Southwest Airlines Information

I don't want to go to Detroit, but it's a hub and near some Sowallers.

I was really hoping for Detroit because we live about 30 minutes from the Detroit airport. So, maybe Delta will come through with some direct flights or at least less expensive flights. Lately, Delta has had some fantastic airfare sales from Detroit to Fort Walton Beach and I hope they keep that up. Lowest fares I've seen since I've started coming to SoWal.

If ECP becomes a busy airport, and if the Emerald Coast continues to grow & succeed, then I would imagine an intelligent carrier like Southwest would want to add some more routes.

This list of four is the initial list, we hope, right? ..... the airport doesn't even open for another six months.

Kind of disappointment, no real big cities expect for Baltimore/DC. Just small to medium cities.

Other than Houston being the 4th largest city in the United State, I guess. Or isn't that big enough?

I don't want to go to Detroit, but it's a hub and near some Sowallers.

It's a NW / DAL hub but not a hub for anybody else. You have to keep in mind, though, that Southwest does not operate on a hub and spoke model like the major carriers. They are point to point. The reason they have chosen the four cities is because their research shows that they are the most likely to bear fruit.

Time will tell...

It's a NW / DAL hub but not a hub for anybody else. You have to keep in mind, though, that Southwest does not operate on a hub and spoke model like the major carriers. They are point to point. The reason they have chosen the four cities is because their research shows that they are the most likely to bear fruit.

Time will tell...

I would also think that not having the hub & spoke model would make it easier to add/change/remove routes as needed to better serve their customer base flight habits.

So what's the deal with Baltimore? I have never been but I have been wanting to return to DC. Anyone experienced with flying in and out of Baltimore and the best way to get to DC hotel for sightseeing? Rent car, train? Any advice?

Any other interesting places or sights around Baltimore? If you were going to Philadelphia or NYC to see the sights would you rent a car or take a train, or a connecting flight?

There is a lot to see and do in Baltimore and great food. Here is a synopsis.

The crown jewel of downtown Baltimore, our vibrant and beautiful waterfront is home to dozens of shops, eateries and attractions, all within walking distance of more than 20 major hotels and the expansive Baltimore Convention Center. Take advantage of the diversity of Baltimore’s downtown attractions. In just a few city blocks, you can explore wildlife from the deep and Down Under at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, have a 360-degree Imax experience at the Maryland Science Center, submerge yourself in the courageous journey of African Americans at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture or wander through the pop culture icons of your past at the new Geppi’s Entertainment Museum. Other attractions not to be missed are the one-of-a-kind American Visionary Art Museum, Sports Legends at Camden Yards and Port Discovery, the Children’s Museum. After you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, stop in for a bite to eat at the staggering array of restaurants, eateries and food vendors scattered throughout Harborplace and the surrounding area. With so many delicious options, we are confident that you will find something to satisfy any taste. But wait! Your Baltimore experience only begins at the Inner Harbor. Hop on the Baltimore Water Taxi when the weather is warm or set out on foot to explore other downtown neighborhoods and head off in the direction of your next adventure.

If you like crabs it's worth it. It's also home to film maker John Waters.

John Waters

I like John Waters and crabs. Thanks for the info - keep it coming!

Never been to Baltimore - direct flight at a cheap price may change that!

There's the Ravens too, but I've never met anyone that was a fan.

Just don't watch the David Simon tv series before going to Baltimore.

There's the Ravens too, but I've never met anyone that was a fan.

But, what if we could get free tickets to the game from a favorite local ref?

I am curious if anyone reading this post from outside the area is going to jump on board a Southwest jet and come visit us.

hails yeah!!! DC would be closest for me.
wait i'm confused (like freakin' always) not so sure 'bout it. they need to put raleigh on that list, stat!! pleeease.

I've sent an email to the million or so people I know in Houston. They are on the way. (Houston, Texas population 2,245,108 as of Jan. 1, 2009.) Perspective. Walton County population is around 55,000.

I've sent an email to the million or so people I know in Houston. They are on the way. (Houston, Texas population 2,245,108 as of Jan. 1, 2009.) Perspective. Walton County population is around 55,000.

You may need to order an extra sofa bed and stock up on toilet paper.

(I personally breathed a sigh of relief when I found out that there were no flights out of Philly or NY)

.

There's the Ravens too, but I've never met anyone that was a fan.

Me, we follow the Ravens because we know Michael Oher (the Blind Side) also have a very good friend that lives in Baltimore.

She is very interested in the flights, as she can come to SoWal now on her way to Orlando.

Minnie, You being the resident expert on traveling between SoWal and Orlando -- Give us some tips and suggestions on how and when you would make a reservation. Where would you suggest staying? What transportation would you suggest from airport to Orlando destination? What is a good time schedule for trip 3, 5 days, etc.? If people visiting Orlando want to come to the best beaches in the world, I can't imagine them going anywhere else but SoWal. Any suggestions for them?

Watch "Panama City Airport Update Dec 16th"
Transmitting daily 6-10pm Channel 8
After January 1st full time. Look for all new shows and frequent updates

Minnie, You being the resident expert on traveling between SoWal and Orlando -- Give us some tips and suggestions on how and when you would make a reservation. Where would you suggest staying? What transportation would you suggest from airport to Orlando destination? What is a good time schedule for trip 3, 5 days, etc.? If people visiting Orlando want to come to the best beaches in the world, I can't imagine them going anywhere else but SoWal. Any suggestions for them?

It really depends on what you want to see and do in Orlando, there is so much. Disney, Universal, Sea World etc.

If you are going to Disney, they provide transportation from the airport to any Disney resort hotel included with your room reservation. If you are going to do a little of it all, I really recommend renting a car.

If you are going to see Universal or Disney there are benefits to staying in their hotels.

As to the length of stay it really depends on how much you want to accomplish or just get a taste of it.

The only time I would avoid the area is during the summer, its hot as blazes and very crowded.

We were discussing it tonight and it seems like a single person going to Disney (what's the point in that) would be cost effective and easier than renting a car, but the rates are one way so once you get 2 or more people it would seem that driving would be as, or better, economically than flying. Of course if time is an issue I can understand it.

So, how many folks will want to fly FROM those towns to vacation in SoWal or PCB?

Nashville - Lots of folks there coming here already, so there's some promise, particularly for weekends. For longer visits, seems unlikely - you do get to bring all your stuff in the car/SUV.

Houston - Could be possible. But, we're competing with the Texas beaches, which are much closer.

Baltimore - Does anyone there know we exist? Sounds like a ripe prospect for a PR campaign.

Orlando - Say what? Come FROM Orlando to vacation where?

As someone who owns on 30A -- but lives most of the year in DC, I can't tell you how excited I am about all this. I can now get to the beach door to door in about 4 hours -- and only 2 hours and ten minutes of that is flying time.

Kurt, I think you would enjoy a trip to Baltimore -- but, remember BWI is only about 35 minutes from your nation's capital. There is plenty to do here -- the smithsonian etc (and you can see where all your hard-earned tax money goes.)

I can tell you, THIS is why we bought in Sowal two years ago. We had heard this might be coming and knew it would be a game changer for the region. This is going to be a huge boost economically. You wanna know why? Cause once people get a load of how wonderful it is -- you won't be able to keep them away.

We are celebrating in DC -- and cannot wait for the Spring -- and direct service.

Bdub