Southwest Airlines launches new nonstop service between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) starting November 1, 2015

• AIRLINE’S SIXTH NEW OAK FLIGHT THIS YEAR
• 3RD DAILY DALLAS LOVE FLIGHT ALSO ADDED

Oakland, CA, 2015-5-18 — /Travel PR News/ — Southwest Airlines has announced that it will begin new nonstop service linking Atlanta with the San Francisco Bay Area with new flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) beginning November 1, 2015.

Bay Area travelers will find great connections through Atlanta to Southwest Airlines’ network of flights to cities throughout the southeast US.

The new Atlanta service represents Southwest’s sixth new OAK route to be inaugurated in 2015, following its launch of service to/from Baltimore-Washington DC (BWI) and Dallas Love Field (DAL) in January, and the previously announced daily services to/from Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) starting on June 7, and daily service to/from Columbus starting August 9.

Dallas Love – Oakland Service Tripled

Last month, Southwest Airlines increased its nonstop service between OAK and Dallas Love Field to double daily. Starting November 1, it will add a third daily nonstop between the two cities.

“Southwest Airlines, now one of the largest employers in the East Bay, continues to grow Oakland International Airport as the premier gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Deborah Ale Flint, Director of Aviation for Port of Oakland. “Atlanta and Dallas have been two of our top underserved markets at OAK, and these latest additions to Southwest’s schedule of daily nonstop flights will help meet the demand for Bay Area business and family travel.”

The majority of Southwest flights are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV. In addition, Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces, size and weight limits apply) to everyone.

Oakland International Airport is Southwest Airlines’ largest operational base in California. The new Atlanta service will bring to 24 the total number of nonstop destinations served by the carrier from OAK. On peak days this summer, Southwest is scheduled to offer 110 daily departures from OAK beginning June 7, 2015. More than 2,400 Southwest employees are based at OAK, including pilots, flight attendants, customer service, air cargo, aircraft maintenance, ground equipment and commissary personnel. Recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE and 2015 ‘Airline of The Year’ by Air Transport World, Southwest Airlines began service from OAK in 1986.

“Our customers like the convenience and reliability of Oakland International when they travel to and from the San Francisco Bay Area, as well the airport’s focus on providing customer-friendly travel experience that’s consistent with our product,” said Andrew Watterson, senior vice president network and revenue management at Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines flight, fare and ticketing information is available online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

OAK Travel Reminders
Park Close at OAK Ample parking within short walking distance of passenger terminals is always available at OAK. Travelers can take advantage of substantial savings off regular parking rates in the airport’s Premier, Hourly, and Daily lots with frequent discount promotions offered online at www.oaklandairport.com.

BART to OAK Oakland International Airport has its own Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station providing a direct connection to the entire BART system from the front of the OAK passenger terminal. Fare and real time departure information are available at www.bart.gov. AC Transit bus service, taxi and area shuttle options are also available.

Other Travel Tips For packing tips that will save time at security checkpoints, travelers can visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov.

Members of the news media needing information or assistance in reporting news about Oakland International Airport may call the airport’s 24-hour Media Hotline at (510) 563-6500.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

About Southwest Airlines Co.
In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 47,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, currently serving 94 destinations across the United States and six additional countries.  Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins on June 7, 2015; Subject to approval of the foreign government, service to Belize City, Belize, begins Oct. 15, 2015. and to Liberia, Costa Rica begins Nov. 1, 2015.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners.  Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply) to everyone, and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com. Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.