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Your Favorite Southwest Airport

blusk
Aviator C
This idea originated in a comment from Francis ("The USS Blog Boy") on David Evan's post, "Baggage Claim," so by popular demand, let's hear about your favorite airport served by Southwest.  We fly to 63, soon to be 64 (with the addition of San Francisco) airports, so tell us why your choice is your favorite.  Is it because of the facility, location, history, architecture, ease of use, flight schedule, our Employees, a combination of two or more of these criteria, or one that isn't listed?  No prizes will be awarded (no, not even candy corn), but go ahead...have fun!
72 Comments
Reid_Rosenberg
Explorer C
Pittsburgh, without a doubt. It gets rave reviews in lots of travel surveys and the presence of the three largest LCCs doesn't hurt! Also, let me just state for the record that I get double the pleasure when traveling to and from Pittsburgh Int'l because I get to pass through a terminal that was paid for on USAirways' dime despite the fact that I avoid that airline at any and all costs!
Tommy_Blog2
Explorer B
Islip without a doubt. The SWA terminal is new, clean, fresh, and easy to use. Not to mention Islip is such an easy airport to navigate into and out of and it is very very close to major roads on Long Island. Now I hope SWA will incorporate a nonstop between LAX and ISP. The angelenos are waiting patiently!
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Since Brian has been nice enough to start an entire blog section on our favorite airports, I throw my two cents' worth in over here about Dallas Love Field. But, since I so eloquently expressed my feelings already, I'll just copy and paste from the other blog section! (I ain't clever, I'm just too lazy to retype all that stuff) Having flown to more than half of the 63/64 airports that SW serves, I still have a special fondness for the Field that I Love... Oh, and I'm still waiting to see who can correctly answer the trivia question about the world map inlay... :-) ********** copied from another section: Well, if weÃ
Jim13
Adventurer C
This was kind of fun - I checked the list of Southwest Cities and I have been to 22 of them on Southwest and 4 on other carriers. Â
Drew1
Adventurer C
PIT, no doubt. I love the AIRMALL!
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
I'm gonna follow in the footsteps of External Blog Boy and copy my post from the other thread, but I'll try to be clever and mix in some extra stuff.... ABQ (I'll be there later today!) has to be my favorite because it's where I started my SWA career, itÃ
Jyl
Explorer C
Pittsburgh. It's a beautiful airport with a great local background. I love the t-rex, and the Franco Harris statue. There is so much to do in this airport. Orlando is great too, but extremely touristy.
Erin7
Explorer B
My two favorite airports is Austin and PDX. Austin for the great BBQ and the Shiner Bock beer PDX...well I used to work there many years ago for another airline (before I got smart and came to SWA). I was there during all the construction and was able to watch this beautiful airport being built. I love the open space, all the the windows and great shops and resturuants.
joe-mdw-plane-d
Frequent Flyer C
Jim, your not missing anything by not seeing the smith terminal. Wait for the new north terminal to open. I vote for phx. I like the style inside and the large windows overlooking the runway. not like that, like me! Joe Friedmann
Micheline
Explorer C
I love Love Field. The Ranger statue and the model airplanes are wonderful. I thank Southwest for saving the airport from the subdivision developers bulldozers. I'm sure that was the plan when the PTB decided to open DFW.
Noah_from_PDX
Explorer C
Well, about a year ago, we found out about SWABIZ - which for those of you who don't know is Southwest's new business travel program. Our business uses the airline industry for almost every single event that we have, and we usually have multiple employees flying simultaneously. Our equestrian business is located here in the heart of the Willamette Valley in beautiful Portland, Oregon (PDX). SWA has become the obvious choice for any traveler - both business and pleasure - in recent years. Their service is unparalleled, their employees are extremely personable, their flights cover a very expansive part of the U.S. and they are overall a successful business. Needless to say, anywhere we're going, we're flying Southwest! So, on with the answer to this very simple question... PDX has to be our favorite airport because of Southwest Airline's home in the C-Terminal. If you haven't been to PDX recently, you haven't seen all of the remodel that we went through in the past few years. We have over 25 brand new restaurants and shopping...and best of all...NO SALES TAX! That's right, come to Portland and pay zero sales tax on any purchase! To top that off, the Southwest Operations Crew in Portland is top of the line. These people know how to do business right! Their flights are 100% reliable with their arrival/departure schedule thanks to their wonderful team of employees. This is the one airport that I never have to check the website to see if my flight is late for any reason, because even if it arrived late, you can bet me a pretty penny that they'll have that plane serviced and boarded just in-time for an on-time push or even an early departure! SWA also has the preferred baggage claim terminal downstairs (right as you get off the escalator or elevators. The airport is always clean, busy enough to let you know you are in Oregon's version of Grand Central Station, and filled with the smell of fresh roses which says just one thing...WELCOME TO THE CITY OF ROSES! We're proud to call PDX home, and SWA our airline! Keep it up guys!
Nicholas_Zellic
Explorer C
BNA--home airport; employees are extremely nice. DEN--architecture. SMF--I love the atmosphere, it is always so bright and colorful.
Eric15
Explorer A
I like AUS and ABQ for SWA , but my favorite due to location is FJDG.
Colin_G
Explorer C
Another vote for AUS Live concerts for local bands! Salt Lick BBQ and other good food places. Nice facility and well maintained.
Terry_Lessig
Explorer B
You expect us to pick just one? Crikey! That's difficult. PIT is special because I grew up near there, and it has Godiva, my secret weapon that ensures forgiveness when returning home. ABQ for beauty and space. But I always get a special feeling at BUR. The absence of jetways takes me back to simpler times, and the ability to deplane from the rear exit is a treat because it's different and fast. Stepping out into the warm California sun and walking down the steps reminds me of life thirty years ago when I'd commute there almost weekly on a Hughes Airwest (sing it with me now "Top Banana in the West") DC-9 Stretch. Baggage claim was outside, and they only had three gates. It's a fun departure, too, with their noise abatement rules.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
My top favorite airports are TUL (which is also my home!), DAL, AUS, & CMH. One thing I like about the one in CMH is that it has Bath & Body Works, which is one of my favorite stores! All the airports are very nice. 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Sorry i could not respond sooner... i am on a floating airport at the moment and yes we are out to sea defending our homeland... 🙂 Once again i must say that ABQ, ABQ, AND ABQ... ABQ IS THE BEST AIRPORT BY FAR. BEST FOOD, BEST ART, A VIEW OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS, OH DID I SAY GOOD FOOD... Now i will say that i have fallen in love with another airport and that is SAN DIEGO' airport. Easy to get to, not to big not to small, just right and best of all one runway... although that one runway has created some controversy... Brian thanks for using my idea, i am glad i could do my blog duty.... LAS AND LAX ARE MY LEAST FAVORITE.. OLD AND UGLY.... USS BLOG BOY FRANCISCO
John18
Explorer C
AUS is probably the best. I love BOI too (lots of pinball machines). You can walk to your rental car at both which is a major plus. It used to be that way at ABQ, but they went to the rental car "death star" which adds about 30 minutes to your trip each way.
Greg5
Explorer C
I like washington dulles the new airport SWA has a home to but, I am just wondering why SWA is not adding more cities out of Dulles. I f you don't want to grow a SWA new airport then why do you come to that airport in the first place?!
FriendofBlogBoy
Frequent Flyer B
Hey USS Blog Boy, If you really don't like ABQ, why don't you just say so? LOL Exterior Blog Boy 🙂
Eric28
Explorer C
My vote is for Tulsa! It's a nice, convenient little airport and the new improvements have made it really nice...I LUV the huge windows by security where you can watch all the planes coming and going. But the thing that really makes TUL the best is the great SWA folks who work there...they are so friendly and make flying fun! SAN and ABQ are a close second because they have the same great SWA People. Both airports also have amazing views on approach and departure...I've had good times at both places!
Bob_in_CT
Explorer C
BDL - Bradley Hartford/Springfield CT is great because it is small, local, with out the hassles and long lines of those bigger airports. The SWA station crew are great. Plus we have SWA nonstop to Vegas!! Now if SWA would only add a nonstop to FLL we'd be all set.
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Greg, john and Kim Southwest will add more cities as it sees fit. You cannot over expand otherwise you will end up like some of the other carriers, deep in debt, strained relations with their employees and no profit. It is all about supply and demand.. Now on to John... Not nice.. it does not add 30 minutes each way.. Besides have you seen our new rental facilities? They are just like our airport beyond words.. gasp!!!! Kim... i will always love my home ABQ... I will say again that SAN is tugging at my heart. I think i might get married here... USS BLOG BOY
Jack13
Explorer C
PBI- in West Palm Beach. I don't recall ever being at a Southwest gate. (Last time I flew to Florida on Southwest I got off in Orlando and departed from Ft. Lauderdale. But from experiences on airlines like jetBlue and Delta (jetBlue is in the same concorse I think???) PBI is s clean modern looking airport. Plus its my favorite state.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Thank you, Jim & Eric, for voting TUL as a favorite airport! 🙂 There's nothing I dislike about it. Eric, I have two friends who work for SWA in TUL; they're names are Shannon, who's a CSS (Customer Service Supervisor) & Jennifer, who's a CSA (Customer Service Agent); I LUV them, & they're so nice. 🙂
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I meant to say "their" names are Shannon & Jennifer; not "they're." I obviously don't know if you've met them, but if not, maybe you will! Of course, the other employees are nice, too. 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
LEAH. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO TULSA... I DOUBT YOUR AIRPORT CAN COMPARE TO ABQ.. WE SHALL SEE...LOL...................... USS BLOG BOY
blusk
Aviator C
Hey USS Blog Boy, Does that sound like a trip to TUL is in your future? External Blog Boy will be so happy. On the other post, I listed some of my favorite airports including Phoenix, Albuquerque (except for trying to remember how it is spelled!) and Love Field. A couple of more also interest me. I spent a big part of my childhood in El Segundo next to LAX, and for a kid moving to LA from Amarillo in 1962, LAX fascinated me with all of the early jets flying from there. My dad took me into the satellite building for Terminal Six before it opened, and I remember how cool it was that you walked in the tunnel under the ramp. Also I am partial to Chicago Midway, and I am probably the only person on the blog who misses the old terminal building there. I once wrote an article for Airways magazine about the facility, and I called it one of the "Temples of the Golden Age" of flying, along with other airports like Paris's Le Bourget. I love to watch Hitchcock's movie, North by Northwest just to see Cary Grant riding on the New York Central's 20th Century Limited and the scenes with him walking through the Midway terminal. Blog Boy
Micah1
Explorer A
Nashville, Tennessee, is the most exciting Southwest airport. I have vivid memories of driving on 1-40 by the Nashville Airport to visit family. The large Southwest jets always got my adrenaline running. Francisco, one thing I like about Nashville is that a bus is not needed to take you to the rental cars (of course, there are plenty of happy faces in Nashville I'll never have to worry about rental cars). That is too hectic for me. Dallas Love is light years ahead of DFW, but I flew into the dark corner of Love (with Continental).
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
I would have to say LAX because it's close to the best sports teams in the world. (Lakers,dodgers,trojans and raiders)
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Ha, ha, Francisco! 🙂 I've been to ABQ, & it's a nice airport, too; it's been several years, but I liked it. I also like MDW, & it's interesting going through there now, especially after seeing it on Airline.
blusk
Aviator C
Umm Jeramy, I thought the Raiders were in Oakland? Wouldn't the Chargers be a whole lot closer (and a much, much better team) to LAX? (I would imagine the USC could easily beat the Raiders.) Speaking of the Dodgers, stay tuned, I have done a baseball post that will be going up one of these days. Blog Boy
Carolyn_Kent
Explorer C
Columbus, OH. Not only is the airport easily navigable, but almost everyone in Columbus flies Southwest. The flights are on schedule over 90% of the time, the staff are friendly, and there are no unexpected travel changes or surprises. I have never had a bad Southwest experience in CMH.
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
Yeah they are in Oakland but I became a fan when they were the LA raiders. Marcus Allen was the man. USC probably could beat the raiders but the raiders are on the verge of making a huge improvement. Their new coach was the assistant offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the trojans. (Lane Kiffin) He coached two heisman qb's (Palmer and Leinart) He will coach the raiders back to greatness...
Sean2
Explorer C
I personally love MDW. Being a pilot, I like how midway is dominated by southwest and offers challenging approaches into the heart of the city especially during the winter. As far as other airports, I enjoy nashville along with Little Rock as that was the first place I flew SWA out of a few when I was a child.
pcerda
Adventurer B
Brian, I cannot WAIT until the baseball post goes up! Jeramy and I will be all OVER that post! GO PHILLIES!
Eric15
Explorer A
Raiders "back" to Greatness?? Were they ever Great? haha just kidding!
George_McGowan
Explorer C
TPA (my home airport) without a doubt. Love the new Airside C. Southwest pretty much has the whole place to itself. It has the shortest security lines of any airside in the airport because it was built to handle the enhanced security. Love the aviation artwork and the kids' play area is great for my daughter to blow off some steam before boarding a flight.
Josh15
Explorer C
Well I like Fort Myers Airport. I luv the employees. They have so much spirit they even got into local parades. And I luv the new terminal. There is so much space but it isnt crowded. But Tampa is a good Southwest Airlines airport too. Southwest totally dominates the airport with its very own brand new airside.
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
Eric, Yes the Raiders were great. They are the only team in the nfl to have played in 5 superbowls in 5 different decades. That's why they are called "the team of the decades".
Ed1
Explorer C
Midway is my favorite. It has a Catholic chapel that is open 7x24 and is located after security. It has a nice mix of stores and restaurants with a detached section of food court seating right along big bay windows overlooking a busy turnpike(like 20 ft. away). Airport also has Internet kiosks. Aside from the above it just seems to have a cozy, home-type feel to it with plenty of seating for everyone. Lastly, the name "Midway" has a mystique to it. Airport was named to honor those who fought in the Battle of MIdway in WW2.
m__mersinger___
Explorer C
we are frequent flyers and love the service at southwest. we fly from bwi to alabama every 2 months. great service,friendly and helpful staff. we fly to birmingham airport but have to drive north 2 hours to our destination. we have a question .will southwest in the future add huntsville/decatur airport in north alabama to their future schedule of flights. just wondering...... keep up the good work.. j. mersinger
Mary_Lee_Norfle
Explorer C
I love flying southwest and have for a long time. May I complain? It hurts to book flights with other airlines BECAUSE SOUTHWEST does not serve that area. I just booked 6 tickets to Alaska/cruise/return to Texas. Won't be as nice as if I was flying Southwest. complaint #2. My departure airport is Nashville, Tn. It seems so wrong for Southwest gates to be at the END of the concourse and one walks past empty, abandoned, A-A gates. The next time you visit your lease with BNA, please add my complaint. Sincerely, Mary Lee Norfleet PS I do love your early, non stop flights from BNA to Austin, TX. My grandchildren are there and when we get to Austin at 10:30, we have the rest of the day with them, not changing planes and sitting in airports.
Gus_Olvera
Explorer C
SAN -for the fish tacos ABQ - for the green chile soup MDW - for the greek salad BNA - for the chicken pesto STL - for the smoking lounges HRL - for the Gulf shrimp DTW - for the Crew store Gotta run...I'm hungry now!!!!
A_Gregory
Explorer C
We live in Montreal, in order to fly Southwest we have to drive to Albany ( ALB ) 3 1/2 hr drive. the SWA staff in Albany are pleasent and helpful, security TSA staff are great, the new direct flight to Tampa is fantastic. Plattsburg is about to open a new airport, 45 minutes from Montreal that has a population of 3 1/2 millon.. SWA would be an instant success Al
Cygnus
Adventurer C
I see no one has mentioned BWI. My wife and I flew out of there in early January and were impressed with the new Concourse A. Getting through security was quite smooth, unlike at the other end of the airport when flying HP (now US). Good selection of food stores, including a California Tortilla (which is NOT based in California!). And coming back was pretty wild, as we taxied almost right next to the vehicle entrance to the terminal to return to the gate. Concourse A is also a MUCH shorter walk than the end of Concourse C or D to baggage claim. Now THAT's the main thing at BWI that has to improve; I call baggage claim the "BWI Meditation Room." Comments on other airports: LAX, PHX and STL: Too big. BNA: Not bad, but a lot of walking to the SWA gates. LAS: A bit obnoxious with the slots. Always makes me wonder where the slots are in the next airport. TPA: I like the people movers. And hearing 'Let It Snow" on the loudspeakers in mid-December. Hard to get to traffic-wise, however. BUR: I was a little weirded out by exiting on the tarmac, especially because the day I did? It was raining. CLE, CMH, OKC: I've never been to any of them when they were ridiculously busy. Easy in and out. It's a LOT cheaper to fly to CMH and then travel by ground to Cincinnati. Reckon SWA can't get in there, or it's too close to SDF. I wish SWA would fly to DAB; it's an otherwise empty airport. You don't want DL to have it all to itself, do you? But as long as ORL and JAX remain options, I guess that's not happening.
joshua_finkelst
Explorer C
lets go buffalo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! buffalo is the best airport ever.
Anonymous681
Explorer B
CAN WE PLEASE GET NONSTOP FROM ABQ TO DEN. ANYONE TRAVELING THE ROADS BETWEEN COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO CAN SEE HOW MANY CARS TRAVEL THAT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY.OBVIOUSLY, IT COST TOO MUCH TO FLY OTHER CARRIERS. IF SWA DOES NONSTOP ABQ TO DEN, THEN WE WOULD SEE MUCH LESS CARS ON THE HIGHWAY:) FAVORITE AIRPORT IS ALBUQUERQUE. CONVEINENT TO CHANGE PLANES AND VERY COMFORTABLE TO BE AT.
holbrook22
Explorer C
I have to say that Islip MacArthur Airport is my favorite airport. It has so many positive attributes. It is easy to get to by car or via the Long Island Railroad. The terminal is new , clean, spacious and user friendly. The time from arriving at the terminal, passing through security and on to your gate rarely exceeds 10 to 15 minutes. Baggage claim is efficient and you have to walk only a few steps to be curbside. The cost of parking is very reasonable too with even the long term parking lot within a few minutes of the terminal. If there is a negative it is that Southwest hasn't increased its flights to more destinations since the new wing opened.
Lynda_Leeson
Explorer C
My favorite airport is presently Little Rock, AR...Memphis, TN or Tunica, MS would be an even better choice....Please come soon. We need you!!!