Skip to main content

Southwest Airlines Community

1,096 MORE REASONS TO LUV NEW ORLEANS--AND OTHER SCHEDULE TIDBITS

Bill
Employee
Employee
Today, Southwest released our November, 2007 Schedule, and folks that travel to or from New Orleans are going to be particularly happy–1,096 seats a day happy, in fact! Effective November 4th, we're reinstating our often-asked-about nonstop service between New Orleans and Birmingham, with three flights each business day. Besides the new Birmingham service, we're listening to the marketplace and to our Customers by adding flights in a number of markets to and from New Orleans, with more flights between Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Dallas, Houston, Orlando, and Las Vegas. A thousand more leather seats each day into and out of "The Big Easy" is definitely reason to "laissez bon temp rouler – let the good times roll!" In addition to the new service to New Orleans, we're adding lots more "shush" to the slopes of the Rockies by adding 14 departures each day from Denver, including new nonstop service between Denver and Albuquerque, Austin, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, and Seattle. The Amarillo and Oklahoma City service will offer one-stop, direct same-plane service between Denver and Dallas Love Field, making travel between the two "Big D's" that much easier. This will bring us up to 56 daily departures from Denver International! The added service at New Orleans and Denver is part of a much broader schedule adjustment coming in November, in which we'll eliminate some flights and add others–all designed to improve Southwest's profitability and operational performance. In all, 80 markets all across our network will see flights added or, in some cases, decreased. Seven completely new nonstop markets will be added to the Southwest system, while we will discontinue nonstop service in seven others (however, in each of these, we'll continue to offer direct or connecting service). At least in terms of the number of markets impacted, this makes the November 4th schedule change the largest and most comprehensive in Southwest's history–and this network re-optimization is possible by use of our "garage-o-mizer." I'm eager for you to take a look (and buy a ticket!) at our new November Schedule.  I look forward to your comments, and as always, thanks for reading Nuts About Southwest!
70 Comments
Micah1
Explorer A
OK, I'm just dying to know. What are the seven markets that are gaining service, and what are the seven markets that are losing service?
bhurst
Adventurer B
Great post, and great news Bill! One of the best things about Southwest is how 'willing' we are to make changes, and how 'able' we are to do it quickly and efficiently. From my few, brief encounters with the "garage-o-mizer," I have no doubt that it gives Southwest both strategic and tactical advantages over the competition. Thanks again for all you and Schedule Planning do to keep us ahead of the pack.
Stewart_S_Bushm
Explorer C
Sure, I love New Orleans, but I also love Los Angeles, and I live in Baltimore. What happened to the nonstops from Baltimore-LAX?!?!? Also, on a side note, I logged in as soon as the new schedule was released, and I'm a bit peeved (and confused) that there are no internet fares on Sunday November 25th from LAX to BWI (or really anywhere, so far as I can tell). Your roundtrip price, then, from Thurs to Sun, is more expensive than Alaska, American, United, and USAir, and they've got nonstops! Care to comment?
jim
Adventurer C
Between the new schedule extension and Gary Kelly's announcement that Southwest will be "enhancing its Rapid Rewards program" and "unveiling a new boarding/seating method", both in the fourth quarter, the blogs and forums are exploding with joy, dismay, and - of course - speculation. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2007/06/southwest-to-un.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=501 http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/
Kevin_Murray
Explorer C
Dude, ABQ to DEN service! Heck YES! It is about time the Albuquerque to Denver route gets some good low cost in there. I can not wait.
Rebecca14
Explorer B
Hi Micah, I think you can find the listings here: http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/070627_chart.pdf Enjoy!
Daph
Explorer C
I am a New Orleanian now living in Jacksonville Florida since Katrina and go back often ........ I wish SOUTHWEST had NONSTOPS from Jacksonville to New Orleans ........
Mike14
Explorer C
As a native of Dallas and a longtime Southwest flier, if there is one market Southwest needs to be in that it is not, it is Mobile, Alabama. There is no low-cost carrier in Mobile at all and the nearest Southwest service is a two-and-a-half hour drive away in New Orleans. Many of the locals in Mobile drive either to Gulfport/Biloxi or to Pensacola for their air travel at present because of the low-cost carriers at those airports. The Mobile area is going big places in the next few years. Southwest needs to be part of it.
Kim13
Explorer C
Can someone please explain why a one-way ticket from PHL to MCO is $89, a one-way ticket from MCO to PHL is $89, but when booked as a round-trip ticket, it drops to $79 each way?
Kim13
Explorer C
Also, why are so many flights marked "unavailable" on their first day of availability?
Peter111
Explorer C
I am always happy to see more flights coming to new orleans because I live there, but I have been hoping and waiting for an airline, any airline, to offer a nonstop from new orleans to San Francisco or Oakland. The way things are right now, it is about 8 hours of travel time to get there. PLease, please Southwest add a flight!!
Andrew_Brown
Explorer C
Although I recognize thousands of detailed matrix algrothims go into making the schedule, I am personally disappointed in the 'crunching' of Baltimore - Columbus flights, a roundtrip route that I commute on weekly. For the past few years, there has been a consistent flight after 930pm. From anecdotal evidence of being on that flight, I would imagine the load factor was rather high with commuters from the Baltimore and Washington area. The latest flight is now at 655pm, more than two hours earlier than the current final flight of the day. Doing a brief look at the BWI November schedules, Columbus is one only a couple cities in the Northeast/Midwest with no service after 7pm. Columbus is now served at 140p, 425p, and 655p. Unfortunately, living in Washington, I will need to rethink ways to get to Baltimore on weeks when I need to take that flight.
Anonymous777
Explorer A
PLEASE KEEP OPEN SEATING. I would like to see more PIT routes, but I also understand that it is an area with declining population. I couldn't help but notice that many of the new connections to Denver will probably be used to connect Dallas to Denver. PLEASE KEEP OPEN SEATING.
Anonymous777
Explorer A
PLEASE KEEP OPEN SEATING. Also, if Southwest does go to a new computer system, get on web sites like Orbitz and Expedia. I think this is definitely the best move for Southwest. PLEASE KEEP OPEN SEATING.
Greg4
Explorer C
i was just wondering why we have seen NO ADDITIONS to washington dulles?.
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Bill, Howdy! I posted the below comment on one of your threads that is buried several pages deep into the blog because it seemed like the best match to the topic at the time. But, now that you've got a new entry right up front, I'm copying this to here so my compliments to you and your co-workers will be more visible. Keep up the great job! Kim :) **** posted yesterday: Bill, As always, my hat continues to be off to you and your outstanding co-workers who manage to juggle all of the various factors involved in keeping the best airline in the world moving every day. TodayÃ
EEH
Explorer C
I hear you're considering offering service in Dayton, Ohio. Please do this! Cincinnati is way too expensive to fly out of for most (this is common knowledge in this town!) and myself, along with everyone else I know, always makes the hour drive up to Dayton to fly out. Lots of business to be had! Southwest is my preference, but does not offer flights out anywhere around here! I would fly Dayton to Omaha/and/or Chicago at least 8x+ per year if I could fly Southwest
David9
Explorer C
I was surprised that you discontinued non-stop service between Philadelphia and LA. The planes were always filled. Why did you do this? David
Anonymous3211
Explorer C
I really hope MSP is one of the new airports. I'm also hoping they do not pull out of West Palm Beach. Palm Beach is a great airport and a nice alternative to Fort Lauderdale. It would also be nice to see SWA expand at Washington Dulles.
Dennis7
Explorer C
I am a business traveller. I fly you 50 plus times a year. You go to assigned seating like the press says (in the same article which announces these flights) you are, and modify your rapid rewards further, you loose my business. Simple as that. How much marketing will you have to do to replace me, when you don't have to do anything but keep what has made you successful in place. Do not forget who has made you profitable, and why. You become just another airline with assigned seats, and, not worth the bother.
Tony1
Explorer C
Just say NO to assigned seating!
Michael_HArtman
Explorer C
I read the business section of USA Today, and I was shocked and dismayed at what I saw about Southwest's plans for the future. Didn't the head guy learn last year - we frequent fliers DO NOT WANT ASSIGNED SEATING! If he persists in this plan, he will turn Southwest from what we consider our "family" airline into just another means of transportation. Herb, please don't let this new bean counter you put in charge wreck one of the greatest thoughts since sliced bread. If Southwest wants to raise revenue, here's a better way to do it: For business travelers who have flown at least five times in the last twenty-four months, offer them the opportunity to pre-board for an additional charge of $5 per flight. Preboarding would be in the following order: first, the handicapped, then business travelers, and third families with small children. I have flown Southwest exclusively for years, but if you implement assigned seating then I guess I'll just go by price, because what promoted the LUV will be gone.
Stephen4
Explorer C
I am booking some flights into Orlando from Albuquerque for December and noticed that some of the flights are routed through Denver. I clicked to purchase the cheap $89 flights, but thought it strange that it charged me an additional $45 fare for the Albuquerque-Denver leg of the trip. I've never seen this before where it charges me an additional fare for one leg. Is this how it's supposed to be? It seems to be this way for all of the Albuquerque flights that go through Denver. It would be really nice to not have to pay an additional fare for that leg of the trip!
Kate2
Explorer C
I am dismayed to see that Southwest has eliminated its non-stop service between Philadelphia and Oakland. Here I was hoping Southwest would ADD non-stop service between Philadelphia and SFO (which is more convenient for me than OAK), and instead, it has ended all non-stop service to the bay area. Sadly, that means Southwest has lost my business, because on coast-to-coast flights, I want non-stop service. Since every nonstop Philadelphia-Oakland flight I have taken has been full, I really don't understand why this service was cancelled. And I am certain that nonstop service between Philadelphia and SFO would be enormously popular with folks from the Philadelphia area.
Mike211
Explorer C
Does Southwest plan to add the New Orleans to Indianapolis flights back to the schedule that existed before Hurricane Katrina?
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
YES TO ASSIGNED SEATING!!! YES TO CHANGE!!! Not everyone is going to be happy with change. But sometimes change is necessary. While have always enjoyed your open seating policy, if changing it brings in more revenue than by all means change it. To one of the writers.. I disagree with your statement.. "don't forget who made you profitable." I would have to say its Southwest Airlines employees who have made this company profitable and what it is today. Customers keep coming back because their employees offer the best customer service in the industry. Also Mr. Kelly said that he was going to enhance the rapid reward program. Enhance meaning.. they are going to make it better. Southwest has always looked out for their customers. lets give it a chance to work.... USS BLOG BOY
Cygnus
Adventurer C
Greg, I was just wondering why you keep spamming this forum.
Morie
Explorer C
Why has BWI lost two destinations, and lost flights on other routes? Every time I fly out of BWI, no matter where I'm going, the plane seems to be at or near capacity! Why would you reduce your presence there? I was expecting NEW destinations from BWI this time around, not less! And I think most of us can agree that assigned seating is something we do not want to see from the airline we LUV. Personally, I fly Southwest for three main reasons, one being the many flights available from BWI, two being the low fares, and three because I don't have to worry about being required to sit next to someone I would prefer not to sit next to just because thats where my seat was assigned. Please please please keep open seating, people that are stupid enough to enjoy being told where to sit can continue to pay for it on legacy carriers, but keep Southwest with what has made it successful. if it aint broke, don't fix it , man.
Scott_Zenz
Explorer C
Now that you're reinstating flights into/out of New Orleans, please consider reinstating the non-stop flights from Los Angeles to New Orleans and from N.O. to L.A. (flight 299). Thanks for your consideration!
Will2
Explorer C
Dear Bill, Thanks for continuing to be PERSONALLY responsible for all of the evil happenings at Southwest Airlines. Have you used all six of your free Clear Skies calls??? PEOPLE!!!!! Please feel free to write letters to SWA, expressing your concerns, but take it easy on my friend Bill. He, and his co-workers in Schedule Planning, used the optimization computer to help make the Company more profitable, which benefits EVERYONE. I'd guess they took existing passenger data, marketing data, and cost analysis, to write a schedule that still served our Customers (exactly ONE city pair lost, ELP-MAF, direct/connecting remains for all others), while allowing the Company to continue to make money, which is the goal of ANY business. BTW, Bill's department doesn't control the boarding procedures for our aircraft AND Gary didn't say we were assigning seats. Speculation is fine, but angry posts based on assumption are out of line. Nice job, Bill. Thanks for continuing to surprise in new and fun ways. Will Browne MDW F/A
Cygnus
Adventurer C
I agree with Morrie. I don't see the logic of not adding one new flight from BWI, but cutting all flights to the west coast instead. I guess you're saying, "We LUV our Customers so much, we want to see them fly JetBlue!" That's a heck of a price to pay for loyalty.
Anonymous1495
Explorer C
Thanks for bringing back the Birmingham - New Orleans flights!
Connie11
Explorer C
I am very unhappy about loosing direct non-stop service to LA and Oakland from both Philadelphia and Baltimore. I was looking forward to using it for business (I have been using Oakland even though San Francisco would be more convenient because I like Southwest) and pleasure. While I use Philadelphia, I might have actually been persuaded to drive two hours in heavy traffic to use Baltimore if there was still a flight there. I hope you reinstate a flight from PHL to LA at least.
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Northwest is cancelling flights the rest of the year. Time to return some of yours 😉 Like that n/s to phx. hint hint. How is my uncle going to get in at 1 am when you dropped flight 550? Enroll now in easypay and make your life easier. Ding! boy Joe
Sy_Sokatch
Explorer C
Hi, I just want to add my comments about the loss of flights between BWI and LAX. With great pleasure we have been taking this flight about every 6 weeks for the last five years. Most of the time the flight is almost full and we have even gotten to recognize some of the "regulars" Can you please explain why we will not have any n/s servicew to L.A from the Washington ?Baltimore area? We do love Southwest but feel that we have been deserted. Sy
Christy_Mitchel
Explorer C
Praise God!!!!!!!! November 4th will not be here soon enough! Thanks!
Jim11
Explorer C
Will Southwest begin service in Charlotte any time soon. A couple of years ago I heard one of the corporate managers interviewed on CNBC say that it would happen in the future.
rfs
Explorer C
I am disappointed that you have d/c'd nonstop flights from LAX to BWI. We have regularly used this flight for the past few years. We are now looking at booking tickets with your competitors whose fares are becoming more competitive (and they offer non stop service). Let me know when you reinstate this route and we will happily return to Southwest.
Pete_From_Phill
Explorer C
I have to add my voice of dismay to the cancellation of Southwest's non-stops from PHL and BWI to OAK and LAX. I have flown these many times and the aircraft always seemed to be full. While I realize the core business is short haul, it would be nice to hear from your leadership why these terrific flights have been pulled. Seems like there probably could have been a successful price point, given the demand.
D__Myers
Explorer C
My sons just got home last night from vacation in Orlando. It was a late flight and a long trip with trips to all the Florida attractions. All they could talk about was how funny the Southwest steward was. He cracked jokes, sang songs, and they just thought he was hilarious. Thanks for giving them such a great experience. P.S. I'm a RR member and fly SWA all the time. Great airline.
Riley_Issacson
Explorer C
Very useful information was found here, thank you for your work.
Chris1
Explorer C
Please bring Southwest to Cincinnati Northern Kentucky! Prices here are ridiculously high!
Melissa111
Explorer C
I have just discovered that Southwest is discontinuing nonstop service between Oakland and Philadelphia, and am very upset about this. It has been so convenient to fly nonstop, at a price that can't be beat. This has enabled me to visit my elderly mother more often. Now it looks like I'm back to United and US Airways again - less convenient, more expensive, fewer trips. You have lost my transcontinental business. I only hope that JetBlue or Virgin America discover this route.
Brian
Explorer C
I am very disappointed that Southwest has discontinued non-stop service between the Bay Area and Philadelphia. I have been taking this route with my 1 year old daughter for the last year. Many parents like myself find traveling with a child challenging and going nonstop is definitely the way to go. By adding a stop, this makes the trip much more exhausting. I truly hope Southwest will bring back non-stop between the Bay Area and Philadelphia.
Elizabeth4
Explorer C
Oh, how I would love to see direct service between the Oakland/ San Francisco and New Orleans- especially for weekend travel. I am trying to hold a day job in the Bay Area and get to New Orleans for relief work on weekends, but I have found no direct flights on the market, which makes travel very time consuming and greatly reduces the labor I can provide. I would like to think that Southwest could respond to the humanitarian need to restore direct service to New Orleans. If that is not enough, however, Southwest could look at the repopulation facts. According to the NY times in August 2007, 78% of the New Orleans work force and 68% of city residences have returned to the city post- Katrina.
elana
Explorer C
I see that many people have already posted about this, but I am so disappointed that OAK to PHL NS service has been canceled! My boyfriend lives in the bay area and makes this trip on southwest every month. It was so nice to have the NS flight.
disgruntled_ISP
Explorer C
I am very puzzled by the fact that SWA has decided to cancel two flights between ISP and BWI (in addition to other ISP cancellations). One of the flights which has been cancelled is one that I take every week on a Friday. That flight is usually 95%-100% full all of the time. First you drove out the competition from ISP and now you are cancelling flights.....not good!
David_McFarland
Explorer C
We would love to see you in Dayton. The landing fees are low and the market is ready to grow. We have a lot of space available at the airport for expansion. Please come. Thanks
Cleophus
Explorer C
Just adding my $0.02, asking SWA to please re-instate the OAK-MSY nonstop (or an SFO-MSY nonstop) that existed before 8/29/05. Thanks!
Carol_Bonkosky
Explorer C
I too am very disappointed to find the BWI to LA non-stop gone from your schedule. It will definitely get me to shopping other carriers. It is the flight I used the most, and I am sorry to see it go. I would be interested in why you would get rid of one of the most popular flights you had from Baltimore.