It’s not every day that a flight attendant can make more money by retiring, but such is the life of some of Southwest Airlines’ early employees thanks to the company’s ProfitSharing Plan. Bucking the trends of the airline industry, Southwest decided to share its profits with the employees who helped earn them beginning in 1973. Ron Ricks, the Vice Chairman of the Board and retired Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer of Southwest Airlines, tells us how the entire Southwest family is stronger through their shared investment in the airline’s success. For more stories on Southwest Airlines’ 50 years of flying and a look behind the scenes, check out latimes.com/isthisseatopen