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You're Gonna Make it After All!!!

Bill
Employee
Employee

Today Southwest announced our plans to add the 65th city to our network next March, and it’s one we have been asked about, often, for many years.

 

Twin Cities—get ready to fall in LUV!

 

Southwest plans to establish a “No Hidden Fees” zone at the  Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in March 2009, bringing Low Fares and excellent Customer Service to the land of 10,000 lakes.  We’ll be giving the “Freedom To Fly” to folks flying to or from the home of the Twins.  And the Vikings.   And, of course, the home of Mary, Rhoda, Lou, Ted, and Murray (“Who can turn the world on with her smile?”  Any female Southwest Airlines Employee, of course…and, ya, you betcha, so can the guys!).  Trivia question:  where did they film the iconic scene from the opening title sequence of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" where a twirling Mary Richards tosses her Tam O’Shanter into the air?  That would be the intersection of 7th and Nicollet, in downtown Minneapolis.

 

We’re excited to be adding Minneapolis/St. Paul to the Southwest route system for lots of reasons.  Some are all business—the area has a booming economy,  and it complements our existing network beautifullyOther reasons are all pleasure—the beautiful lakes and woods, the Mall of America, the incredible arts scene, the St. Paul Ice Festival (and I have to admit, it was news to this Texas boy that you can have FUN with ICE!), and so many other wonderful activities.  But the biggest reason we’re excited, and able, to finally add MSP to our system is that you guys—our Customers and our Employees—have told us that it’s time.

 

We will announce the details--the flight schedule, the fares, and the start date—in the not-too-distant future.  I’ll make sure to give you guys a heads-up here on “Nuts About Southwest” when we do.  And what’s next?

 

I’ll never tell.  *wink*

151 Comments
Hawkins
Explorer C
PBI to MSP or HHH please!! No more NWA WOO HOO!
theladiesman
Explorer C
That's great news.....when will South Dakota be added to the Southwest market?? Rapid City, needs more of a variety of airlines...there is so much growth here with Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis....Southwest would eat up the competition. We are ready for you.
blusk
Aviator C
Anony mous (FA Candidate), You can apply olnline at www.southwest.com/careers. Fill out your resume there when we are accepting them for Flight Attendant. Brian
Brad10
Explorer C
OUTSTANDING!!!!! I fly from MCO to PHL every other week on SWA! You have been great!! I am very excited to see you go to MSP!! I hope to see a non-stop flight from MCO to MSP!! Thank you Southwest!!
Tlegree
Explorer C
How about the cheese heads in Wisconsin? Milwaukee definitely needs Southwest Airlines
Julie24
Explorer C
This is great!!!!!! I'm in Vegas now, and I'm sooooooo glad SW will be going to my home state!
Brad_J
Explorer C
Welcome to Minnesota!!!! As someone who is always looking for a better, less expensive airline, I literally applauded the news when I heard it. I travel for work and pleasure and LOATH having to fly through ORD, ATL, and DTW. Being able to use an airport like Midway as a gateway to the rest of the country is outstanding! I wouldn't worry about the winter weather up here. We are FAR better at handling the winter snows than Chicago is! Also, you will find a pool of talented, seasoned pilots up here once the Delta/NWA merger hits. In closing, Welcome! I know you will love the move here as much as I did when I moved to the MSP area almost four years ago! Cheers! Brad
SheBD
Explorer C
Thank you thank you - - this opens a world of travel that is not currently available to us here. When I lived on the East Coast, I could do "get out of Dodge" weekends all the time because your fares made it possible. I think I will make my first flight out of MSP airport in full clown costume just to celebrate the sprit of SWA!! Honk Honk!!
Sally_Carlson
Explorer C
yay yay yay! i am from mn but live in chicago now and have been waiting for SW to go to MSP for forever! thanks!
Russell
Explorer C
Thank you, thank you!! I have been 3-4 flight per month Southwest flyer for about the past six years, and the only time I have to take another airline is when going to MSP. This is great news!
Anonymous2933
Explorer C
This is fantastic...not perfect until there is a direct from KC, but fantastic nontheless. I want to "short" Northwest stock
Marc5
Explorer C
We've been waiting for something like this since AirTran stopped servicing Chicago and Midway...since we've started to drive the 6+ hours!! Driving is for the birds. I hope the pricing is in the same range as what AirTran offered. Any ideas on the price range of tickets??
Anonymous4364
Explorer C
It can't get any better. I just relocated to Minneapolis from Texas, and not being able to fly on Southwest had disappointed me.. Congratulations, I'm happy to being flying with the airline that cares again.
singh
Explorer C
This is great. I am tired of paying sky high fares of all the other airlines. NW fares have been untouchable. Great news for the twin cities.
Anonymous616
Explorer C
This is Great NEWS!!!!!!! To bad there not starting before the holidays start. But anyway It would be nice to see another airline come in and maybe cheaper prices.
PLK
Explorer C
Fantastic News! I'm born and raised in MSP, but lived near Nashville and then Tampa for a few years. I travel weekly for business and LUV SWA service. Unlike NWA, SWA makes money, has happy employees and happy customers. Truely, SWA is the gem of the industry and so very happy they are coming to MSP. My prayers are answered! Thank you SWA and wish you all the very best success. I am sure you will receive very warm welcome response from the people in the Twin Cities.
Brent9
Explorer C
Congratulations!! ... to both SWA and MSP. As a native Californian now living in Minneapolis, this is FABULOUS news. My wife and I are excited about the new flight opportunities that will be available to us via the best airline in the business.
CA
Explorer C
Well yeah, sure, you betch' a. Finally a friendly way to get to MN. Long overdue!!!! Certainly hope you give N'worst a kick in the hold. I have been flying SWA forever and now MN-how cool is this? I bet those flights from MDW to MSP will sell out. We have family in MN and have had to pay dearly to visit them. Now we will be able to go more often! Hope that your fares will be fair. Do you think the powers that be at NW will read this blog and get the picture? March??? Why not tomorrow? Love ya LUV!!!!!!
Anonymous1341
Explorer C
Yeah!!! My family lives in Minnesota, but I live in Houston, TX. Fares between Minneapolis and Houston have been getting SO expensive. I am very excited to see Southwest enter the market and add more competition. I can't wait to book my first visit home on Southwest!
Anonymous1177
Explorer C
I really hope that Southwest flies to and from BWI (Baltimore Washington.) That route is MUCH needed.
Anonymous806
Explorer C
Life just doesn't get any better! First I move back to my home state - and now you're going to be taking off and landing here. I'm thrilled to be able to travel with you again - after a 2 year hiatus. We'll all do our best to give you a Minne-snowta welcome!!
Mike_D
Explorer C
When can we buy tickets??
Anonymous4190
Explorer C
Hi Bill! We are thrilled to have SWA come to Minnesota! I work for a company whose headquarters are in Baltimore. We send many employees there weekly. If you can add a non-stop or two to BWI every weekday, it would be fantastic! (Not to mention, it would eliminate NWA's stranglehold on the MSP-BWI nonstop market.) We can't wait for SWA to start flying out of the Humphrey terminal!
Anonymous701
Explorer C
Back in May 2008 when AirTran dropped their MSP to MDW flight, the other 3 airlines (AA, NWA, United) increased their prices by 400% (no exaggeration!). Did I mention I go to school in Chicago, and make the round-trip EVERY weekend? Driving is an inexpensive but inconvenient option. Southwest, the sooner you coordinate this route, the sooner you'll get my money. I won't go back to the other airlines, no matter how many price wars they play with you. There are 30+ of us who make the round-trip to Chicago each week, to go to school. Although we’re a small group, I’m sure we’ll be a dedicated revenue stream for you. I know Southwest has a sophisticated strategy when entering and pricing the market, but this couldn't have happened soon enough. Many many thanks!
Jane_H_
Explorer C
Hi, Bill! I am SO excited that Southwest is flying our way! I LUV Southwest Airlines' warmth, friendliness and company spirit. It is so obvious that your employees are treated like part of a team. That is what makes your company successful. Northworst has crapped on its customers (and employees!) for way too long and Minnesotans are so ready for a change. So welcome to Minnesoooota, Southwest...... when can we start booking?!?!
Anonymous4446
Explorer C
I am very glad to see southwest coming to MSP, I flew one time on SWA and enjoyed the short flight from Vegas to Reno. Hey I hope SWA will gradually have a flight going out west to (NV, reno , CA , San jose and like WA, seattle even) cause right now to go to Reno, it takes s-oooo long to get there like triple the time; going through Chicago, SLC , dallas or vegas first. ..NWA use to have a straight flgt to Reno at one time.......thanks its a start for more options for MSP travel..u betcha SWA we're looking forward to flying with U!!
Auntie_H_from_S
Explorer C
YES !! & thank you Southwest; I'll be able to visit my sister et family and not go broke. Next question - will there be direct flights from Lambert St Louis to Minneapolis St Paul.?
RDU_Flier
Explorer C
This is great. I am stoked. Going to colledge in OMA, I have friends and family in MSP, STL, OMA, MDY, and MCO. Although I hear A LOT of people requesting direct flights from MSP to one of these cities, keep in mind that Southwest has an obligation to Chicago to board a set number of people at each of the gates they purchased from ATA. If they cannot do this they will be subject to a penatly. If the economics justify it, they will bypass Midway, but having connections in Midway keeps it simple increases traffic through one of their de facto hubs. However, if we are going to make suggestions, I think either a MSP to MCO or STL and MSP to DEN and MSP to LVS will be the natural choices. (I personally think OMA to MCO is a good option too if gas prices remain under $2.50 for Jet A. Just my 2 cents.
Rick_Olson
Explorer C
Gary: Congratulations on the announcement of Minneapolis-St. Paul. I think the question of which terminal will SWA be serving at MSP is a fair one. The main Lindbergh Terminal or the Humphrey Terminal, which serves primarily the charter airlines which fly into and out of MSP. Northwest Airlines -- NWA (soon to become Delta) have three of MSP's four main concourses pretty much to themselves, with the exceptioin of "C" where the rest of the airlines that serve MSP are sandwiched into. If SWA will be using the main Lindbergh Terminal, it would seem to me that NWA would need to be willing to give up a number of their gate slots in order for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates MSP, to accommodate the Southwest service. There has been some talk of adding a mid-field concourse at MSP for a number of years, and plans have even been drawn up for it, but the local politicians and the Metropolitan Airports Commission board have been holding off on that for a while. There's even been discussion of replacing MSP with an even larger airport out further into the suburbs. No action on that either, particularly since MSP just added a fourth runway within the last couple of years. I think everyone's holding their breath to see how the Northwest-Delta merger plays itself out. Everything's been approved for the most part, so now it's just down to the integration of the two systems into one and they'll be ready to launch. At any rate, welcome to the Twin Cities and good luck with the new service.
D_Burton
Explorer C
since 1985 Houston Hobby to Kansas City - 200 miles from MSP now and often times I go to Chicago Midway when I need to Move About The Country. This is awesome news and a long time coming.
ODee22
Explorer C
This is truly divine intervention at it's best. All I can say is what a wonderful bit of news this has been, obviously not to just a few but to many. You will have 2 non-stops a day from PHX to MSP and back within the first 6 months. More will come before the end of 09'. Can't wait to see the first schedule as I'm going up there this coming summer. Great job everyone!!! The very best of all, to the very best of them all.
Jon_in_Austin
Explorer C
I've lived in ELEVEN states/cities served by SWA and flew you guys a lot. Now I live in the great state of Texas, in the greatest city in Texas - Austin - and am still flying you a lot! But, I am FROM the great state of Minnesota and I am so happy to FINALLY be able to travel HOME, to the TWIN CITIES, on the greatest airline in the USA! Thank you SWA - it's long overdue but better late than never! 🙂 You guys ROCK!
Anonymous681
Explorer B
IM GLAD THE FLYING PUBLIC IS EXCITED FOR SWA AIRLINES TO COME TO MSP!!! BECAUSE THAT SHOWS HOW MUCH THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA REALIZE WHATS NEEDED THERE. AS A BIG FAN OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES, THAT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO FLY IN THE SW STATES ON SWA. SOUTHWEST AIR WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND ALLOW MORE PEOPLE TO FLY OUT OF MSP AT A RESONABLE PRICE AND GREAT SERVICE!
Kristen1
Explorer C
THANK YOU!!! MSP is the first place I've lived with ridiculously high plane tickets, and I truly believe with your entry into this market, it will really help us get back in the air again for reasonable prices. NWA has a monopoly on this market and it will be nice to see another company come in and get the pricing back to where it should be. Bring on the Chicago lane and please, for the sake of us Minnesotans, please quickly add other lanes. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KB
Anonymous2221
Explorer C
I am excited!! Most of my family is in Minneapolis and it will be so very nice to get there on a great priced airline! SWA you are my favorite airline, my preferred airline! Thanks!
Anonymous2195
Explorer C
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I say that from my family here in LA and my family in St. Paul - Grandma and Grandpa and the two grandsons are SOOOO happy they will have more, (and cheaper) choices to visit each other! Bring on that LAX -- MSP leg as soon as you can please! Keep up your success!
Kristen2
Explorer C
Yay!! I worked for Southwest for six years in Salt Lake City and loved every minute of it. I just relocated to the Twin Cities and I am happy to hear that Southwest will be joining me here. I would love to work fo you again someday. You're the greatest Southwest and I miss your postively outrageous service! Heart, Kristen
Mike_-_Sioux_Fa
Explorer C
How about a Minneapolis, MN - SIoux Falls, SD - Las Vegas, NV run
Bill11
Explorer C
I have connected at Midway before to fly southwest. I am happy to see you arrived in the Twin City market giving folks of Minnesota options. I fly quite a bit to PHX, PDX, CLE, and PBI. I will gladly lay over in chicago not to give NW any more money, They have taken enough from flyers in the twin cities market. Good luck and much success.
Anonymous1672
Explorer C
Thanks for coming to MSP. I won't be flying with you but I will enjoy cheaper fares.
Randy6
Explorer C
This is the best! I hate Northwest and am so looking forward to a professional group flying this route from Midway. Can you start November 1?
Anonymous2565
Explorer C
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grandkids, here I come! : )
DJ8
Explorer C
It will be great to have a real airline in the Twin Cities. When are you going to announce you schedule so we can plan our flights. It will be nice to have some connections to the southwest.
Rick24
Explorer C
Thank you Bill!!! This is great news and believe me we're all waiting for Southwest to arrive. Please open routes to Chi ago, California, and the rest of the U.S. Again I say, excellent news!!
TimC
Explorer C
Welcome to Minnesnowta! I too vote for a Minneapolis, MN - SIoux Falls, SD - Las Vegas, NV run. I'm pretty sure you can offer round-trip between Mpls and Sioux Falls for less than the exhorbitant $900 Northworst recently quoted! We'd also like to see a direct gateway to the SW U.S., for making other connections. Thanks!
Freddy
Explorer C
WILL YOU START FLYING TO ATLANTA , GA...........
Barb_-_Victoria
Explorer C
Thank you for coming and welcome! It will be great to have a company that is down to earth at the MSP! I look forward to my first trip to the Southwest!
Mike_Goza
Explorer C
Southwest is huge out of Southern California... Anyway we SoCal residents can get in on the Minneapolis route? I.e., direct would be IDEAL, but I'm a realist too! How about a route between Ontario (ONT) or Orange County (John Wayne) and Minneapolis (MSP) with a connection through either Phoenix, Denver, or Salt Lake? LAX is NOT ideal as it's murder just getting to the airport, let alone finding parking, security, etc. If one needs to be in Minn before 5:00, they need to depart SoCal before 8:00am, and getting to LAX from anywhere outside Los Angeles means a 3:00 wake up and trek to the airport! Currently one can only get there (Minn) by going United, US Air, American, or God forbid... Delta! All of which have less than reliable service to Minn from SoCal. The top notch services of SWA combined with the affordable fares would be a welcomed addition to this market! Thanks for the consideration! Mike (Onatrio CA)
Kevin_-_Saint_P
Explorer C
Hi, I have seen that Southwest is coming here into MSP Airport and would really love to know when and if there are plans to be hiring for Gate Attendants or anything of the sort. I have been checking the careers page daily for the last 4 months to see if any postings have been added for here in Minnesota only to have no luck in finding them. Thanks and can't wait for Southwest to be running here in the state.
demonmom
Explorer C
Please consider access to/from MDW and FSD! They have no competition so UA and AA have a stranglehold on fares, which haven't been lower than $375 in over a year! It's ridiculous. SW is the only airline I want to fly! You guys rock!