DENVER, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines toasted its new service at Denver International Airport. Not only did Southwest Airlines show its panache to Denver travelers, the airline also announced new destinations it will serve from Denver International Airport. To see Southwest Airlines' full Denver schedule or to book a flight to Denver or from the Mile High City to any of Southwest's 61 other destinations, visit: http://www.southwest.com/jp/luvhome.shtml?src=PR_DEN_010306

"Denver has been a missing link in Southwest's system for too long, and we've known the demand for Southwest Airlines service is strong in Colorado," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer. "Today, we're not only celebrating the start of our new service, but we're pleased to announce two new destinations that Southwest Airlines will serve nonstop from Denver International Airport."

Southwest Airlines begins its Denver service today with 13 daily nonstop flights to the following cities: Chicago Midway (four daily), Las Vegas (five daily), and Phoenix (four daily). The airline will offer direct or connecting service to 36 additional destinations, such as Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Orlando, and Seattle/Tacoma.

Beginning March 4, 2006, Southwest Airlines will offer new nonstop service between Denver and Baltimore/Washington (one daily nonstop departure) and new nonstop service between Denver and Salt Lake City (four daily nonstop departures). Southwest is offering these new flights to Customers at very low fares. Nonstop flights to Baltimore/Washington start as low as $99* one-way with 21-day advance purchase, and nonstop flights to Salt Lake City start as low as $49* one-way with 21-day advance purchase (*see fare rules). Also, beginning March 4, 2006, Southwest will add one additional flight between Denver and Phoenix (for a total of five daily nonstop departures) and one additional flight between Denver and Las Vegas (for a total of six daily nonstop departures).

"This new service will grow our Denver operation from 13 daily nonstop departures today to 20 daily nonstop departures -- all in less than three months! We know our Denver Employees will wow our Customers with their warmth and efficiency, keeping the demand high for more Southwest service in Denver," Kelly said. "These new flights demonstrate Southwest's commitment to Denver and our commitment to Colorado travelers. Southwest is the low fare provider; in fact, our fares top out at only $299** one-way, which will benefit all Colorado Customers."

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Denver International Airport Co- Managers Vickie Braunagel and Turner West joined Kelly today at the event. The gate areas were decorated in a New Year's theme, and the event was kicked off with Southwest Airlines Employees declaring their New Year's resolutions for the airline's new Denver service. After Kelly announced the airline's plan for new service, he and Mayor Hickenlooper toasted the crowd with oversized champagne glasses.

With the addition of Denver, Southwest Airlines now offers nearly 3,000 daily flights to 62 cities in 32 states. Southwest Airlines employs 40 local Employees and more than 31,000 Employees nationwide. For Southwest Airlines' lowest fares, visit http://www.southwest.com/ .

*Fare Rules

Tickets must be purchased 21 days before departure and are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only. Fares are available one-way and are combinable with all other fares. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destination and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.30 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFCs) of up to $9 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare.

** The $299 one-way fare is unrestricted and does not include a federal segment tax of $3.30 per takeoff and landing, airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9 one-way, or U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way.

http://www.southwest.com/

Customers: To book these great low fares, go to: http://www.southwest.com/

CONTACT: Public Relations of Southwest Airlines, +1-214-792-4847

Web site: http://www.southwest.com/
http://www.southwest.com/jp/luvhome.shtml?src=PR_DEN_010306