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Southwest Rescues Twin Cities from Northwest Monopoly

pberg
Frequent Flyer B

Southwest Rescues Twin Cities from Northwest Monopoly

via Gadling by Josh Lew on 10/3/08

 

The Twin Cities have enjoyed fleeting affairs with budget airlines in the past. AirTran provided dirt cheap flights between MSP and Chicago (as low as $59 one-way) for several years. When they left, fares rose considerably. For many people flying out of Minnesota, Northwest is the only game in town. A search on the major booking web sites last week turned up fares of over $500 between MSP and O'Hare. In short, Northwest has travelers trapped in a corner and seems intent on extracting as much money. Sporadic service by budget carriers like Sun Country has done little to alter the trend of high prices. But a deal between Twin Cities Int'l and Southwest Airlines will bring some significant change to the air travel market next year.

To read more, visit:  http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/03/southwest-airlines-rescues-twin-cities-from-northwest-monopoly/

19 Comments
Andrew_in_Orlan1
Explorer C
From the all the comments I've read on other sites (usatoday.com, airliners.net, etc) about Southwest's arrival into MSP, I must say that the people in that region seem to be STARVING for low-cost jet service. The comments, accolades, and thank you's are just too numerous to count! I predict that MSP will be a HUGE player in the near future for Southwest. Hopefully you won't set up MSP the same way you have set up DTW. GO ALL THE WAY, Southwest! Drew in MCO
Diane10
Explorer C
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I'm so happy to hear that you'll be flying into MSP. I have been waiting for this for years. I hope that you'll have a non stop or at least a direct flight from SFO or OAK. I'm an A-LISTER with a smile on my face. Diane
Anonymous3810
Explorer C
I have been waiting for this for years. I flew US Airways for business only because I could use the miles to go visit family in MSP. I'm back on Southwest as of TODAY!
Molly_P
Explorer C
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. It is a 10 hour drive to Minneapolis from my house. We have been driving for years, since Vanguard Airlines went out of business. I have been writing to SWA for years asking for service to MSP, and YEAH it is finally happening. Way to go SWA. Now I can get there in an hour and ahalf!!!! Molly
Raleigh
Explorer C
As a Rapid Reward Member for many years I can't tell you how happy I am learning about Southwest's expansion into Minneapolis. My business requires me to fly 6-8 times a month and flying on Northwest is anything BUT a happy event. Having moved from San Antonio to Minneapolis in early August, 08 I can't tell you how badly I miss the friendly attitudes of all of the Southwest "folks". My VISA card has the Big SW 737 on it and I've qualified for the SW Companion pass for many years in a row. I plan to be on the first Southwest flight out of the Northwest controlled Minneapolis Airport of Darkness and I really don't care where it's going... I'll be there because I truly believe Southwest has been there for the business traveler!! Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!
Marilynn
Explorer C
Hooray! Hooray! I have been waiting for you to open up the MSP market. We are tired of the Northwest monopoly and high fares. I am a solid Southwest fan and traveler. THANK YOU! .
Anonymous152
Explorer C
Many, Many, Happy Dances for SWA. I was an employee of SWA years ago. I loved working for them and life moves in many directions where times move on. I have been waiting for years for SWA to come to MSP. This is a wonderful company and I have never forgotten the wonderful experiences I have had with clients and employees. Our daughter lives and works in Washington D.C. and now it is affordable for her to fly home. THANK YOU SWA WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS WONDERUL NEWS.
Anonymous1911
Explorer C
I am a SWA employee and I'm looking forward to seeing us expand and grow MSP for all those who live there. It's a great move and I'm sure that passengers will love to see the fares being lowered. Watch out NW we're coming to get you LOL!
Chris_Weber
Explorer C
I am so glad that you are coming to MSP. I used Air Tran to fly to Chicago to visit relatives, and as soon as Air Tran pulled out, the flights skyrocketed. I also have a sister that lives in LA and she flies Southwest all the time and this will help her out also. Everybody needs to remember to fly Southwest and use you!
Eric13
Explorer C
Thank you SWA! I've never experienced an airline quite like Southwest. I can't wait for you to spread the LUV in MSP! Now.. can I come work for you too? - Eric in MSP
Mustang
Explorer C
I can't tell you how great it was hearing the local news say Southwest Airlines will arrive in the Twin Cities early next year. I moved here just over a year ago after flying Southwest for the last fifteen years and could not believe how Northworst takes advantage of this community. Round trip tickets to Chicago one year ago cost me $200.00 or less. I normally travel home to Chicago 4-5 times a year or take at least 3-4 trips visiting family and friends around the country. All of this came to a halt when Northworst starting ripping me off. I only travel Northworst for work and cannot believe how much it cost. My most recent trip booked well in advance cost over $500.00 to visit Chicago! Karma always comes back around! I can't wait for LUV to arrive! This way I can get back to my travels and save my company a ton of money. Keep up the great service and low fares! #1 market share is yours for the taking!
Anonymous1331
Explorer C
My husband and I have been waiting for years for SW to go to Minneapolis!!!!!!Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!! This was wonderful news. Our many friends live in Minneapolis where my husband grew up and the expense with other airlines have forbidden us to visit. This was wonderful news. Again, thanks.
Den_Den
Explorer C
excellent ! the question I have is with the privatization of Midway Chicago will Rockford be an option ? they have a nice airport capable of handling big jets & I'll confess....it puts me 100 miles closer to where I have to go not to mention the $ 45 bus fare !
MOGULKING
Explorer C
MAYBE ATLANTA WILL BE NEXT? WE NEED SOUTHWEST IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION....!
Anonymous3812
Explorer C
WE WELCOME SWA WITH OPEN ARMS IN MPLS/ST PAUL!!! Northworst needs a kick in the !$%&*. They've been screwing the State of MN & residents for too long. Can't wait to fly Southwest out of Mpls. When will you be expanding to Vegas from MSP???
Jason14
Explorer C
Welcome to MSP I moved to Minnesota from Phoenix and I missed SWA. Welcome! Will you be flying out of Humphrey or Lindberg?
Melle
Explorer C
YIPPEE! I am Southwest's #1 fan and have been starved for LUV since moving to Minnesota 4 years ago. I am NEVER going to have fly NW again! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am constantly telling people how wonderful your airline is and I'm sure they think I'm exagerating! Wow, won't they all be surprised to discover what real friendly airline service is like. Seriously, these people do not think it unusual to need to have their attorney's phone number handy just to book a trip. This news is truly an answer to prayer! I am so excited! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! See you in the spring!
Anonymous2894
Explorer C
I have been waiting for this news for years!!! Growing up in MN we always had to fly with NWA and their fares have never been cheap! My husband and I recently moved to Chicago and with the ridiculous fares to fly back to MSP we haven't been able to visit family and friends as often as we like. I can't wait for LUV to arrive in MSP in March! Thank you again!!!
Ian
Explorer C
When will we be able to book tickets on SWA from Minneapolis???