[BAG]

Southwest Airlines is starting in June! Southwest Airlines will be touching down in the Big Apple on June 28, 2009. The Dallas-based airline will offer a total of eight daily nonstop departures--five daily nonstop flights between Chicago Midway and LaGuardia and three daily nonstop departures between Baltimore/Washington and LaGuardia. Southwest is offering these new flights with fares as low as $89 one-way for Chicago flights and $49 one-way for Baltimore/Washington flights with a 14-day advance purchase.

"Southwest Airlines brings to the New York market our unmatched record in Customer Service, our no hidden fees policy, and great flight service to two of our most convenient airports--Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Customers in both Chicago and the DC area now have a new low fare choice when planning trips into LaGuardia."

"New York City has always and will continue to succeed because we offer the people who come here for business or vacations things they just can't get anywhere else," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "As families and businesses weigh every travel decision carefully, Southwest's arrival at LaGuardia isn't just a boon for New Yorkers - it makes it a lot easier for people around the country to access New York's unparalleled ideas, energy, and entrepreneurism."

In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations from New York City, including: Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Diego, just to name a few.

"For years, Customers have asked for Southwest service into New York City, and we are now connecting two of our largest markets with the nation's largest city," Kelly said.