A major airline says there's something it values more than its customers, and there's a good reason why

At Southwest Airlines, employees come first.

Yes, you read that right: The airline puts $4.

The approach might seem unconventional - but it makes perfect sense and seems to be working just fine for the Dallas-based airline that employs about 47,000 people and serves more than $4.

In 2013, Southwest was named $4 by the US Department of Transportation; $4 on Consumer Reports' Airline Customer Satisfaction Survey; and ranked second on Business Insider's list of the best $4

The 44-year-old airline is known for its friendly (and often witty) flight attendants, as well as its $4 This stems from its employees-first mantra, which plays out in a trickle-down effect.

In order of importance, $4 "We believe that if we treat our employees right, they will treat our customers right, and in turn that results in increased business and profits that make everyone happy," the airline $4 about its company culture.

By creating a culture that's fun and inclusive, with $4 that remind all employees to enjoy their work and not take themselves too seriously, Southwest motivates employees to take pride in what they do, which often translates to $4 for customers.

Southwest also seeks out employees with proactive attitudes, making every team member feel responsible for the success of their colleagues, $4. This team-based environment pushes employees to always do their best work - including getting planes from the gate into the air at record speed - which drives customer satisfaction and loyalty.

That isn't to say Southwest doesn't directly look out for their customers. When employees are taught to "$4," the airline encourages them to "put others first" and "demonstrate proactive customer service." In other words - the airline might put employees first, but they want employees to put customers first.