TC Biz Journal had a tidbit of info last week on the much-anticipated arrival of Southwest Airlines at MSP. The article is about the fact that Minneapolis-Chicago fares could be as low as $69. (Ed Kohler has more on the fare and the actual cost of flying.)
But here’s the real news (to me) in that super short story: Southwest is getting one gate at MSP. ONE GATE. Gate 7 at the Humphrey Terminal.
Flying in and out of the Humphrey Terminal is arguably a more relaxing experience, but… for real? I’m assuming that if business is strong they’ll eventually expand both the number of gates and available routes. And I’m assuming MSP to ORD and MDW will get plenty of business. I expect a lot of the corporate travel will stay on Northwest, American and United. But what about we the wee people? I’d fly Southwest just to say “screw you, Northwest!” Never mind the more pleasant flying experience. The Northwest Worldperks miles (soon to be Delta Skymiles, I guess) are all but worthless to me, so I have zero incentive to stick with Northwest.
2 Comments
I plan to try them out. I think too many people are hooked on their world perks miles. count me in that category… and also I enjoy flying direct to places, which will not be possible on SWA initially unless you are going to chicago.
nwa/delta is already fare matching, though the baggage fees will deter some as well.
It occurred to me that at least with a Chicago connection, you could in theory make flying Southwest much like flying any other airline that connects through Chicago. You’re making the same trip, but on an airline that’s more enjoyable to fly on.
Except I guess with Southwest’s direct flight model you probably can’t actually book connecting flights like that.
Still, I’ll take a cheap trip to Chicago. Especially since it’s so hard to get to another big city from here by car.