Southwest's first flight out of Atlanta
Southwest Airlines employees put up themed-colored balloons to welcome passengers as the Dallas-based carrier makes its first departure at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012. Southwest acquired AirTran Airways last year in part to gain entry into Atlanta. AirTran will continue to operate for a couple of years, as Southwest adds service in Atlanta and gradually integrates AirTran flights into its own operations. Vino Wong, vwong@ajc.com
