Skip to main content

Southwest Airlines Community

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES INTENT TO SERVE SOUTH CAROLINA

cday
Frequent Flyer C
Carrier Selects Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg--No Subsidies Required

 

May 11, 2010--Southwest Airlines today announced its intent to serve the state of South Carolina—without subsidies—through the cities of Charleston (CHS) and Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) in 2011. Southwest will release details regarding start dates, destinations and fares, and number of departures at a later date.  The airline’s service will not be dependent on pending legislation to provide air service subsidies. For more information about Southwest Airlines, click here.

 

“We look forward to serving the Palmetto State with Southwest Airlines’ unique brand of genuine hospitality, great value, a robust and reliable flight network, and our terrific Employees who deliver excellent Customer Service,” said Dave Ridley, Southwest’s senior vice president of marketing and revenue management.

 

Southwest reported a profitable start to the year with its First Quarter 2010 financial results last month. At that time, Southwest said overall demand for its Low Fares and high quality Customer Service remained strong, resulting in a record first quarter performance for load factor, passenger yield, operating unit revenue, and passenger revenues.  Southwest attributed the notable performance to its network optimization and revenue management efforts, which also have allowed it to grow in destinations without growing its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The carrier intends to continue that growth strategy in 2011, keeping its capacity relatively flat with 2010.

 

 

 

After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier where bags fly free, continues to stand above other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 68 cities in 35 states and is the largest U.S. carrier, based on domestic passengers carried. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

 

www.southwest.com

1,329 Comments
Anonymous3681
Explorer C
we live in Bowling Green Ky and have to drive to Nashville to get a flight. We are flying Southwest in October to Florida. any chance of getting air service in Bowling Green (connecting flight) or air service to Myrtle Beach South carolina we go there a lot, and it is a long drive from Bowling Green Ky 13 hours. we chose Southwest in October because of the price and saved 250,00 on the flight. we have also flew southwest to Las vegas.
Patty8
Explorer C
Can't wait for your service to begin. Any chance you will start service to Greensboro, NC and Myrtle Beach? I am from the south and would love to be able to visit more often with affordable airfare. Thanks and try to begin service there sooner! Patricia
Bill34
Explorer C
Stoked about South Carolina. I have a divisional office in Greenville & CHarleston is an awesome city close to HIlton Head Island...Plus Southwest free bags and excellant service...It's a happy day
Ali11
Explorer C
Flying SWA is a wonderful experience; I have flown SWA since the old days when they held contests and gave prizes; it made the flight go so fast with lots of fun. Please consider NC, my son is in Greenville; send the LUV there soon, K?
Judi3
Explorer C
Thank you for moving into South Carolina. Our newest grandchild is in Athens, Ga and we have family in South Carolin. I dread the thought of driving through Atlanta or flying there on a different airline. I love Southwest and am thrilled we will have the option to FLY SW when heading to the southeast.
Bob_Soto
Explorer C
Praise God!! Thanks for this opportunity. This bring me closer to my daughters and grandchildren. Better able to spend family time together. Thanks!
Anonymous1953
Explorer C
You are the best. Just returned from Hilton Head (driving for 10 hours). I can't wait to fly with SW on my next trip there! Keep up the great job! You are my airline of choice. Whenever I travel, one of my first thoughts is whether or not you fly to the destination.
Anonymous882
Explorer C
My life would be so much more convenient if you would fly into Atlanta. That losing airline that has a strangle on other carriers into that airport is disgusting and I refuse to fly with them.
Tony_Cabrera
Explorer C
My congrats to Southwest Airlines. This unique opportunity to serve the Charleston, SC area will be very well-received by many military retirees who try to depart on military flights out of Charleston AFB, SC. Many of us had been waiting for this to happen. Thanks SW, we appreciate the effort!
Bart_Chapman
Explorer C
This will greatly enhance he Southwest brand in the South, and will motivate me to use SWA for more of my air travel! Thanks for making the right choice.
kmpatt
Explorer C
I'd love to become part of the Southwest family. When will you begin hiring for these new routes?
Pam_B_
Explorer C
One of the reasons I DIDN'T visit Charleston last year was poor airline service from Austin - several changes of planes, long layovers, late arrival - and no Southwest flights. Hope service is available for a beautiful blooming spring in Charleston! Pam B.
Anonymous2062
Explorer C
AWESOME!! CANT WAIT!!
bubbe
Explorer C
Yeh. We can drive from Charleston to Hilton Head easily - I am thrilled!!!!!!!!!!
Ed_S
Explorer C
We were hoping you would be coming to Myrtle Beach with its twelve million tourists each year, but I will definitely drive to Charleston so I can fly your outstanding airline.
GoGo
Explorer C
This is AWESOME news! So glad they're heading to Charleston!!
Milehi_Paul
Explorer C
Southwest seams to always keep it's head above the competition. Family in SC will be very happy not to pick me up in Savannah.
Charlotte3
Explorer C
I would love to see Southwest fly into Rapid City, S.D.
Mark_Blucher
Explorer C
You can also serve a large SC population by providing service to Savannah, GA. And you get the folks in Georgia to boot. Give it some serious consideration.
Russ3
Explorer C
This is great news. I fly Southwest every opportunity I get and I have a son who is a Marine at Camp Lejueme NC. Any chance of servicing that area in the future. I'm sure the Marines would welcome this. Thanks and keep up the good service! Russ
Cherie_in_San_A
Explorer C
Woooo Hoo! As a native South Carolinian, and a Southwest devotee, this is an answer to prayer! No other airline holds a candle to SW so keep up the excellence!
gary_cina
Explorer C
Wow, now how about going out of Charlotte,nc That would even be bigger for the south
Mary_Ann
Explorer C
I go to Raleigh all the time to catch SW. Would love to have you at GSO which is 12 minutes away.
Serafinamia
Explorer C
SO glad to hear about your coming to GSP (<2 hrs. away). Now if you would only add CHARLOTTE, my flying dreams would come true - LESS THAN AN HOUR AWAY! (And very easy to fly out of!)
Pearson_Grane
Explorer C
Come to Greensboro, NC (GSO), please!!!!! I drive to Raleigh for your flights, but would welcome you to GSO!
Mike_L
Explorer C
FANTASTIC! Finally can get to Myrtle Beach without the hassle and long drive from Raleigh.... Hopefully soon SW will recognize the value in being a low cost carrier to MYR.....
mike_w_
Explorer C
LOVE IT! IF YOU COULD START TODAY, 5 STARS FOR SOUTHWEST AIR! FAMILY IN MARYLAND AND CHARLESTON, S.C. MIKE N' MISSY AND THE PUPS!
Southwest_Queen
Explorer C
Love Southwest SO much that we have been doing the drive from Jacksonville to Hilton Head to make it work. My extended family needs (and loves) the flexibility AND low fares. Dont forget the LOW FARE part! PHX to MDW has been creeping up big time!
Kevin_McDermott
Explorer C
Those of us in Columbus who visit Kiawah, Seabrook, IOP and CHS have been waiting for this day for a long time. Can't wait to fly into CHS on the Orange and Blue instead of the overpriced Delta !
robbie
Explorer C
i have family in greenville - how exciting!!!! way to go!!!!!
Anonymous3634
Explorer C
How about Savannah; have family in the area? RJR
Dianne2
Explorer C
Will Georgia be next? Please!!!!!
Sandy8
Explorer C
Yippie!!! Much needed route. I look forward to flying into Greenville. Will you have direct flights from Baltimore? (BWI)
Judy_G
Explorer C
How about Sarasota ?????Many of us south of Tampa would LOVE to fly SW from this terrific and CONVENIENT airport !
bshiii
Explorer C
We live in the NW corner of SC. My daughter lives in Seattle. We were planning a trip to SEA this fall and were planning to drive to BNA -- a day's journey. Will wait on service to GSP! Both my wife and I are members of Rapid Rewards and have trips to use.
Joan
Explorer C
Answer to our prayers. The drive from Albany to South Carolina is long and the only alternative was to fly to Raleigh/Durham. This is great news from those of us who enjoy trips to the beautiful areas in South Carolina. Looking forward to when this all begins---hope in early 2011.
C__Lycke
Explorer C
We are so happy about this. We have children and a grandchild in the area and it will make our travels so much easier. This is great news. Thanks.
Anonymous2363
Explorer C
Would you PLEASE invade the Atlanta market? Tomorrow would be just fine!
joan_s_
Explorer C
thank goodness ,not a minute to soon ,my family is in charlston area this is a blessing.
KC4
Explorer C
So excited SW is coming to Charleston!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! PLEASE consider the Savannah/Hilton Head airport for your next spot.....just like Charleston, there's plenty of people that want to travel in and out with no low cost options. Tickets in and out of SAV are rediculous and there's so much potential business, Southwest would be the obvious option for travelers. Thank you, LOOOOOVE Southwest!
Anonymous1901
Explorer C
How about Hilton Head or Savannah, GA?
Bill___Brigitte
Explorer C
We have fond memories of Charleston when we drove from Chicago to Seabrook Island while living in the Chicago land area. Now that we live in Missoula MT the drive will be shorter just 190 miles to Spokane WA where we can fly Southwest. The only way it could be better would be service from Missoula MT where we live now, We hope someday will happen as we fly Southwest as often as we can. Way to grow Southwest.
Marsha
Explorer C
This is great news. My son has a beach house in Charleston and it takes 10 hours to drive. We will most certainly fly with Southwest to get there. Now, please get a direct flight to Indianapolis, IN. It takes us 6 hours to fly there now with the layovers for a 2 1/2 hour flight. We live in West Palm Beach, FL
Sam14
Explorer C
Great news about Charleston. Now, how about flying in and our of Savannah, Ga.
Gene_Henley
Explorer C
I am currently living in the Palm Springs, CA area. Love Southwest as it has numerous locations in this State. Knowing you have multiple locations up and down the State, but, would sure LUV to see Southwest come to PSP. An ex-employee of Southwest, a BWI Operations Agent. Regards, Gene
Carl_Cartee
Explorer C
Thank you God!!! Finally some regional competition to make Charlotte better and a great reason to fly to one of the most beautiful cities in the south...Charleston.
Anonymous693
Explorer C
This is GREAT! I have an elderly aunt who has just announced that she doesn't plan to travel to the midwest anymore due to failing eyesight. NOW, we'll be able to visit her without numerous plane changes since she lives near GSP! Wonderful!
FinallyCHS_
Explorer C
I am from charleston and it's always been so expensive to fly into chs & direct flights are rare from my location. So this is some of the most exciting news!! Thank u!!!!!
Mary_Lou
Explorer C
I am your best friend because you have been taking me to visit my daughter and grandbabies in Phili for years. Charleston is wonderful news - family there too. If you would only fly into Grand Rapids so I could see my son, I would be your best friend forever!!!!!!
Terry_Anstine
Explorer C
This news is outstanding, Charleston is one of our favorite cities and having Southwest service will sure increase convenience and hopefully, also benefit us via lower fares.