Southwest Airlines and City of Philadelphia Officially Open New $45 Million Terminal E Expansion at Philadelphia International Airport

DALLAS, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LUV is in the air at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)! Southwest Airlines joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other dignitaries today at a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening Southwest's new home in Terminal E at PHL. The recently completed $45 million Terminal E Expansion features seven new aircraft gates, a 500-seat holding area, new restrooms, a mini-food court with new concessions, and a fantastic new piece of permanent artwork installed as part of the City's Percent for Art Program.

"This new facility, that now allows us to operate out of one concourse, is a wonderful example of both Southwest Airlines and the City of Philadelphia working together in a public-private partnership to enhance air travel for the entire City," stated Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Properties. "I know all of our hard-working Southwest Employees here in Philadelphia can't wait to continue providing our legendary Customer Service from our new home in Terminal E."

During the ceremony, Montgomery also announced a new and exciting destination for Philadelphians. Beginning June 27, 2010, the carrier is starting new service between Philadelphia and Boston Logan (BOS). Southwest will start with five daily nonstops between the two cities with fares as low as $59 one-way (see fare rules below). This low introductory fare is on sale today and also includes travel between Philadelphia and Southwest's other Boston-area airports: T. F. Green Airport in Providence (PVD) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT). Purchase by April 18th for travel June 27, 2010 through August 13, 2010. For more information on the new service see our blog post: www.blogsouthwest.com

"Southwest's new Philadelphia - Boston route is yet another excellent addition to Philadelphia International Airport's existing non-stop air service lineup.  Competition on any of our routes is wonderful news for our patrons as it typically provides a greater choice in product offerings, flight schedules and lower fares.  We applaud Southwest's decision to inaugurate this service and are looking forward to its success," said Mark Gale, CEO of Philadelphia International Airport.

"We are thrilled that Southwest loves Boston and is continuing to grow here,'' said Ed Freni, Director of Aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority. "We want to make sure their passengers are as comfortable here as they are in the air, so we are working to expand Southwest's gate area to accommodate these new flights.''

It's on, Philadelphia! To commemorate the new airport facility and the new route to Boston, Southwest Airlines is unveiling a new web site dedicated to all its Philly travelers. Customers can take advantage of additional Philadelphia fare sales and Rapid Rewards Double Credit offers by visiting http://www.southwest.com/philly. This web site landing page is a great way for Southwest Customers traveling to and from Philly to take advantage of deals tailored just for them.

When shopping for Southwest online, it's important to know that Southwest Airlines' low fares are available only at http://www.southwest.com. Not only will Customers find Southwest's great rates online at http://www.southwest.com, but the site also hosts Southwest's Travel Guide where Customers can check out insider travel tips posted by those who frequent the Philadelphia area.

After more than 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service.  Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom.  Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states (with additional service to Panama City Beach, Fla., in May).  Based in Dallas, Southwest operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.

Fare Rules

Available only on southwest.com or swabiz.com. Purchase from Feb. 16 through April 18, 2010, 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time. Travel June 27 through end of schedule currently August 13, 2010. Fares do not include federal excise tax of $3.70 for each flight segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Seats are limited.  Fares may vary by flight and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares are available for one-way travel. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares (Senior Fares not included). When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are not available through Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies to published, scheduled service only.

www.southwest.com

SOURCE Southwest Airlines