The often imitated, never duplicated culture of Southwest Airlines has inspired 50 years of loyalty from employees and customers alike, but what exactly is it? Don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it out, that’s Whitney Eichinger’s job. She is Southwest’s Managing Director of Culture and Engagement, and she and the Southwest Culture Ambassadors are on a mission to preserve and enrich the spirit of Southwest.

For more stories on Southwest Airlines’ 50 years of flying and a look behind the scenes, check out latimes.com/isthisseatopen