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 truly divine intervention at it's best. All I can say is what a wonderful bit of news this has been, obviously not to just a few but to many. You will have 2 non-stops a day from PHX to MSP and back within the first 6 months. More will come before the end of 09'. Can't wait to see the first schedule as I'm going up there this coming summer. Great job everyone!!! The very best of all, to the very best of them all.
since 1985 Houston Hobby to Kansas City - 200 miles from MSP now and often times I go to Chicago Midway when I need to Move About The Country. This is awesome news and a long time coming.
Gary:
Congratulations on the announcement of Minneapolis-St. Paul. I think the question of which terminal will SWA be serving at MSP is a fair one. The main Lindbergh Terminal or the Humphrey Terminal, which serves primarily the charter airlines which fly into and out of MSP.
Northwest Airlines -- NWA (soon to become Delta) have three of MSP's four main concourses pretty much to themselves, with the exceptioin of "C" where the rest of the airlines that serve MSP are sandwiched into. If SWA will be using the main Lindbergh Terminal, it would seem to me that NWA would need to be willing to give up a number of their gate slots in order for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates MSP, to accommodate the Southwest service.
There has been some talk of adding a mid-field concourse at MSP for a number of years, and plans have even been drawn up for it, but the local politicians and the Metropolitan Airports Commission board have been holding off on that for a while. There's even been discussion of replacing MSP with an even larger airport out further into the suburbs. No action on that either, particularly since MSP just added a fourth runway within the last couple of years.
I think everyone's holding their breath to see how the Northwest-Delta merger plays itself out. Everything's been approved for the most part, so now it's just down to the integration of the two systems into one and they'll be ready to launch.
At any rate, welcome to the Twin Cities and good luck with the new service.
This is great. I am stoked. Going to colledge in OMA, I have friends and family in MSP, STL, OMA, MDY, and MCO. Although I hear A LOT of people requesting direct flights from MSP to one of these cities, keep in mind that Southwest has an obligation to Chicago to board a set number of people at each of the gates they purchased from ATA. If they cannot do this they will be subject to a penatly. If the economics justify it, they will bypass Midway, but having connections in Midway keeps it simple increases traffic through one of their de facto hubs. However, if we are going to make suggestions, I think either a MSP to MCO or STL and MSP to DEN and MSP to LVS will be the natural choices. (I personally think OMA to MCO is a good option too if gas prices remain under $2.50 for Jet A. Just my 2 cents.
YES !! & thank you Southwest; I'll be able to visit my sister et family and not go broke. Next question - will there be direct flights from Lambert St Louis to Minneapolis St Paul.?
I am very glad to see southwest coming to MSP, I flew one time on SWA and enjoyed the short flight from Vegas to Reno. Hey I hope SWA will gradually have a flight going out west to (NV, reno , CA , San jose and like WA, seattle even) cause right now to go to Reno, it takes s-oooo long to get there like triple the time; going through Chicago, SLC , dallas or vegas first. ..NWA use to have a straight flgt to Reno at one time.......thanks its a start for more options for MSP travel..u betcha SWA we're looking forward to flying with U!!
Hi, Bill!
I am SO excited that Southwest is flying our way! I LUV Southwest Airlines' warmth, friendliness and company spirit. It is so obvious that your employees are treated like part of a team. That is what makes your company successful.
Northworst has crapped on its customers (and employees!) for way too long and Minnesotans are so ready for a change.
So welcome to Minnesoooota, Southwest...... when can we start booking?!?!
Back in May 2008 when AirTran dropped their MSP to MDW flight, the other 3 airlines (AA, NWA, United) increased their prices by 400% (no exaggeration!). Did I mention I go to school in Chicago, and make the round-trip EVERY weekend? Driving is an inexpensive but inconvenient option. Southwest, the sooner you coordinate this route, the sooner you'll get my money. I won't go back to the other airlines, no matter how many price wars they play with you. There are 30+ of us who make the round-trip to Chicago each week, to go to school. Although we’re a small group, I’m sure we’ll be a dedicated revenue stream for you. I know Southwest has a sophisticated strategy when entering and pricing the market, but this couldn't have happened soon enough. Many many thanks!
Hi Bill!
We are thrilled to have SWA come to Minnesota! I work for a company whose headquarters are in Baltimore. We send many employees there weekly. If you can add a non-stop or two to BWI every weekday, it would be fantastic! (Not to mention, it would eliminate NWA's stranglehold on the MSP-BWI nonstop market.)
We can't wait for SWA to start flying out of the Humphrey terminal!
When can we buy tickets??