Southwest Airlines Launches inaugural service to five cities — the most cities the airline has ever opened in one day

• Southwest converts AirTran operations in four cities: Charlotte, N.C.; Rochester, N.Y.; Flint, Mich.; and Portland, Maine
• Southwest expands footprint beyond the 48 contiguous states for the first time in the carrier’s history with service to San Juan, Puerto Rico

2013-04-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched inaugural service to five cities on Sunday, April 14, 2013—the most cities the airline has ever opened in one day. Southwest, America’s largest airline in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, is expanding its footprint as part of the ongoing integration of its wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways. “This milestone is historic as it marks Southwest’s first venture outside the 48 contiguous states, and it’s proof positive that our ongoing integration of AirTran remains on-track as we’re making tremendous progress,” said Southwest’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer Ron Ricks.  “AirTran has done a wonderful job establishing a presence in these markets, and Southwest is proud to continue that legacy and extend our vast network of destinations, exceptional Customer Service, and low fares.”

As of April 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines Offers New Nonstop Service between:

• Charlotte and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Houston (Hobby), and Orlando
• Flint and Baltimore/Washington, Orlando, and Tampa Bay
• Portland, Maine and Baltimore/Washington
• Rochester and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Orlando, and Tampa Bay
• San Juan and Orlando and Tampa Bay.

AirTran ceased service in Charlotte, Flint, Portland (Maine), and Rochester on April 13, 2013.  AirTran will continue to offer service between San Juan and Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Atlanta.  Southwest previously announced that the carrier will assume AirTran’s San Juan service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood on Sept. 29, 2013.

To celebrate the new San Juan service, Southwest announced a one-day offer of $39* one-way between San Juan and both Orlando and Tampa Bay. These fares must be booked by 11:59 p.m. PT on April 15, 2013, for travel on select days.  See full fare rules below.  To take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com, and click here to watch a video to see what awaits you: http://youtu.be/LZOsXO5TllE.

Also in celebration of the five city launch on one day, Southwest is hosting an online Twitter contest, encouraging residents of the airline’s newest cities to show off their community with their own unique flare.  Check out the High5YourCity contest blog post to view more details, and the #High5YourCity hashtag on Twitter to see the entries.

Southwest Airlines aims to do all it can to give from the heart and make a difference in people’s lives.  To celebrate Southwest’s inaugural service to Rochester, N.Y.; Charlotte, N.C.; Flint, Mich.; and Portland, Maine.; the carrier will host send-offs for four special Make-A-Wish® kids and their families as they travel on the LUV airline to experience their one, true wish.

FARE RULES

Fares are available only on southwest.com and swabiz.com and can be purchase by April 15, 2013, 11:59 pm PT.  Travel to/ from San Juan and Orlando valid on Apr 16-21, 23, 25, 27, 30; May 1-2, 7, 17, 30.  Travel to/ from San Juan and Tampa valid on Apr 16-18, 23-25; May 1-2, 7-8, 26.  Displayed prices are inclusive of all government taxes and fees.  All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Fares may be combined with other AirTran Airways combinable fares.  If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare’s rules apply.  Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. First and second checked bag fees may apply. Reservations may be made via AirTran Airways’ Telephone Reservations Center for a fee of $15. Reservations may also be changed via AirTran Airways’ Telephone Reservations Center for a $15 fee plus any applicable change fees and fare differences. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice.  Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on AirTran Airways after applicable change fees are applied. Fares are not available through Group Desk.  Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare.  Fares are subject to change until ticketed.

* Government-imposed taxes and fees are now included in the advertised fare. To comply with new government regulations, all airlines must include government-imposed taxes and fees in advertised air fares.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 42^nd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, and including wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways, operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and six near-international countries. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet.  The 2011 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found atsouthwest.com/citizenship.

Southwest Airlines

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel quantified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves.  On every flight, Southwest offers Customers the first two pieces of checked luggage (weight and size limitations apply) and all ticket changes without additional fees. Southwest’s all Boeing fleet consistently offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, many of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity and a new, sustainable cabin interior.  With 40 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest operate nearly 3,400 flights a day and serve communities around 84 airports in Southwest’s network of domestic destinations.  Southwest Airlines’ frequent flights and low fares are available only at southwest.com.

AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., offers coast-to-coast and near-international service with close to 600 flights a day to 49 destinations.  The carrier’s high-quality product includes assigned seating and Business Class. As Southwest continues to integrate AirTran’s People, places, and planes into Southwest Airlines, Customers of both carriers may book flights at airtran.com and exchange earned loyalty points between both AirTran’s A+ Rewards® and Southwest’s Rapid Rewards® for reward travel on either airline.

southwest.com

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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