You're Gonna Make it After All!!!

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Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:03 — Bill Owen

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*

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Comments

Lindbergh Terminal or Humphrey, just out of curiosity?

This is great! I hate having to fly a different airline between Boston/Providence and Minneapolis when I go home to visit my parents.

kajivar — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:19

I am so excited to hear this! I am from northern Minnesota and now I will be able to fly from the Lone Star State to Minnesota on Southwest finally. I know it has been years in the making. Thanks for making it happen Southwest!!!

Brad — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:19

Please consider Northwest's other hubs also. There's another one halfway between two Southwest cities that would love any kind of non-legacy presence.

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:40

Atlanta next! ...Preferably with a nonstop to Providence ;-)

Rick — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:41

I flew Southwest when they had three (3) planes in Texas. I have waited 30 years to see
real competition appear at Wold Chamberlain field, now known as MSP. The only problem
for SWA is the weather. SWA likes fair weather and MSP is not the best airport for weather
We wish them well and look forward to improved service and competitiveness at MSP

luvswairlines — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:54

Hooray! Now that ends the speculation of what is the next new LUV market! I can't wait to see what unrolls.

With Porter Airlines coming to MDW, will Southwest partner with them as well to Canada?

Oliver — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:08

This is fantastic... We moved from MN to Phoenix 6 years ago. Since then, I have been won over by Southwest's fantastic service and flexibility. I travel weekly for business on Southwest. However, I could not get that great service going back to visit my family in MN. Now I will have a great destination to use my Rapid Rewards.

Thank you Southwest

A-lister — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:09

Seems like a logical play for Southwest. With the impending DL/NW merger Delta won't be nearly as aggressive in defending the MSP hub as NW would've been on their own. This is actually a great way for DL to scale back service there and let Southwest in without too much trouble. Seems like a win for everyone involved.

The snow can be bad at times, but the airport is among the best and handling snow that I've ever seen; I think that Southwest will manage OK despite the weather issues.
http://www.wanderingaramean.com/2008/10/southwest-to-attack-northwest-at...

www.wanderingaramean.com — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:18

www.wanderingaramean.com — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:19

Wow!! You guys are fast!

kajivar, yes, we will be serving the Humphrey Terminal (which, BTW, is the closest airport station on the Hiawatha light-rail station to the Mall Of America!).

luvswairlines, don't forget all of the other airports Southwest serves that have difficult climates for airline operations. Buffalo--Chicago--Manchester--the Gulf Coast--all have their moments, and we're doing okay there!

Bill

Bill Owen — Thu, 10/02/2008 - 06:20

Great decission. Count me in or aboard!

Dan — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:49

I'm just thrilled!!! Keep up the good work!!! I'm guessing that one of the inagural flights will be to Saint Louis; it just seems to make a lot of economic sense to me. But that's just my guess.

Micah M. — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:54

Awesome! I'm originally from Minneapolis and still have strong ties there, but I've been going to school in Arizona for over three years now. Of course Southwest is really strong here in Phoenix and I might be the only one of my Arizona friends who has never been able to fly on Southwest, and now I'll finally be able to! I hope I can give you a try over Easter. Of course it will be a connection through Chicago-Midway, but I don't mind. I'm sure the service will grow over time once people realize how much of a break Southwest is going to be compared to Northwest/Delta.

Alex in PHX — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:55

Congratulations and welcome to the Twin Cities. This market will enjoy a healthy alternative, I think Southwest will be welcome by customers and fellow peers in the travel industry. We have covered Southwest here before. The Marketing Edge podcast based in St. Paul, MN interivewed Paula Berg in Spring of 2007 about the openess and candor of this blog, http://tinyurl.com/69lnc3 - would love to do more as you enter the market.

All the best

Albert Maruggi

Albert Maruggi — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:00

I think Southwest said it best, "A Symbol Of Freedom."

Paul A. — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:09

My prayers are finally being answered! I have waited 8 years for Southwest to appear in Minnesota. It was my airline of choice all the time I lived in the southwest, and I can't wait for March! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Barbara Hodges — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:11

Whooo!! We're excited to hear that. But, as a Minnesotan, I have to point out it's the St. Paul Winter Carnival...not Ice Festival. :)

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:13

Thank you Bill!
I read that the MAC was in Dallas a few weeks ago talking to Southwest. I just moved to Minneapolis from Baltimore and miss Southwest Airlines.
Have you announced which cities you will be flying to yet? I would love to see a Florida city or two.
Minneapolis has already rolled out the welcome mat on Star Tribunes website with lots of comments. http://www.startribune.com/business/30039604.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEy...

Steve C — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:21

When our family moved from Albuquerque to Minneapolis five years ago, we pondered life without 'The Company Plane'. It's great to finally be upgraded back into the peanut section. Welcome!

Dewey — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:30

Hurrah! Bye, bye Northwest. This will certainly drive down the cost of doing business in this town. Say hello to 30 minute or less gate turnovers. I love LUV!

Jason — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 17:53

Thank You for deciding to come to Minnesota!
I haven't yet flow Southwest, but I'm really looking forward to the amazing prices they offer!
I'm from the Twin Cities, my boyfriend goes to school in Philadelphia and his parents live in St. Louis. We are completely crazy, especially living on a college budget... That's why I am so excited about this new announcement! Please consider expanding to more routes right away!

Samantha Koski — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:13

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.

Steve Anderson — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:20

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.

SICK OF NWA — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:25

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

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:25

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!!!

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:38

Please come to Allentown, Pa next! We want Southwest here!

Patrick — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 18:39

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.

lavalampluva — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:07

I hope service to OMA from MSP is on the agenda..it was great to see you add DEN to OMA!

Cornhusker — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:08

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!

John — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:17

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!

Tyler — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:18

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!

sjk — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:41

i live in mpls and i have heard rumors of southwest trying to come to mpls.I have a sister in boise and parents in phoenix and they love southwest. It is about time that you give northworst a run for their money

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:43

Minneapolis to Midway? I guess it'll do for now, Minneapolis to Vegas will be better. Was a total pleasure flying Southwest from Midway to Raleigh Durham in August. The crew was unbelievably friendly and hilarious. Anxiously looking forward to flying Southwest again. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. And Congratulations. Welcome to Minnesnowta!

Brendan — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:46

How soon can we buy tickets?

This calls for a party!!!!!

mikael — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 19:57

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our family is thrilled that you're heading to the Twin Cities! What happy news! It's just Minnesota-nice, if you ask us!

You have given us affordable vacations and affordable business travel.

SWA, you've just helped us to get closer to our family. Affordable trips home are in our future.

Family of SWA Fans — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:00

This is great news for those of us who, previously, enjoyed flying Southwest before moving to Minnesota. I can't believe we just paid over $300 to fly from Mpls to Chicago when I flew there last year from LA for $200 on Southwest! I hope Minnesotans appreciate the efficiency as well.

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:11

"Hallelujah" is all I can say! Can you get here earlier than March? :)

Also, to Kavijar - Humphrey terminal.

Dawn — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:15

"Hallelujah!" is all I can say. Can you get here any earlier than March? :)

And to the 1st poster: Humphrey terminal.

Dawn — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:18

luvswairlines
Southwest Airlines does fly to Buffalo so MSP's weather should be no problem!

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:40

Bill,

Thanks for letting us know about this, and a big congrats on the Media Day. I had a feeling you guys were going to let a big cat out of he bag, since it is the Dallas, Texan thing to do! I am excited to hear what terminal and what city pairings you guys are going to utilize. I hope, believe, and wish the best for you guys up in MSP, it is a pair of cities that truly need the Luv of Southern Ideals, and most importantly, the Luv of Southwest! YEEEHAW!

Joseph M.

Dallas, Texas

JoeDal — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:42

All I can say is HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am from Minneapolis. It's about time sombody took on Northworst. Let the Southwest Effect prevail. I have been fling southwest for 20 years, I am an A list member and this is great.

Dave Malenfant — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:53

Great!!! I am 68, we have not had a senior fare in Minneapolis. I am really looking forward to your having flights from Minneapolis.

Michael — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:56

Great news for Southwest! Not being afraid to fly into hostile territory (Northwest's headquarters) is clearly a sign of the leadership team taking hold of the reins on Denton Drive! First Denver, San Francisco, Dulles (Washington) and NOW Minneapolis!

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 20:58

I am sooooo excited for this! I've flown Southwest many times and HATED transferring from a "non-partner"!!

Sassy — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 21:15

This is WONDERFUL news!! My husband travels every (yes, every) week and, after living in Baltimore for four years where we were constant SWA flyers, we have missed the airline terribly in MSP. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I can't tell you how thrilled we are. We will be very very frequent travelers! Thank you!! Barbara

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 21:20

im soo excited!! i plan on applying! i was working for airtran in msp, and as we all know, they had cut their flight service out of msp quite a bit. ill keep checking southwest.com to apply!!

Anonymous — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 21:25

IF ITS HUMP TERM IT WILL ROCK NO MORE NWA INDUCED HIGH FARES CURBSIDE PICK UP IN UNDER 30 MIN SWA WILL RESHARE MSP INTO SOMETHING WORTH WHILE AND NEW JOBS IN ALL SECTORS WILL FOLOW HELL YES ABOUT TIME

ELWOOD — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 21:51

I'm so thrilled!! Keep up the good work!!! I love it when you add new destinations, not merely new airports. I'm predicting that one of the inaugural flights will be to Saint Louis. But that's just a guess...

Micah M. — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 21:51

I just want to complain that this wasn't even high on the Internal "rumor list"! ;-)

Whatever happened to seeing so-and-so in such-in-such, so we all knew in advance!?!?! ;-)

I personally can't wait to see how this initial announcement grows, which is something we seem to do at ole SWA.

Thanks for the post, Bill.

P.S. Does MSP really have worse weather than MDW and BUF??? I think I've seen some snow on Canyon Blue planes.

Will — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 22:02

Bring on the Luv.

Southwest - I have to say I am so pumped to have Southwest airlines coming to Minneapolis. Having moved here 14 years ago from Oklahoma, where Southwest had a great presence, I have missed the smiles, peanuts, and efficient service. I can tell you that Southwest will find a very loyal customer base in Minnesota. Yippee!!!!

TJ — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 22:14

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