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 the best news ever!! Welcome to the Twin Cities!! I moved here from Texas a number of years ago and have been waiting for you to make your way here. I'll be checking the site often to see when I can start booking flights. Thank you Southwest!! You'll be a great addition to MSP.
Welcome, with open arms! Looking forward to seeing you.
This is best news I've heard in awhile. Fares on NWA to MDW have been sick since ATA and AirTran pulled out. We look forward to your service and FAIR prices. Lookout Dougie!!
You rock, SWA!!! I echo the sentiments of all who are beside themselves with this long overdue news!! You have made a family of native Arizonans and New Mexicans very happy!! Where can I get a job application?!
You can rely on 2 NWA passengers to switch to Southwest even with a stop in Chicago at every opportunity...many of us have waited a long time to see Southwest to come to MSP
What great news!
I just moved to St. Paul from Detroit and have been dreading having to fly NW all the time to visit family back home. I would rather take a connecting flight through MDW with Southwest than any NW flight anywhere. Thanks Southwest, and the sooner you start, the better!
Halleluujah! Please hurry, rescue us from the big bad airline that lives here! I am 50 - 75,000 miles each year and I'm ready to switch.
Great news!!
PHX-MSP please!!!
I have been waiting for a long time for Southwest to come to Minneapolis! :) I've flown Southwest twice in my life, and it was the best treatment I've ever received on a flight. I can tell y'all have a lot of fun working for Southwest, and it's so exciting Minnesota finally gets to feel the Luv.
this has put a smile on my face ever since i heard the news. i live in amarillo tx and have family in the twin cities. every time i want to go visit them (or vice versa) i have to drive 16 hours to see them because i don't want to pay an outrageous amount to fly another airline! the timing of this could not be better! as my sister is due to have her first baby in april. as soon as it's available, i will buy a ticket for my wife and i to travel to msp! i can't wait to hit mystic lake casino for seafood buffet night!!!
minesotans you guys really lucked out, oh yeah, ya bet 'cha. i remember years ago when us texans had to defend their beloved little airline (swa) to the "big dogs" making fun of our peanuts. ha! who's laughing now? yeah, we still get peanuts but at least they're free! lol. and not having to pay to travel with luggage is not only awesome but also a no brainer. normally, if you're traveling by plane, it means you're going to be staying a while right? so how do they expect people to go on a trip without luggage? doesn't make sense. basically, they're penalizing people for wanting to travel by air.
living in amarillo we've really lucked out as southwest is one of only three airlines that serves our city. a couple of years ago we had five. a couple years from now, we may only have one. but you better believe that if that day comes, southwest will be the last one standing.
please southwest, nyc next!
-chad