Southwest Airlines To Fly Nonstop Between Oakland And Mexico

DALLAS, July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today filed an application with the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to offer the first U.S. carrier nonstop service between Oakland International Airport and both San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, beginning in February 2017, subject to governmental approvals. Once approved, the carrier's flight schedule and fares will be published on Southwest.com.

"Linking the San Francisco Bay Area to these popular Mexican beach resort areas with time-saving itineraries brings our Customers low-fare and high-value service that is an exciting addition to our growing international portfolio," said Leah Koontz, Southwest Vice President  who announced the proposed flights to gathered guests and media near the carrier's Oakland Ticket Counter. "We're adding nonstop service that extends the reach of Oakland's convenient airport experience to two top-ranking international destinations without a nonstop option."

"Los Cabos, in particular, is the most requested international destination from the East Bay and North Bay that does not have a nonstop option," said Bryant L. Francis, C.M., Director of Aviation for The Port of Oakland. "Southwest's continual investment, especially with new medium-haul and long-haul flights has made Oakland International the fastest growing major airport in California in terms of passengers, and they're enjoying unprecedented value and reliability."

The Port is undertaking a major renovation of Terminal One: a new security checkpoint and international check-in and arrivals area is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2017; a modernization and expansion of the airport's passenger federal inspection station (FIS) for U.S. Customs & Border Protection services is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2017. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST & OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

According to the most recent figures available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest carries the most  passengers to and from the San Francisco Bay Area through its operations at the region's three major commercial airports. Southwest's 120 departures a day at Oakland International Airport comprise the carrier's biggest operation in Northern California, transporting the majority of the airport's 11 million annual travelers to nearly 30 destinations across the United States, with additional connecting or same-plane service to another two dozen cities.

Southwest has more than 2,600 Oakland-based Employees and has hired more than 750 locally based Employees since January 2014.

Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and the second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area, the closest airport for most local residents and to the region's top tourism and entertainment venues. Oakland International is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. For airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 50,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional countries with service to three airports in Cuba expected to begin later this year, 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, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who 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 whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 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 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

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

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.