Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop between Oakland and Mexico

Oakland, Calif. -  July 13, 2016: At a press conference at Oakland International Airport today, Southwest Airlines Co. announced that they filed application with the U. S. Department of Transportation to offer nonstop service daily between Oakland International Airport and both San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos & 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 East and North Bay to these Mexican beach resort areas with time-saving itineraries brings our customers low-fare and high-value service that traffic patterns show is already important in their lives,” said Leah Koontz, Southwest Vice President of Finance & Controller, in announcing the proposed flights among gathered guests and media near the carrier’s Oakland Ticket Counter. “We’re adding nonstop service that extends the reach of Oakland’s convenient and easy airport experience to bring two of the top-ranking international destinations that currently don’t have a nonstop option.”

“Los Cabos, in particular, is the most requested international destination from the East Bay that does not have a nonstop option and Puerto Vallarta is also very popular with Bay Area travelers,” said Bryant L. Francis, C.M., Port of Oakland Director of Aviation. “Southwest’s continual investment, especially in new medium-haul and long-haul flights in the past two years, has made Oakland International the fastest growing California airport on a percentage basis and brings our customers unprecedented value and reliability.”

At the airport, work is well underway on the next phase of the Terminal One renovation including an all new security checkpoint and international check-in and arrivals area. Scheduled completion of the project is the second quarter of 2017. The Port is also undertaking work to modernize and expand the airport’s passenger federal inspection station for U.S. Customs & Border Protection services which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2017. The combined effect of the two projects will be a fresh, contemporary terminal experience for the airport’s rapidly increasing number of international passengers.

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 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.

Media Contact for Southwest:

Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multi-media assets and other Company news. Media Relations Team: 214-792-4847, option 1

About Oakland International Airport

Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 11 million travelers each year, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top tourism and entertainment venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.

Beginning October 6th, OAK customers can fly nonstop to El Paso, Texas, bringing Oakland’s air service roster to 55 destinations on 12 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.

The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.

For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com.

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Oakland International Airport Media Contact:
Keonnis R. Taylor
[email protected]
510-563-6500

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