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WELCOME, AKRON-CANTON, DAYTON, AND DES MOINES…AND LOTS MORE SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR THE SUMMER AND FALL!

Bill
Employee
Employee

So…if we announced all of this yesterday, you’d think it was an April Fool’s joke.  BUT IT’S NOT!  We’ve just unveiled lots of service adjustments in the Summer/Fall 2012 schedules.

Headline News:  Southwest is adding THREE new cities!  Effective August 12, Southwest will begin daily service at Akron-Canton (CAK) and Dayton, Ohio (DAY).   At Akron-Canton, we’ll begin with two daily roundtrips to Chicago Midway and a daily roundtrip to Denver alongside AirTran’s 10 daily flights to five markets.  At Dayton, we’ll begin with one daily roundtrip to Denver alongside FL’s eight daily flights to four markets.  Then, on September 30, we’ll begin service to Iowa’s Capital—Des Moines (DSM)—with two roundtrips to Chicago Midway, effectively converting that airport to the Southwest brand.  The new Southwest service will offer Customers in Ohio and Iowa fantastic access to the rest of the Southwest network.   

We also unveiled a number of other schedule changes.  On June 3, we’ll shift the one remaining AirTran flight between Milwaukee and Denver to Southwest, giving us three daily Milwaukee-Denver roundtrips!  We’ll also add two AirTran roundtrips daily in the Atlanta-Houston and Atlanta-Chicago Midway markets, and one AirTran roundtrip between Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington, Denver, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.  Southwest also will add one new seasonal nonstop flight between St. Louis and Panama City Beach, FL (where “Everyone Can Party!”) and between Austin and Portland, Ore., as well as an additional nonstop between St. Louis and Boston and between Dallas and Austin.

Starting August 12, in addition to our new service to Akron-Canton and Dayton, we’ll be shifting one roundtrip daily from Southwest to AirTran between Atlanta and Los Angeles, Chicago Midway, and Phoenix, as well as adding AirTran frequency between Atlanta and Boston, Baltimore/Washington, and Houston Hobby.  We’ll also shift one roundtrip from AirTran to Southwest between Milwaukee and both Las Vegas and Phoenix.  We’re also implementing similar service swaps in numerous markets effective September 30, in addition to our new service at Des Moines. 

These schedule changes mark the first time that we’ve shifted existing, out-for-sale service between the Southwest and AirTran networks, which will go a long way toward aligning both networks to provide even better Customer access (note:  if you have reservations on service that’s affected, we’ll contact you very soon!).  Of course, we’re also incredibly hard at work to make the ultimate in network alignment possible— allowing Customers to fly across the Southwest and AirTran networks!  We’re making progress, but it’s a very large job, since neither Southwest nor AirTran’s reservation system had the capability to connect the networks prior to the acquisition.  Hopefully we’ll have the capability ready to roll out to our Customers in 2013.  Until then, again—welcome to Southwest, Akron-Canton, Dayton, and Des Moines.  Have a great day, everyone!

193 Comments
Colleen_Ortman
Explorer C
Any chance that you will add service between Chicago Midway and Savannah, GA? AirTran used to have a flight that connected in ATL but they discontinued it about 5 years ago. United is the only airline that flies nonstop between Chicago and Savannah. I think they could use some friendly competition. 🙂
Saundra_Brenner
Explorer C
Please, a flight between STL and MSO -- this year!
Lorene_Faulkner
Explorer C
I would like to know if Southwest has any plans to start service into San Angelo, Tx. It would be so nice to be able to fly there via S.W.
Malauna_Hogan
Explorer C
When are you all coming to Memphis???? There are a lot of us waiting with bated breath. Tired of flying into Little Rock. Your customer service was absolutley wonderful during my last trip with my 15 month old baby.
Marian_l__Topp
Explorer C
I am thrilled that at last southwest is flying into des Moines , Iowa. I fly there every year to visit my family. The trouble is that I need to go before sept. hurry it up.
Shawn_Ducey
Explorer C
How about the status of merging the frequent flyer accounts between SWA and Airtran? Other airlines code share and yet we're not able to share anything between these 2 flights? It's like you're still 2 separate airlines and doing what's best for SWA.
Misty_Johnson
Explorer C
I LOVE SWA too!! We have moved from Jackson, MS to Jonesboro, AR and Memphis is only 45 minutes away....WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO MEMPHIS? My family and I fly SWA ANY and EVERY time we can!!
Michael_Villara
Explorer C
I like SWA in all but how come you guys changed the routes from phl to pvd and made it to newark to providence. That made to much hassle on most people i think because when i flew from phl i actually like the ride now its longer for me because the routes from newark to providence is way longer. I might just as well drive up there than flying now. Also you guys still have good discounts which is a plus.
Susan_Higginbot
Explorer C
Guess Memphis can hang it up...really getting a little sick of waiting for the "Big" day that SWA decides we are good enough to grace us with their presence...sure wouldn't be driving to Little Rock anymore though...I really like you guys buy I am letting it go....there are alternatives....will pursue them! Hate it but thats the way it goes....
Mike_Fassler
Explorer C
When will you be opening up service on the former AirTran lines at Washington DC Reagan National Airport?!?! Hopefully you will also fly direct/non-stop to Louisville, KY from DCA. THAT would be a dream come true! Knoxville would also be a great direct flight from DCA. Can't wait until this happens... Also, what about flying to Myrtle Beach, SC on the former AirTran network?
Janet_Whittet
Explorer C
My family and I have been waiting for the Akron Canton flgihts to be added. My mother who is 87 years old is there in Akron and this will help me travel to spend time with her and she with me. I am in Albuquerque and our time together is so limited. I am soooooooooo happy to see this airport added to your shceduled flights. THe flight times are wonderful as well. Thank You Thank You. I will be definelty traveling with Southwest on these flights and have started saving to do and be one of your first passengers
Suzanne_Wells
Explorer C
It's too bad your discontuing the AirTran flights in and out of Bloomington, Illinois. There won't be any service to Central Illinois. It means flying into Midway and either renting a car or taking a three hour bus trip. Please reconsider having service to Bloomington, Illinois. Thank you.
Sandra_Squires
Explorer C
I am happy for the people traveling to your new sites, and love your service. I hope you will consider a flight into Billings, Montana, some time soon.
Suzie_Heimburge
Explorer C
Wonderful to see you add Des Moines and Panama City. Please add a direct from St. Louis to Des Moines - it is much needed!!!
Kathryn_Flanaga
Explorer C
Thank you! Thank you! Now I can fly from Florida to Iowa on Southwest! Oh what a lifesaver! I have had to switch plans and end up in California, (long story), instead of Iowa because I had a free ticket on Southwest. Now I can visit my friends. A thousand blessings to you all! Thank you!
rea
Explorer C
i need flights to omaha. i used to fly there all the time w/airtran. also the milwaukee to st louis need evening flights. there used to be a 6pm
Laura_Perch
Explorer C
There are all great, and I am truly happy for all to enjoy a great airline and a great deal. But we in Philadelphia sorely miss the from Philly to Pittsburgh route. Choking up extra fees on the other airlines had stopped our air travel. Enjoy, hope Southwest reconsiders .
Sandra_Shank
Explorer C
I would like to see Southwest/AirTran flights from Tucson AZ to either Peoria IL, Bloomington IL, or Moline IL. I'm not fond of the traffic congestion of Chicago Midway. There should be a good market for it in Bloomington since that airport doesn't have alot of options for travel to the southwest states.
Linda_Janidlo
Explorer C
What happened to the SWA flights between Providence RI and Philadelphia PA?
Chuck_De_Vore
Explorer C
We welcome the DSM to Las Vegas flights. We flew Omaha to LV then went to the non stop A fllights. We own some LUV stock and enjoy the dividends, ha, now maybe the dividend will increase? Our family in LV may see more of us in the coming years? Chuck
Chris_Riddle
Explorer C
I flew SW for the first time this March, from CMH to RENO it was the wonderful. I had to drive over 2 hours to get to Columbus, but now Dayton is just 40 mins away this is great. I hope that one of the flights out of Dayton goes non-stop to Fort Myers, FL ( a flight that Air Tran used to have) because I go there alot. Keep up the great job SW, I will be flying again soon. Thanks, Chris
Roy_T
Explorer C
No service to Cincinnati again. Just bizarre. Tired of driving to Dayton etc to avoid Delta's high fares. 1.5 million in the Cincinnati tri state area SWA. Delta are no longer the force at CVG that they once were and it's time for SWA to take them on.
Donna_Kubik
Explorer C
How about a flight ffom Des Moines to McAllen Texas. That would be sweet for us Winter Texans and family that visit us during the winter.
Cameron_Smith
Explorer C
Bring back Huntsville! Airtran has several flights to BWI and ORD that are due to end in August effectively ending low cost service to Huntsville (HSV) airport. Delta has two full flights every morning to Atlanta and now that you have your foot in there, you could add service there, as well as Dallas-Love and BWI so we can access the rest of the great Southwest network. Huntsville metro has over 500,000 people, more than many of the cities already served. Bring back the great Southwest experience and low prices to Huntsville!!!
Kathy_Willis
Explorer C
So can you fly from Dayton to Phoenix on SWA in August???
Debbie_Wahl
Explorer C
When is Southwest going to start flying out of Rochester, NY?
Toni_Read
Explorer C
Happy to hear SWA is finally coming to Iowa. Any chance you will be adding flights into the Quad Cities Airport in Moline? Would be nice to have other options when flying into the QC from San Diego.
Robert_Williams
Explorer C
what our the 5 florida's markets Southwest will be flying to out of Dayton? I hope one is Tampa!!
Sandra_Nichols
Explorer C
Why did SWA discontinue non-stops flights between Indianapolis and St Louis? Since they still fly between Indianapolis and Kansas City non-stop, it would be easy to convert at least one flight a day to a stop-over in the STL.. My thoughts anyway.
Linda_M
Explorer C
Please think about adding a Tulsa to Nashville direct flight. No one offers it; and many people have been requesting Southwest to add it! The connecting flights are always totally booked and hard to secure. I think it would do well!
Carolyn_Burk
Explorer C
My son flies nonstop several times a year to/from Providence, RI (where he's in college) to our home in FL (he uses the Orlando airport). Now I wish SWA had nonstops to Minneapolis, since soon my daughter will be flying to/from college in that city. Yes, I know she can get there on SWA with a stop or two, but I'd feel better if they were nonstops given she isn't an experienced traveler. And if you could fly to Melbourne, FL's airport--that would be even better!
kata
Explorer C
When is Southwest coming to Branson, Missouri?
Audra_Simons
Explorer C
We love SWA and are unhappy when we have to fly another airline. We would love it if Southwest would take over the AirTran gates at Moline/Quad Cities Airport (MLI) in Moline, Ill! Then we would never have to fly another airline when going home to NE Iowa to visit my family!
Madelyn_Peca
Explorer C
I keep trying to enter Potland, ME and the site reply is that there is no airport there. There is an airport that South west just started flight there. Site needs to be updated.
Anonymous950
Explorer C
Dayton, OH to Dallas, please!
Dora_J__Nerio
Explorer C
When are you all going to fly to MEMPHIS!!!! I need this really bad!!!
Kimberlee_Drisc
Explorer C
When does SWA start flying to Charlotte?
Pam_Stenquist
Explorer C
COME AND MAKE EUGENE OREGON ONE OF THE AIRPORTS YOU FLY IN & OUT OF... P-U-L-E-E-Z-E!!! If I said pretty please, with sugar on top, would that help????WE LOVE SOUTHWEST, would always use you, if Mahlon Field was one of your airports. So what do ya say?? After all you could be flying all those U of O Duck fans!! 😉
Ken_Farmer
Explorer C
Bill: Just a suggestion, but can we start calling Southwest, "America's Airline", no pun intended to those guys in Dallas! If they are offended, then, "Americas Way to Fly". With all of the new services that you are adding, it truly is becoming "America's Airline". Ken
Debbie_Van_Geme
Explorer C
The City of Grand Rapids made a big announcement last fall that SWA was going to provide service through Gerald R. Ford International Airport. We were exstatic!!! We currently drive three hours to Chicago Midway whenever we fly. When will these flights start and what are the routs? WE CAN'T WAIT.
Sharon3
Explorer C
So excited for Southwest to come to Des Moines. Can't wait!
Pat_R
Explorer C
Waiting for Des Moines for years. Can't stand the others and have rels. in Iowa SWA only way to fly !!!!!
Gloria_Algeo
Explorer C
Open up a flight between San Antonio and Charlotte, NC, please!
Pat_Van
Explorer C
The increased service to these cites is great but I fly Airtran in/out of Bloomington, IL and we are LOSING all of our Airtran flights. These flights are always full so I'm not the only one. Please stay in Bloomingon, we need you. Actually, if you could offer a non-stop to an east coast city (can you say La Guardia?) you would probably get even more business. Please stay in Bloomington!
Stacey_Ricker
Explorer C
Would be awesome if you had round trip non-stop flights from Las Vegas, NV to Dayton, OH. Just something for SouthWest to think about!
Sue_Mischke
Explorer C
I love you Southwest. When will you ever get a flight to South Bend, IN. Even one a week would be OK. (My grandchildren live near there and Chicago is too far.)
Mary_Dougherty
Explorer C
Hoping this will open up my homestate of OH. I have to fly in from PHL, and either CMH, or COV. I think its great that SWA is bringing in more hubs.
Edward_McClure
Explorer C
We have lost our prized Louisville-Birmingham route that I have been flying for 16 years. Can you at least consider starting service between Louisvile and Nashville so we can take advantage of the hub there for travel to cities in the south without having to connect through MDW or BWI which is extremely inconvenient when traveling to destinations south of Louisville? The distance betweeen Louisville and Nashville is about the same as between Birmingham and Nashville and there is service between those two cities. We here in Louisville would greatly appreciate that option. Returning the Louisville-Birmingham nonstop flights would also be appreciated if it makes economic sense. Thanks.
cyndi
Explorer C
Southwest is coming to Akron-Canton....wow that's great news! If flights will head down South and out West a lot then that'll be even better! Way-2-go SWA!!!
Mommaa2488
Explorer C
I need the Dayton-Denver to start sooner!!! I'm trying to get softball teams to a tournament June 26th and the other carriers are ripping these girls & their families off.