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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
Anonymous2660
Explorer C
Great news...short hop to Asheville from there. But still miss desperately the discontinued non-stop service from Tampa to Albuquerque :>(
PJ_Rundle
Explorer C
I too am excited, as I have a dear friend in Greenville S.C. and love to visit the beautiful state. Also, I don't have to hop around the country from California to get there.
Lib_Davis
Explorer C
I came to Texas 18 years ago. In that many years, Southwest has NEVER lost my luggage and only one time damaged it. (With full replacement of what I had before!!!). Southwest has not been late either! I have flown another airline to Chattanooga and to Knoxville, TN and my luggage has ALWAYS been lost and flights cancelled or delayed!. I now drive all the way or fly Southwest into Nashville, TN. My daughter knows she either has to pick me up or I will take the shuttle! I would love to see you expand to Chattanooga and/or Knoxville Tn. I do believe the flights would be filled immediately and continuously! I travel Southwest not only because it's inexpensive, but because of the policies, people hired and the way I'm treated. Thank You!!!
Bill_in_Columbi
Explorer C
Hurray! Lots of people will come to GREENVILLE/SPARTANBURG or CHARLESTON to fly Southwest . Please hurry!
Edie2
Explorer C
This is wonderful news! The sooner the flights land in Charleston, the better!
Kathy_-_Travel_
Explorer C
AWESOME NEWS! Now if only you could get into MYRTLE BEACH! I have soooooo many clients (especially golfers) along the east coast that would love a non-stop from PHL, BWI or DCA to MYRTLE BEACH! Not to mention how many people would fly into Myrtle Beach from the southern parts of North Carolina!
Melinda
Explorer C
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! My son and daughter-in-law are in the Air Force stationed in Charleston, SC, the flights to Charleston will make it so much easier to visit them and for them to be able to come home for visits.
Anonymous490
Explorer C
Would hope that good 'ol Southwest would please consider service from Chattanooga, Tennessee . Have flown SW many enjoyable times from Nashville to the West, but would sure love to make those trips from here.
Lynda_Gardocki
Explorer C
Yeah!!!! I fly to Charleston from Bradley no less than 6 times a year on other inferior airlines. I love flying southwest and will use this route often. THANK YOU!!!
Glenn1
Explorer C
SOUTHWEST FROM ISLIP,NY TO MYTLE BEACH???...GOODBYE SPIRIT AIRLINES, RIGHT OUT OF BUSINESS!!!
Alex_W
Explorer C
As a frequent flyer and leisure traveller, as well as being an Upstate resident. I am soo excited about Southwest's arrival to a price-inflated local airport. Not only will this provide more economically-sound opportunities for Upstate residents to experience our beautiful country, yet it will also provide our country an opportunity to us, the beautiful Upstate of South Carolina. I, thank you, Southwest, for giving the Upstate an opportunity it has long deserved. Thanks again from a frequent flyer, Alex W
Gloria5
Explorer C
Will the flights from St.Louis, Mo. to Charleston, SC be straight thru?
Karen_Stewart
Explorer C
Wonderful news but still 2 hours from Charlotte! Please, please, please come to Charlotte!!!!
gerry_willse
Explorer C
Been waiting for this for 5 years. Fantastic!
Anonymous1385
Explorer C
Hey all you North Carolinians! Southwest already come to Raleigh-Durham airport. We ware thrilled to death that they will now serve Charleston, SC! Awesome!
El
Explorer C
Good news, Flying to South Carolina. I always fly to Jacksonville and drive to South Carolina. This will save my travel time and rent car fee. I'm so happy, I so greatful. SOUTH CAROLINA is my home state. Now I can fly four day a year. G-R-E-A-T. Love you South West.
Lisa_-Chicago
Explorer C
YAY!!! PLEASE PLEASE start flying before Aug of this year!!! I need to see family in bluffton and You guys would save this unemployed girl a lot of money!!!
Ed_Black
Explorer C
We need you in Charlotte,come as soon as you can!
Alan11
Explorer C
I live in Charleston...Execs at SW must be pretty smart!!! can't believe other airlines can't see the tremendous potential of this vacation and business mecca!!!!
Don21
Explorer C
Wish you were starting sooner. GSP is a great airport, is located right off the interstate and you can get to the Upstate in either NC or SC is less than an hour. If your going to Atlanta, fly to Greenville, much less of a hassle, and you miss all the downtown traffic. Great move Southwest, Hope your flights will be available from Islip, It's another great airport and a lot of Long Islanders love to vacation in the Carolinas.
Sue_Riegerix
Explorer C
I live in St. Louis Mo. I have two kids at the Citadel. In the past we were stuck with AA or Delta into CHS or we had to use other cities then drive 2-4 hours to CHS. It was the hot topic at the Citadel Alumni barbeque in St. Louis the other day. Yeah for Southwest. Thank you for hearing our call.
Harvey3
Explorer C
The sooner the better to Charleston. I'll buy a year's worth of tickets!!
Louie
Explorer C
PLEASE let me know how I can find out WHEN you will be starting Charleston, SC flights. I want to fly out of SC in December and don't want to book another airline if Southwest will be in Charleston in December. PLEASE let me know. Thanks.
Anonymous2938
Explorer C
Hello, I am very excited about the flights being available to South Carolina soon. Is there any chance that more non-stop flights will be available for Columbus, Ohio to new destinations? Thanks, Melissa
Michael_E_
Explorer C
I have been waiting for years for this to happen, both CHS and GSP are close to me. I am wondering when they will release any more news where they will be flying to, and how offten a week? Alliegiant air is okay with the prices, but the cost to take your suitcase adds up. Most of us take a flight that might last a couple of hours, so why should all of us pay extra for drinks and so on, that is why I think southwest will make a dent at those airports, since now delta, usair, and all others will have to compete with those great prices.... Welcome to South Carolina Michael E.
Louanna
Explorer C
Please please tell us soon as to when you will start service to S C - have family there - also any plans to go to capital of S C, Columbia? More convenient for me - also will there be any little connecting flights from Charleston to Florence S C if you don't plan to fly to Columbia. Greenville is way too far to fly to - Have been waiting forever for SW to go to S C...thanks thanks thanks
Donna_C
Explorer C
Wonderful. Will definitely be making a trip next year to visit SC family. Thanks Southwest!
Cindy15
Explorer C
Excellent news! We have family and friends in SC and NC that we visit often, maybe we won't have to drive in to Kennedy Airport anymore !Will there be any direct flights from Islip Airport?? Bring it on sooner than later, PLEASE!! Thanks
Kathy13
Explorer C
Please make it soon! My son now lives in Lubbock and you just can't get there from GSP. I can't wait!!
Rick_Skelton
Explorer C
Thank you!!
Mullnc
Explorer C
I have suggested you fly to Greenville, SC in the past. Thanks for listening. I don't know why GSO is complaining, at least you fly to RDU. We live an hour from Greenville, SC and an hour from CLT, so we are thrilled!!!!!!!!!! Southwest is the best, now I don't have to drive 3 hours to get a Southwest flight! Thank you, we can't wait, Foothill Patrons
CJ11
Explorer C
great news...Thank you Southwest...Hilton Head needs Southwest airlines too!!
Anonymous3391
Explorer C
Hey, Any chance the date would be by November 2010. I am so looking forward to traveling to Las Vegas for business conferences via South West.
Eartha
Explorer C
Great news for the Flights to South Carolina, how close to Florence, S.C. can you come. we travel to Florence 2 times or more a year, would love to be able to fly and not have to drive so far plus get there much quicker and have more time to spend with the family.
Anonymous1043
Explorer C
Hurray from Sacramento!!! We have been dying to go to South Carolina and are THRILLED you are the ones doing it! Sign us two up for the early intro fares!!!!
Yvonne21
Explorer C
I am glad to hear about the flights to be...but I am going this fall.
Betty1
Explorer C
hey southwest I always fly southwest when I can and will I be able to fly southwest from okc to Greenville,south carolina when you open up that route to Greenville? if so, I just cannot wait!! I am ready when you are.
Jon
Explorer C
That is great, but when are you coming to Richmond, VA. a direct from cmh to ric would be a busy flight for SWA.
Allison4
Explorer C
THANK YOU!! DING!!! I am now free to visit my parents in Asheville NC (45 min from GSP) without spending a gazillion dollars and paying for my bags!!! Southwest ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christine_Rasse
Explorer C
Hi, I have family in South Carolina and am only able to fly out of MacArthur Airport. It takes forever to get to Charlotte using that airport. The only alternative I have is to use JFK or LaGuadia, and I tried that once. It took many hours and a real toll on me. Two adult and two small children in our family just made the trip up to see me by car, only because of the lack of direct flights from Long Island to Charlotte. On the way they got a flat tire and added hours on to their trip. We would all very much appreciate it if you could fly planes out of Islip and into Charlotte. I know there are a lot of people originally from Long Island who live on Daniel's Island, which is very close to Charlotte. Help please!
Anonymous279
Explorer C
wish it was sooner! So happy to be able to fly to upstate SC on Southwest. You guys are the best airline!!!! If at all possible, the one airline I fly!
Brett7
Explorer C
Please come to Charlotte, NC!!!!
Catherine
Explorer C
Thanks Southwest now we dont have to traval with Delta.
Paula4
Explorer C
THANK-YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!! My son and his wife live in Greer, SC, just 10 minutes from GSP. We live just north of Colorado Springs and it has always been so expensive for us to all see each other. To keep our costs down we have always had to fly into Charlotte, NC..Will you have flights from DIA and ColoSpgs. We will be VERY HAPPY with either!!Thanks so much.
marlena_miller
Explorer C
Yah!!!!! I am so excited you are going to fly into Greenville, SC We have family there and love southwest. Can't wait!!!
Anonymous679
Explorer C
Sooooooo glad to see you coming to GSP!! I've been waiting for this for 6 years! All you NC commenters.....you got Raleigh already....
Anonymous4571
Explorer C
I sometimes wish, people, including the president of Southwest, would become more educated about food allergies, I am so scared to board, an Airline, with my son, who has, LIFE THREATENING, Peanut & tree nut allergies, this problem has tripled in American children in the last 5 years or so. He doesnt just sneeze, his throat could close, with in two minutes. I sure dont want to be on an airplane if that ever happens. If more people had loved ones, especially, a beautiful 8 year old, with allergies, peanuts, would seem silly not to take of the plane, without a doubt. I lost a 2 year old, with heart problems, so maybe I am sensitive, it is devastating. I think we can all live with Nuts on Planes. My son, goes to a school, that serves peanut butter everyday, he sits at a peanut free table. Airborn peanut dust can cause a reaction, the epi pen was administrated, on board, with my Doctors, sisters child. Thanks for listening
Pam_Coyle
Explorer C
AWESOME!!! I've always wanted to choose Southwest Airlines. I visit grown kids in Birmingham, Alabama, and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania two to four times a year each, and I would fly Southwest rather than drive to Jacksonville to visit my daddy, if that were available from Southwest. Thanks for coming to Charleston.
CraytonRox
Explorer C
This is GREAT news! Now if you would only come to Columbia SC too. CAE needs Southwest!!!!!
Lassie
Explorer C
Please consider adding flights to Atlanta!