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 beautifully. Other 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*
Comments
Lindbergh Terminal or Humphrey, just out of curiosity?
This is great! I hate having to fly a different airline between Boston/Providence and Minneapolis when I go home to visit my parents.
I am so excited to hear this! I am from northern Minnesota and now I will be able to fly from the Lone Star State to Minnesota on Southwest finally. I know it has been years in the making. Thanks for making it happen Southwest!!!
Please consider Northwest's other hubs also. There's another one halfway between two Southwest cities that would love any kind of non-legacy presence.
Atlanta next! ...Preferably with a nonstop to Providence ;-)
I flew Southwest when they had three (3) planes in Texas. I have waited 30 years to see
real competition appear at Wold Chamberlain field, now known as MSP. The only problem
for SWA is the weather. SWA likes fair weather and MSP is not the best airport for weather
We wish them well and look forward to improved service and competitiveness at MSP
Hooray! Now that ends the speculation of what is the next new LUV market! I can't wait to see what unrolls.
With Porter Airlines coming to MDW, will Southwest partner with them as well to Canada?
This is fantastic... We moved from MN to Phoenix 6 years ago. Since then, I have been won over by Southwest's fantastic service and flexibility. I travel weekly for business on Southwest. However, I could not get that great service going back to visit my family in MN. Now I will have a great destination to use my Rapid Rewards.
Thank you Southwest
Seems like a logical play for Southwest. With the impending DL/NW merger Delta won't be nearly as aggressive in defending the MSP hub as NW would've been on their own. This is actually a great way for DL to scale back service there and let Southwest in without too much trouble. Seems like a win for everyone involved.
The snow can be bad at times, but the airport is among the best and handling snow that I've ever seen; I think that Southwest will manage OK despite the weather issues.
http://www.wanderingaramean.com/2008/10/southwest-to-attack-northwest-at...
Seems like a logical play for Southwest. With the impending DL/NW merger Delta won't be nearly as aggressive in defending the MSP hub as NW would've been on their own. This is actually a great way for DL to scale back service there and let Southwest in without too much trouble. Seems like a win for everyone involved.
The snow can be bad at times, but the airport is among the best and handling snow that I've ever seen; I think that Southwest will manage OK despite the weather issues.
http://www.wanderingaramean.com/2008/10/southwest-to-attack-northwest-at...
Wow!! You guys are fast!
kajivar, yes, we will be serving the Humphrey Terminal (which, BTW, is the closest airport station on the Hiawatha light-rail station to the Mall Of America!).
luvswairlines, don't forget all of the other airports Southwest serves that have difficult climates for airline operations. Buffalo--Chicago--Manchester--the Gulf Coast--all have their moments, and we're doing okay there!
Bill
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