Southwest Airlines to launch operations in April 2013

Posted at: 10/18/2012 10:41 AM | Updated at: 10/18/2012 7:14 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

Southwest will begin operating out of Rochester on Sunday April 14. Rochester is one of four cities that will convert operations from Air Tran to Southwest as part of a merger between the two carriers. The other cities are Charlotte, North Carolina; Flint, Michigan, and Portland, Maine.

It was business as usual Thursday at the Greater Rochester International Airport, but it was also a big day for two major airlines.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, said, “At the end of the day it's good for everybody. If we have people that can travel and have access to low cost travel. It's good for everybody.”

Come April, the check-in counter will look completely different, because Southwest Airlines is set to take off in a very big way.

Brooks said, “Let's face it Southwest airlines has become the poster child for low cost carriers. People believe they have the best value for
travel.”

But its' not just about the cost.

Jennifer Singer, traveler, said, “I think that's absolutely fantastic. I fly Southwest multiple times. I actually travel to Buffalo just to fly
to fly Southwest so I'm excited about the change.”

Many travelers like Jennifer Singer will no longer have to drive to Buffalo. Southwest Airlines will offer more direct flights and more destinations.

Singer said, “Southwest is fun. I like their crews, the self seating is awesome so there's a lot of positives with Southwest.”

Other passengers agree

Glenn Matthews, traveler, said, “I think it's great. I fly Southwest whenever I can. I actually fly to other cities to just fly Southwest because I know I'm going to get there on time and I know they do a great job.”

Why Rochester? County Executive Maggie Brooks says improvements at the airport with infrastructure and services may have a lot to do with it.

Brooks said, “W offer valet parking, our parking here is cheaper than in   Buffalo. We have the business center that we've worked very hard on. We have free WiFi. You know those are the kinds of services and amenities that draws our customers.”

News10NBC spoke to a Southwest airlines spokesperson about some of the specific changes passengers will be seeing. They say they are still working out all of the kinks and we should know soon.

 

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