Southwest Airlines Launches Inaugural Flights To Five Cities In One Day

Southwest Airlines Launches Inaugural Flights To Five Cities In One Day, Including San Juan, Puerto Rico
-- Southwest converts AirTran operations in four cities: Charlotte, N.C.; Rochester, N.Y.; Flint, Mich.; and Portland, Maine
-- Southwest expands footprint beyond the 48 contiguous states for the first time in the carrier's history with service to San Juan, Puerto Rico
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched inaugural service to five cities on Sunday, April 14, 2013—the most cities the airline has ever opened in one day. Southwest, America's largest airline in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, is expanding its footprint as part of the ongoing integration of its wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways. "This milestone is historic as it marks Southwest's first venture outside the 48 contiguous states, and it's proof positive that our ongoing integration of AirTran remains on-track as we're making tremendous progress," said Southwest's Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer Ron Ricks.  "AirTran has done a wonderful job establishing a presence in these markets, and Southwest is proud to continue that legacy and extend our vast network of destinations, exceptional Customer Service, and low fares."

As of April 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines Offers New Nonstop Service between:

Charlotte and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Houston (Hobby), and Orlando
Flint and Baltimore/Washington, Orlando, and Tampa Bay
Portland, Maine and Baltimore/Washington
Rochester and Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Orlando, and Tampa Bay
San Juan and Orlando and Tampa Bay.
AirTran ceased service in Charlotte, Flint, Portland (Maine), and Rochester on April 13, 2013.  AirTran will continue to offer service between San Juan and Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, and Atlanta.  Southwest previously announced that the carrier will assume AirTran's San Juan service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood on Sept. 29, 2013.

To celebrate the new San Juan service, Southwest announced a one-day offer of $39* one-way between San Juan and both Orlando and Tampa Bay. These fares must be booked by 11:59 p.m. PT on April 15, 2013, for travel on select days.  See full fare rules below.  To take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com, and click here to watch a video to see what awaits you: http://youtu.be/LZOsXO5TllE.

Also in celebration of the five city launch on one day, Southwest is hosting an online Twitter contest, encouraging residents of the airline's newest cities to show off their community with their own unique flare.  Check out the High5YourCity contest blog post to view more details, and the #High5YourCity hashtag on Twitter to see the entries.

Southwest Airlines aims to do all it can to give from the heart and make a difference in people's lives.  To celebrate Southwest's inaugural service to Rochester, N.Y.; Charlotte, N.C.; Flint, Mich.; and Portland, Maine.; the carrier will host send-offs for four special Make-A-Wish® kids and their families as they travel on the LUV airline to experience their one, true wish.