Southwest Airlines Community

At last, MSP! Hope they have connecting service to MSP from ABQ and TPA. I make 2 trips each year out of ABQ to/from MSP and have family in FL that do the same out of TPA. ... View more

The problem with any flight into or out of SFO is the potential for FOG! When the fog rolls in over the coastal hills, SFO is the first to feel the effect and potentially shut down or incur lengthly delays. When I flew out of Albuquerque before SWA stopped service to SFO, I tried to avoid flights that originated in San Francisco as there was, in my opinion, a greater chance of delays. Oakland had less of a fog problem because it was further from the coast. Perhaps the situation has changed now? ... View more

Having read most of the comments regarding the new procedures and fares I am surprised at all the whining. If SWA's last minute business fares for a particular market are higher than their competitions', then they will be forced to lower their fares in order to keep their business customers. The example of the $800 verses $340 fare could simply mean that the SWA flight in question may have been within two or three seats of being full. Airlines typically adjust their fares upwards as full capacity is approached and drastically lower them when it becomes apparent that a flight will have many vacant seats. If the business traveler is paying closer to a competitive fare, it benefits the non-business traveler who relies on internet specials and "Ding" fares by allowing the airline to offer more lower fares in these categories. I am willing to be in the dreaded "B" group in order to have the lower end fares. It is true that if SWA doesn't enforce the boarding order at their airports, ill feelings will worsen. Gate attendants need to be proactive in enforcing this. However, I am very grateful not to have to stand (if I sit, will I be able to get up?) in line at my age. Finally, only time will test these new procedures and, given SWA's history, if some of them are broke, they will fix them. ... View more

I agree with Steve (Aug 29, 2007). I fly to Minneapolis from Albuquerque twice a year and my only choice for non-stop service is via Northwest. You are never sure when NWA will either be on strike or bankrupt. The only other options from ABQ are with changes in Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix or Chicago OHare. Perhaps Southwest could set up shop at the Humphrey Terminal since they have no interline agreements other than with ATA. Regarding potential new service, I have been tracking the construction of the new airport in Panama City, Florida; which is now scheduled to open in early 2010 and will be able to accommodate 737 type aircraft. Southwest service to this relocated airport would help to fill a gaping hole in their Gulf Coast services. Currently, there are no coastal airports served by SWA between New Orleans and Tampa Bay. Airports such as Jackson, Miss; Birmingham, Ala; and Jacksonville, Fla, require a 5+ hour drive to the Panama City area. Panama City is know for some of the best beaches in the USA and hosts many tourists. Hope Southwest gets their foot in the door. ... View more