

Storyline 1 The largest blackout in US history has caused chaos to air travel around the country. As the whole of the eastern seaboard is plunged into darkness, the impact on Southwest staff at Chicago Midway is immense. This extraordinary show follows 48 hours with Manager Colleen Bragiel and her staff as they try and battle with an event that's out of their control. Storyline 2 There are delays, cancellations, passengers, stranded, massive queues. And after two days of chaos everyone is pushed to their limit. Things reach breaking point when a group of passengers bussed in from Detroit are told that there are no connecting flights. They are stuck in Chicago and there won't be any hotel rooms for compensation. Angry scenes threaten to get out of control and it's up to Colleen to use all her Customer Service skills to calm things down. Storyline 3 An Iranian passenger and his companion are upset that their luggage was broken into. Mike, who drew the short straw for baggage claim that day, must calm down this passenger and explain why his luggage was searched.

5. Times Change  

First aired: 1/19/2004

Storyline 1 It's a day of high emotion on Airline. After thirty years as a Southwest pilot Captain Steve Palmason takes off for the very last time. On board are his friends and family. Waiting to greet him, the Southwest President and Chairman Colleen Barratt and the legendary Herb Kelleher. It's also the end of an era for Chicago's Terminal F. After 20 years and 40 million passengers, it's time to say goodbye. Storyline 2 Supervisor Mike Carr takes Customer Service to another level when he faces the difficult task of cleaning an Alzheimer's patient who has had a small accident!

6. Winners and Losers  

First aired: 1/19/2004

Storyline 1 It's another day of problem solving for the Southwest staff on Airline. At LAX, Supervisor Mike Carr turns detective as he tries to solve the mystery of a missing ticket. Passenger Jim Connell tries to con his way on a Southwest flight to Phoenix. But Detective Mike Carr discovers Jim's scam and pulls him off the flight. It turns out Jim tried the scam just 4 hours earlier. But, does Jim have one last trick up his sleeve? Storyline 2 Chicago, Customer Service Supervisor Vi is called to trouble shoot on two oversold flights. On both, 140 tickets have been sold on flights with only 137 seats. First trouble is brewing on the flight to Manchester. Three passengers are left stranded. Luckily for Vi, a family of three gets off the plane, volunteering their seats. But, Vi is not so lucky with the next oversell. With 10 minutes to departure, will Vi be able to find 3 more volunteers? Storyline 3 And Southwest passenger Tami Schwenk travels to LA with her husband Alan to fulfill her lifelong dream to be a contestant on The Price is Right show. On board the flight from Indianapolis, the flight attendants have got a surprise in store for her. They give her a practice run at price guessing. But, will Tami get her chance to come on down on the day?

7. Terminal Beauty  

First aired: 1/26/2004

Storyline 1 LAX witnesses a bizarre sight as Therese Grimes treats the terminal as her own bedroom - changing her outfit in full sight of her fellow passengers before heading off for an explosive meeting with her mother. Storyline 2 Supervisor Yolanda meets country singer Randy Travis before running into a group of drunk young women who've been kicked off their flight to Vegas. Things get nasty and the police have to be called. Storyline 3 At Chicago the mood is much happier as Ramp staff Hector and Juan have a night at Wrigley Field they'll never forget. It's 70s day at the airport and the best dressed members of staff get to through out the ceremonial pitch in front of 40,000 Cubs fans. It's the change of a lifetime for the buddies and they've got some costumes that are really going to turn some heads.

8. High Spirits  

First aired: 2/2/2004

Storyline 1 In Chicago, a bachelorette party is on the minds of a group of seven women. When they learn that their flight to Las Vegas is delayed these seven animated women hit the bar. It's time to begin the party now. Storyline 2 The long awaited Southwest Spirit party has finally arrived. With an abundance of free alcohol and dance music, Southwest staffers along with supervisors Mike and Yolanda reveal their wild side. They dance and partake in the free flowing drink and food into the wee hours of the morning. The night takes its toll on Yolanda but amazingly she still shows up for work the next day. Storyline 3 The Faihthway Doves are a family of gospel singers. They have their own brand of high spirits; singing their praises in the terminals and on the plane. The Faithway Doves are going to Chicago to be honored at a Gospel music convention. But is prayer enough to calm the nerves of some of these anxious first-time flyers.

9. Team Effort  

First aired: 2/9/2004

Storyline 1 Ramp worker Erik Rosales faces the biggest nightmare of all LAX ramp workers. For the first time, he has to push a $40 million Boeing 737 out of a tiny gate—gate 3A. The smallest of mistakes can cost the company millions of dollars and Erik his job. Will he be able to pull this off successfully? Storyline 2 For Supervisor Yolanda, celebrations are in the works. She is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a very special passenger: Prince of Ghana Charles Moses is traveling through LAX en route to his royal wedding and Yolanda has a big surprise in store for them when they arrive. The prince and his soon-to-be wife --have no idea what they're about to encounter! Storyline 3 It's a day of tension for the Airline. There's a frightening call for Supervisors Susie and Ceyzanne at LAX. A swarm of dangerous bees have set up a hive at Gate 13. A bee specialist is called in and he arrives in full gear to combat the situation!

10. You Must Be Kidding?  

First aired: 2/16/2004

Storyline 1 Overweight passengers are a major concern for airlines today. In this weeks episode, Southwest's controversial decision requiring overweight travelers to purchase an extra seat is put to the test. Before taking off, two overweight customers are asked to take the armrest test. Only one will pass and the other will have to purchase a second ticket. Will Southwest agents treat this case with utmost courtesy and consideration? Storyline 2 A a passenger mutiny is about to unfold as a planeload of vacationers with a tight deadline find themselves on a flight that's over-sold by 53 people ... and no-one's giving up their seat. If the vacationers don't make it, their cruise ship in Florida is going to leave without them. For the Airline staff, this is going to be an extremely long day... Storyline 3 The first officer, the second in command, sits on the right side of the cockpit. The primary reason for having two pilots on every flight is safety. A traveler complains because he thinks the plane's first officer spent too long in the toilet during the flight. He is obviously concerned about who will step in if something happens to the captain. Will the staff be able to calm him down?

11. Luv Is in the Air  

First aired: 2/16/2004

Storyline 1 In LAX flight attendant Heather Hale is waiting for her boyfriend Chris to arrive from Switzerland. She thinks it's just a romantic holiday. Turns out Chris has something very important he wants to ask her. Storyline 2 In Chicago, 20-year-old student Ryan is desperately trying to get to New York to save his relationship with his girlfriend, but with every flight completely full, he will need a miracle to save this relationship! Storyline 3 Glamorous ex model turned Customer Service Supervisor Anita has big trouble fending off admirers. Today it's passenger George Quinn who's fallen under her spell and he just won't take no for an answer. Problem is, she's nearly 6 feet tall, and George is just over 5 feet.

12. Relative Values  

First aired: 2/23/2004

Storyline 1 There are those times in life when you would rather have been dead. In full view of every one, an embarrassed daughter doesn't know what to do, or where to look, as her angry father takes out his frustration on the ticket staff and attracts the attention of many onlookers. Storyline 2 Oxygen canisters can be a serious hazard on aircraft carriers. Because of the intense heat and rich oxygen supply, the igniter can be triggered--by external friction or by any impact to it. The nearby object could catch fire and burn intensely. That's why the staff at Southwest are exercising extra precaution when they do not allow a grandmother to travel with her oxygen canisters, causing her daughter-in-law and grandson to lose their cool. Storyline 3 For one family in Phoenix, things are much happier though no less emotional. Rob and Jenny Rasmussen have been waiting 10 years to adopt a child. Finally, their dream has come true -they've flown to China and today they're on the last leg from LAX to Phoenix to introduce their new baby daughter to the rest of the family.

13. For Better for Worse  

First aired: 3/1/2004

Storyline 1 In Chicago, Colleen has to deny passenger Leah Banker boarding because she appears too intoxicated to fly. But Leah needs to get to her wedding in Cleveland and makes her frustration known. Storyline 2 Southwest pilots John Trumble and Annie Fitzgerald prove that love is in the air as they elope to Las Vegas. And the honeymoon's quickly over for newlywed passenger Trina Smith when she finds out her bridal gown doesn't make the journey home in one piece. Storyline 3 In the arrivals area at LAX, Hollywood stunt man, Miko Petroni waits anxiously with an engagement ring for his girlfriend who is flying in from Florida...but will she show up?

14. It Ain't Over Til It's Over  

First aired: 3/8/2004

Storyline 1 A blizzard has hit Chicago and there are massive cancellations and delays. Newlyweds Mike and Wendy Shure are on their way to their honeymoon and need to get to LA to catch their connecting flight to Tahiti. But with most flights grounded, will they make their connection? Storyline 2 Up at the gate area, a group of teenage Eminem fans have flown in from Idaho hoping to meet their idol. They've had a tip off he'll be flying through LAX...but it looks like it'll be a long wait for the boys. Storyline 3 Two passengers are accused of cutting the line, but they deny it. Steve has to investigate. If they did cut in, he's got to send them to the back of the line where they'll have to wait at least another hour...and face missing their flight altogether.

15. Don't Take No for an Answer  

First aired: 3/15/2004

Storyline 1 A blizzard has hit Chicago and there are massive cancellations and delays. Newlyweds Mike and Wendy Shure are on their way to their honeymoon and need to get to LA to catch their connecting flight to Tahiti. But with most flights grounded, will they make their connection? Storyline 2 Up at the gate area, a group of teenage Eminem fans have flown in from Idaho hoping to meet their idol. They've had a tip off he'll be flying through LAX...but it looks like it'll be a long wait for the boys. Storyline 3 Two passengers are accused of cutting the line, but they deny it. Steve has to investigate. If they did cut in, he's got to send them to the back of the line where they'll have to wait at least another hour...and face missing their flight altogether.

16. All Creatures Great & Small  

First aired: 3/22/2004

Storyline 1 From penguins to party animals…the airport's looking like a zoo for the staff on Airline. In Chicago, manager Colleen's getting anxious as a rowdy group of football fans are getting the party started at the airport...but the prospect of denying boarding to all 60 passengers isn't too appealing. Storyline 2 At 30,000 feet, a couple of very unusual passengers are causing excitement on a flight to Chicago's Sea World. Penguins Pete and Penny are frequent fliers on Southwest and get the star treatment from flight attendants Sam Anderson and Janie King. Meanwhile, a man inexplicably dressed as a tiger, causes intrigue on the ground in Chicago. Storyline 3 In LA, supervisor Yolanda gets some attention of her own from an airport police sniffer dog, before being called to a bizarre situation at one of the gates. Several passengers have complained about a man in a short black miniskirt they say is indecently exposing himself and Yolanda has to tell the passenger to put some clothes on if he wants to fly.

17. There's Real Time ... Then There's Airline Time  

First aired: 3/29/2004

Storyline 1 In LA, Mike is confronted by a woman at the ticket counter who has just missed her flight. She's arrived 10 minutes before her departure time and she's irate and hell-bent. There's little Mike can do to calm this passenger down. Storyline 2 in Chicago, passenger Nancy Marks is trying to get to her dying mother in time. Supervisor Denise has to tell her she didn't make her original flight and is rebooked on a flight in 45 minutes, but will that be too late? Storyline 3 While waiting for their flight, these Russian dancers attract a crowd of waiting passengers as they put on a show and entertain everyone all around them.

Special. Excess Baggage 1  

First aired: 5/24/2004

Fasten your seatbelts for a look at the stories-behind-the-stories that made up A&E's first season of "Airline". Interviews with featured Southwest employees mix with never-before-seen footage to give a more honest and frank account of what really went on, and how much more of the story there is that didn't make the show.

Special. Excess Baggage 6  

First aired: 12/18/2004

An 80-year-old granny is told she can't fly with her oxygen supply; lost-ticket con game; unaccompanied child.

Special. Excess Baggage 3  

First aired: 6/14/2004

Storyline 1 Southwest staff members recall the day Supervisor Mike Carr went above and beyond the call of duty to assist an elderly woman and her incontinent husband. Fearing that they would not make their flight to Alburquerque, the helpless woman was in distress until Mike came to the rescue and reassured her that he would do everything humanly possible to help them. Storyline 2 You don't leave a man behind---this was the core belief of Frank, a U.S. Army soldier just returning from Kuwait with his battle-buddy Adam. Unfortunately, they were separated at the airport and Adam has been missing for at least three hours. Frank is determined and on a mission to find his buddy and ensure that he makes his flight home. Storyline 3 At Chicago Midway, Supervisor Colleen Bragiel is called to the gate because a very irate customer who has missed his flight is behaving aggressively towards the agents.

Special. Excess Baggage 4  

First aired: 6/28/2004

Storyline 1 Susie Boersma and other Southwest employees remembers clearly the day Therese, a Southwest customer picking up her 80 year old mom, pursuaded a complete stranger to help out with her make-over. Tune-in to see how this professor of Planetary Science and this beauty queen work together to get her prepared for her mother's arrival. Storyline 2 Southwest staff recalls how Supervisor Collen Bragiel exuded calm and control as the reality of the east coast blackout became clear and all flights were cancelled. Storyline 3 Mike Carr recalls why this customer was such a nervous wreck, and what caused her to smoke on board the aircraft!

Special. Excess Baggage 2  

First aired: 6/7/2004

Storyline 1 Southwest employee Steve Ramirez recounts the day he has to deny boarding to a musician who has spent too much time at the bar and is slurring profanity. Storyline 2 How does Anita Herbert, the calm and classy easyJet manager, handle an angry mom who arrives with her two sons twenty minutes before push-time and is demanding to get on the flight? Storyline 3 Supervisor Colleen Bragiel is called in to diffuse the situation when an angry passenger has missed his flight to Houston because he left the security area to smoke a cigarette.

Special. Excess Baggage 5  

First aired: 11/28/2004

18. Oh What a Performance!  

First aired: 4/5/2004

In the first season finale: Storyline 1 In Los Angeles, customer service supervisor Mike Carr, has to tell a drunk passenger that too much Christmas spirit can be a bad thing. Storyline 2 Assistant station manager Ginny Bona, nearly sends two unaccompanied minors off on the wrong flight. Storyline 3 It's Airport Idol in Chicago as customer service agent Jesse organizes the first ever staff holiday Cabaret – with the winners performing for passengers at the gates. Manager Veolia reluctantly auditions, but will she make the cut?