WASHINGTON — Another shot of winter may be just the occasion to start planning a summer vacation. And this year, travelers will have new options when hopping on a plane.
The merger of American Airlines and U.S. Airways resulted in a major shakeup at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Part of the deal required the newly- formed airline to give up coveted slots at the DCA.
Southwest, Jet Blue and Virgin America all pounced, and their expansion provides travelers new options.
Southwest on Monday announced plans to more than double its flights at Reagan National.
The airline known for its “wanna get away?” tagline will offer seven new destinations and take its total daily flights from 17 to 44 by November.
“Really, to have this close-in service to the District and to be able to feed these business markets where more people benefit from our low fares and our value is really not only a win for Southwest Airlines, but its a win for our customers as well,” says Brad Hawkins, a spokesman for Southwest Airlines.
Southwest’s new service begins Aug. 10, with service to Chicago (Midway), Nashville and New Orleans. The service to Chicago will eventually expand to nine flights daily.
By November, the carrier will add new service to Akron-Canton, Dallas (Love Field), Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.
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