Southwest Airlines Celebrates Love Field's Freedom To Fly

DALLAS, Oct. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) is giving away 1,000 free flights to celebrate its new-found freedom from its home airport, Dallas Love Field. The carrier is celebrating the repeal of the law known as the "Wright Amendment" which was imposed in 1979, limiting the reach of Dallas' convenient airport. Starting today, the airline begins offering new nonstop flights from Love Field to the first of 17 destinations.

• Denver
• Chicago (Midway)
• Baltimore/Washington
• Washington, D.C. (Reagan National)
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Orlando

Beginning November 2, 2014, Southwest Airlines will continue its rollout of new nonstop flights from Love Field to:

• Phoenix
• Orange County/Santa Ana
• San Diego
• Tampa Bay
• Ft. Lauderdale
• New York City (LaGuardia)
• Atlanta
• Nashville

Beginning January 6, 2015:

• San Francisco (SFO)
• Oakland (OAK)

"After 34 long years, Southwest now has the right to spread our low fares, our friendly policies, our Fun-LUVing Attitudes, and Legendary Customer Service," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer during a spirited news conference in front of airline Employees and community Leaders. "Most importantly, we have the right to spread our LOVE across the United States anywhere we want to fly nonstop from our home airport, and our hometown, Dallas, Texas, On this day, October 13, 2014, Southwest Airlines celebrates that Dallas Love Field has officially been Set Free!"

Customers on each of the first departures from Love Field to one of the seven new nonstop destinations received special gifts including shirts, Southwest Vacations packages, and more, as a way to celebrate the new flights and thank Customers for their support. In keeping with the week of NONSTOP Love, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Card is celebrating by surprising Customers on flights throughout the week with various gifts and giveaways. Dallas-based Batter Up Cake Shop also surprised Customers and Employees with a cake dedicated to the new nonstop destinations the carrier is now offering from Love Field.

2014 is a milestone year for the 43-year-old airline. The carrier launched international flights to the Caribbean and Mexico, remains on track to complete the AirTran acquisition by the end of the year, revealed a new look, and now is breaking through the wall of the Wright Amendment flight restrictions imposed in 1979 (international nonstop restrictions still apply).

To find low fares to all the destinations the carrier serves, visit southwest.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate nearly 3,600 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, subject to government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity while over the United States that enables video-on-demand and a free, live TV offering of 13 channels compliments of DISH.  Bags Fly Free® at Southwest Airlines (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED