Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) began scheduled operations from the Bellingham International Airport (BLI) for the first time today as the airport welcomed its newest carrier, Southwest. The airline, America’s largest air carrier of domestic air travelers, launched new nonstop service to Las Vegas and Oakland, providing connections onward into the extensive Southwest network of 120 cities across eleven countries.
Southwest operates the largest fleet in the world of Washington-built Boeing 737 jets. The carrier’s three daily departures on a Boeing 737-700 all feature comfortable seating for 143 Customers. The momentous occasion marks the first time Southwest Airlines has operated from Bellingham (BLI) and offers its Customers Heart through friendly policies and all-in value afforded every passenger onboard, including two bags free (weight and size limitations apply), no change fees, and world-famous Hospitality.
Passengers and other dignitaries greeted the inaugural arrival in a festive terminal atmosphere, with themed giveaway items, and other treats marking the historic event. The first arriving Southwest Airlines aircraft from Oakland, California, received a celebratory water cannon salute; and Southwest recognized every Customer traveling in and out of Bellingham on ‘day one’ with a commemorative certificate.
“Southwest Airlines flight options are exciting not only for the Bellingham community but for the entire Pacific Northwest region,” said Port Commission President Ken Bell. “Customers looking to escape the high taxes and fares at other airports north of the border will now be able to access an extensive network of destinations through the service Southwest Airlines provides at BLI. Southwest Airlines is making an incredible investment in our airport and in our community and we hope this means more direct flights to the east. It is a fantastic opportunity for our region.”
"I'm thrilled to celebrate the launch of Southwest Airlines at Bellingham International Airport," said Port Executive Director Rob Fix. "These new, low-cost flights to Las Vegas and Oakland – with easy connections beyond, will give travelers additional options and will allow more visitors the opportunity to visit our beautiful region. This is an exciting time for the Port of Bellingham, and I'm proud to welcome Southwest as an official partner."
“Our arrival in Whatcom County positions our low fares closer to people who fly with us, and it gives local travelers relevant nonstop destinations with ample connections, with the aligned ease of experience of flying Southwest through Bellingham International,” said Adam Decaire, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Network Planning. “It’s great timing to experience your warm welcome a day before the land border with BC reopens, bringing the return visits of many who travel here for all that Bellingham has to offer.” Tickets are available now only at Southwest.com or by contacting your local travel agent. Southwest joins Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air at Bellingham International Airport. Alaska flies daily to Seattle/Tacoma, while Allegiant offers nonstop service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs, Phoenix (Mesa), and San Diego.
About Southwest Airlines Co.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across eleven countries. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in Company history. By empowering its nearly 54,000 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success has brought industry-leading, consistent prosperity for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest continues to develop tangible steps toward an environmental sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Learn more at Southwest.com/Citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.