Southwest Airlines DINGs Mac Users

Low cost airline introduces a Mac version of its popular fare monitoring tool and also issues an update of its Windows edition.

Southwest Airlines on Monday extended the reach of their popular exclusive fares desktop application known as DING as they unveiled a version for Macintosh users. The new DING, like the one available for Windows, is a free download.

DING, which resides in the “Dock” for Mac users and the “system tray” for Windows users, notifies users via audible and visual cues that new exclusive fares are available on the airline’s Web site for a limited time. The application also provides quick access to popular Web based tools like online check in and flight status.

DING, said the airline, has been downloaded by over two million users since its introduction in February of last year, racking up $80 million in fares for the low cost carrier. Besides the new Macintosh version, tweaks to the Windows edition, including a simpler referring a friend and customer registration processes, have been implemented.

“Last year, we introduced DING! for Windows and immediately heard from our growing number of Customers that use Macintosh computers,” said Anne Murray, Southwest Airlines Senior Director Interactive Marketing, in a statement. “Today, we will eliminate our Customers’ DING! envy by offering a Macintosh version of the tool.”