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
Life just doesn't get any better! First I move back to my home state - and now you're going to be taking off and landing here. I'm thrilled to be able to travel with you again - after a 2 year hiatus. We'll all do our best to give you a Minne-snowta welcome!!
I really hope that Southwest flies to and from BWI (Baltimore Washington.) That route is MUCH needed.
Yeah!!! My family lives in Minnesota, but I live in Houston, TX. Fares between Minneapolis and Houston have been getting SO expensive. I am very excited to see Southwest enter the market and add more competition. I can't wait to book my first visit home on Southwest!
Well yeah, sure, you betch' a. Finally a friendly way to get to MN. Long overdue!!!! Certainly hope you give N'worst a kick in the hold. I have been flying SWA forever and now MN-how cool is this? I bet those flights from MDW to MSP will sell out. We have family in MN and have had to pay dearly to visit them. Now we will be able to go more often! Hope that your fares will be fair. Do you think the powers that be at NW will read this blog and get the picture? March??? Why not tomorrow? Love ya LUV!!!!!!
Congratulations!! ... to both SWA and MSP. As a native Californian now living in Minneapolis, this is FABULOUS news. My wife and I are excited about the new flight opportunities that will be available to us via the best airline in the business.
Fantastic News! I'm born and raised in MSP, but lived near Nashville and then Tampa for a few years. I travel weekly for business and LUV SWA service. Unlike NWA, SWA makes money, has happy employees and happy customers. Truely, SWA is the gem of the industry and so very happy they are coming to MSP. My prayers are answered! Thank you SWA and wish you all the very best success. I am sure you will receive very warm welcome response from the people in the Twin Cities.
This is Great NEWS!!!!!!! To bad there not starting before the holidays start. But anyway It would be nice to see another airline come in and maybe cheaper prices.
This is great. I am tired of paying sky high fares of all the other airlines. NW fares have been untouchable. Great news for the twin cities.
It can't get any better. I just relocated to Minneapolis from Texas, and not being able to fly on Southwest had disappointed me.. Congratulations, I'm happy to being flying with the airline that cares again.
We've been waiting for something like this since AirTran stopped servicing Chicago and Midway...since we've started to drive the 6+ hours!! Driving is for the birds. I hope the pricing is in the same range as what AirTran offered. Any ideas on the price range of tickets??