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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
Cathy_Bocanegra
Explorer C
That great that Southwest will be going to South Carolina .We have a son that lives there so now we can fly to S.C. Just have have a good deals for seniors. Thank you
DEBORAH_KEMP
Explorer C
I WISH SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FLEW FROM THE NASHVILLE, TN AIRPORT TO SARASOTA, FL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. I REALIZE YOU WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A STOP IN TAMPA, FL BUT IT WOULD BE WORTH IT TO BE ABLE TO FLY STRAIGHT INTO SARASOTA/BRADENTON AIRPORT. IF YOU COULD E-MAIL ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW TO GET FROM NASHVILLE, TN TO SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WOULD BE APPREICATED.
Anonymous2387
Explorer C
Those of you trying to find a cheap flight check out Allegiant air ! Thanks Southwest!
CGC
Explorer C
Please come to Charlotte...please...please...
Anonymous2431
Explorer C
I want Fresno.....pls
lmoffat
Adventurer A
Hi Deborah! We don't fly into Sarasota, but we do fly into Tampa, which is about an hour drive to Sarasota. Hope that helps!
Anonymous648
Explorer C
Outstanding News! How about Charlotte, NC next? These cities all need you! It makes traveling fun, not having to change airlines to go south!
Anonymous3987
Explorer C
THANK U, THNAK U I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS, SOUTHWEST U MADE DAY.
Sid_Busch
Explorer C
As a resident of Charleston SC,I am very excited about Southwest Airlines coming here. To get low fares I have had to drive 3 hours to Charlotte NC,now I can drive 10 minutes. A very warm Charleston welcome to you,and you will find that this historic city welcomes you with open arms.
Kat5
Explorer C
We are looking forward to be able to fly from Albany, NY to South Carolina. Can't wait.
nancy_hurley
Explorer C
i am so excited about this ..... this great
Marie3
Explorer C
Great to hear Southwest continues to reach out to new ciites in new states. We drive to SC all the time from RI because all other carriers want ridiculous amounts of money to fly there. It's a 15 hr drive but still not that expensive. But with Southwest Flying there, the cost will most like be reasonable and we can fly instead. Thanks for always trying to expand your service. Our family flys somewhere on vacation every year and we always fly with Southwest. I'm not paying $50 to fly any suitcase anywhere. UPS will get the money first MBaker East Greenwich, RI
Anonymous2293
Explorer C
I am jealous ..... Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite places to visit. There is a new airport coming to the area of St. George, Utah.... We are hoping to have Southwest Air lines here. Making the 150 mile trip to Las Vegas Mc Carran Airport is a bummer...... and hard to negotiate through the terminal maze. We love the positive attitude of the employees and kind manner Southwest handles difficult flying situations. You are 'real' people and are appreciated. THANK YOU.
Anonymous3892
Explorer C
Great decision on GSP! I flew SW all the time when I lived in the Tampa area and can't wait to get back in the loop...Thanks!
Sherry4
Explorer C
Thank God! I sure hope that Southwest will fly direct from Chicago-Midway to GSP.
nappel
Explorer C
I couldn't be happier about this. I heard it was coming a long time ago. YEAH!!!! I make this trip 4 times a year. The only airline that provided service from Islip, NY to Greenville-Spartanburg, SC was US AIR. Although I have travelled with them for years. I have started to DREAD going anywhere with them. They are late more often than on time....by hours and hours and sometimes days!!!!! The luggage fees are absurd. They rip you off for a one way fare. THANK HEAVENS YOU ARE COMING....I CANNOT WAIT!!!!! SOUTHWEST IS HEADS ABOVE THE OTHERS.....in courtesy and affordability!!!
Diane_Von_Hoene
Explorer C
Cincinnati would love to have you Southwest !! You would convert so many customers! I'll be waiting 🙂
CU_Tiger_Dad
Explorer C
This will make it so much easer and cheaper for my son to fly between Clemson U. and Houston. Sure wish you would start this fall.
Anonymous4333
Explorer C
Glad Southwest will be comming to Greenville-Spartanburg. Will be closer than driving to Raleigh. How about comming to the Asheville, Airport.
Barbara_Gail
Explorer C
Thank you, thank you for adding Charleston to your schedule. Now will you consider adding Savannah for those of us who have friends and family in southern SC. Please. I "luv" to fly Southwest. You are the best.
H_B_Ryder
Explorer C
Thanks SW Charleston is a nice little airport. We have family in SC and look forward to flying with SW whenever we can.
Anonymous2183
Explorer C
Why not start sooner. We want to go to Greenville in the fall and we don't want to drive.
Mike_Melucci
Explorer C
We have been going to Hilton Head for 12 Years and would always worry about what problem we have to confront from other airlines. We are very happy that SW is going to SC because I feel SW is one of the best airlines
misslaura
Explorer C
so exciting!!!! i was just flying today on southwest airlines and was daydreaming of how wonderful it would be if yall flew to south carolina! this just made my day! wish it was sooner than May so i could go visit my fiance who just got stationed in SC for the navy. guess i will just have to wait or use another airline 😞
Anonymous589
Explorer C
I fly from GSP to Tulsa every two to three weeks. I get tired of flying regional jets. It will be great to be on a 737 and I am hoping you drive prices down too. I pay upwards of $500 round trip today.
Anonymous4180
Explorer C
SouthWest coming to Charleston help me make a career move that would have been impossible otherwise. I will commute CHarleston to Ft. Lauderdale beginning in the fall. Thank you so much.
Anonymous2338
Explorer C
Great News! I live minutes from GSP and have much family and friends that visit regularly from Albuquerque....Can't wait!
Anonymous4498
Explorer C
Was so gald to see it go from Nashville to Panana Beach but you gave out prizes at the airport, I stay at home!!! However, I did take advantage of the service and flew down and back last week. If you give out prizes for this flight,include me, I have family in that area. (Charoltte, NC. and Greenville.)
Lisa_Whitehead
Explorer C
Thank you so much for coming close to Columbia, SC. But I wish you had a stop there too, any chance or that? My Mom lives there part time and we would love the rest of the familly to be able to fly there at a reasonable price. Too far to drive from Philadelphia, PA. I've been waiting for this to come for a long time. Hope you consider a hub in Columbia, SC too. And ATL soon too, Please...
Anonymous1528
Explorer C
My friends and I are so excited about Charleston! For two years, we have tried to figure out how to get there on SW, of course, without any luck. This is a dream come true. The six of us can hardly wait!
Helen_C_Pearman
Explorer C
Just wanted to tell you that I have been singing y our praises to all of my friends here in Charleston, and the other day someone asked me if I worked for Southwest Airlines!! I laughed and said, 'No, but I can't think of a company that would be nicer to work for.' We are very excited that you will be servicing Charleston and Greenville! Thank you! And thank you for all of the years you made travel easy for us in and out of Tulsa.
Anonymous3598
Explorer C
Please add Myrtle Beach to your destinations for South Carolina. Not many direct flights from NY and would love to give Southwest the business.
Cathy_Gorham
Explorer C
When are you going to start flying in and out of the Branson, MO airport? I'd love to watch your planes fly over the lake as they are landing...and then I'd love to go get on one to fly away!
mary_kay_mclane
Explorer C
I am thrilled that you will now be servicing Charleston. I have a home in Charleston and one in Harrisburg Pa. Do you currently serve Harrisburg and will you have flights from MDT to CHS
Anonymous556
Explorer C
I noticed someone asked about PTI (Greensboro North Carolina) add me to the list. I'm also interested in Myrtle Beach. Having to depend on Spirit -- out of LaGuardia no less -- leaves a lot to be desired. What are your plans for either of these locations?
Jay_Washington
Explorer C
Thank goodness! I have always wanted to go to Charleston, and base a lot of my travels and where I live on Southwest Airlines' flight destinations. When will Atlanta be on that list?
lmoffat
Adventurer A
Hi Mary Kay! We don't fly into Harrisburg, PA, but the closest airport we fly into would be Baltimore/Washington (BWI). We haven't announced destinations from CHS yet, but stay tuned!
Clint
Explorer C
Thank goddness now we will have a resonable fare airline that will serve Charleston in the near future. It will be nice to have away to get from Phoenix to Charleston and not have to pay those crazy bag fees and fly on the top airline in the country. Thanks Southwest!!!!
Anonymous831
Explorer C
Why can'tSouthwest have DIRECT flights to Jacksonville, FL? You used to have direct. Switching planes in Baltimore with a lay-over is awful. It only takes 2 1/2 hours to get to Ft. Lauderdale, and takes 6 hours to get to Jacksonville which is the northern part of FL. Please bring back direct flights!
Anonymous3288
Explorer C
How about a flight between Seattle and Fresno. Could use more west coast flights.......
Anonymous3288
Explorer C
How about a flight between Seattle and Fresno? I don't fly the east coast but sure would love a SW flight to avoid the 2 hour drive from Sacramento!
VG
Explorer C
I hope Charlotte NC is next
Winifred_maccam
Explorer C
I love flying southwest. Can you tell me if you are going to go to North Carolina area. My Sister just moved to oak Island last fall and I had to fly another airline which I was not happy with. Please let me know as soon as you go there. Thank You Winnie MacCammon
Bill_crocker
Explorer C
YES!! I've lived in Charlotte 10 years & regularly fly back to Texas. I SORELY miss Southwest. I'd gladly give up a limb for Southwest to serve Charlotte! However I am MORE than happy to drive to Greenville to fly them! Thank you!!!
Tony_Abarno
Explorer C
Please Please Please service Myrtle Beach
Happy_in_SC
Explorer C
So happy to know this -- I'm from Nashville originally and miss flying SWA! If only you flew to Columbia.... but we know the rep.... Charleston = old money. Greenville = new money. Columbia = no money....
Anonymous3395
Explorer C
THANK YOU! OUR KIDS LIVE IN DENVER AND OAKLAND, NOW WE WON'T HAVE TO DRIVE TO CHARLOTTE OR ATLANTA. THANK YOU, THANK YOU
TAXMAN
Explorer C
Bought a second home out there in Taylors SC, usually fly from San Diego to Houston, then from Houston to GSP. Glad to hear we will soon going their probably SD to PHX then PHX to GSP. Nice! South Carolina, Americas best kept secret. M
linda_c
Explorer C
please please add charleston.........southwest is the airlines i love to fly........we have family there and we have to fly into north carolina
Theresa4
Explorer C
We knew you'd find us! Our family has used your great airline for many years & encouraged all our friends / family to do the same. 3+ years ago we moved to the Greenville, SC area from Phoenix & were sadden to learn you were no where to be found. This announcement has truly put excitement & anticipation about travel back into our lives! Thank you SWA!