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
this is some of the best news Ive heard in a long time!! Hooray for Southwest....we can sure use some southern hospitality after dealing with these expensive and non personal airlines up here!
THANK YOU Southwest! I cut up my platinum NWA card today and pledge to fly SWA every time possible. I've asked many, many times for SWA to come to MSP and now its finally going to happen. I heard about it in the office today and the response was amazing. EVERYone was excited about being able to fly Southwest. Welcome to Minnesota SWA!
Hey, is North Dakota next? Oh to have you come to Fargo and Bismarck! Then I can get back to my old home from El Paso!
I hope service to OMA from MSP is on the agenda..it was great to see you add DEN to OMA!
My guess would be Humphrey terminal. That is where all the Non SkyTeam airlines get placed. Was kind of surprised that they will be flying the MSP-MDW route, but anything is better than nothing. Good Luck Southwest.
Please come to Allentown, Pa next! We want Southwest here!
This is great news!!!--I relocated to Minneapolis 3-1/2 years ago from Chicago and due to family circumstances I fly each weekend to Chicago. Three years ago there were 3 airline options and today, there is only Northwest, and their flight fees have literally "tripled" since March 2005 because they are the ONLY carrier that flies from MSP to Chicago Midway and this would be soooo appreciated!!!
Thank you sooooo much!!
I am ready to book flights today!!!
Brilliant news, but why can't you start straight away, My poor husband has to travel between the Cities and Baltimore via those other airlines and boy does he hate them with a passion. Up until last year, he would only go where Southwest went, if he had to fly on another airline he would fine a way to avoid the situation, unforunately, he now has to fly the other airlines and I have to deal with his total distrust and dislike for them.
So please pretty please start the service ASAP
Dear Southwest,
GREAT NEWS! THANK YOU!!
I have been waiting years for you to come and rescue us from NWA/DELTA and the: we don’t care about you because we are the only option you have attitude”.
Please take all of the empty gates.
thank you thank you thank you
With family and business in CA and AZ... I have experience and loved flying Southwest. Often I've boarded saying, "we need this kind of customer service and courtesy in Minnesota." The Chicago route is a good start. For too long Northwest has been able to keep effective competition away from MSP. I'm excited. Now start thinking about helping us get from MSP to SFO.