DALLAS, June 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the arrival of Southwest Airlines Flight 2120 from Chicago Midway (MDW), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) ushered in a new era of air travel as it officially began service at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The carrier is offering eight daily nonstop flights, five between CVG and MDW and three between CVG and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).

"Before we landed in Cincinnati today, travelers were stuck paying high fares and high fees, but that's all changing today with our brand, Customer-friendly policies, and no small regional jets," said Tammy Romo, Southwest's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "We're at the beginning of our Cincinnati story, and the future looks very bright."

The arrival of Southwest's first flight into CVG was greeted by a ceremonial water arch and ribbon-cutting, along with some great giveaways for Customers onboard. Among those Customers were 18 children from Chicago. For many of the kids, who are part of a group called "By the Hand Club for Kids," this was their first airplane ride and visit to another state. The group was also getting the opportunity to take in a Cincinnati Reds baseball game thanks to the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball.

"We're thrilled to have Southwest join the roster of our airline partners, and that our passengers have another option when traveling to and from CVG," said Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. "We look forward to Southwest's success and growth in the Tri-State region."

New International Service

Today, Southwest launched four, new international routes from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), including service to one of the carrier's newest countries served, Cayman Islands. Now in the home stretch of a $333 million Terminal 1 revitalization in partnership with Broward County, Fla., the facility features new international gates, additional border processing capacity, and concessions and art reflective of South Florida. Southwest Leaders last week announced initial fares and a flight schedule for service from FLL to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, beginning Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite governmental approvals.

High-resolution photos from Ft. Lauderdale and Cincinnati are available on Southwest's online newsroom at swamedia.com.

More Flights from California

Today also marked the beginning of new service linking California to more destinations across the United States. The carrier launched new service between San Francisco and Portland, Ore.; San Jose, Calif. and Reno; San Diego and Boise; and San Diego and Salt Lake City. Additionally, Southwest began operating seasonal service to New York (via Newark) from Oakland and San Diego, and seasonal service between San Diego and Spokane and Indianapolis.

Milestones for Denver and Nashville

Southwest continues its commitment to Denver and Nashville, with milestone numbers of flight departures for each market. In Denver, the carrier reached 200 departures a day. With today's schedule, Southwest began operating daily service between Denver and Charleston, S.C., weekend service between Denver and Pensacola, Fla., seasonal service between Denver and Norfolk, Va., and is complementing its Saturday service between Denver and Belize with a new Sunday flight.

In Nashville, Southwest reached 100 departures a day as it began operating new daily service between Nashville and Minneapolis/St. Paul and seasonal service between Nashville and Seattle.

To book your seat on any of these new flights visit southwest.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 54,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report(TM) can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-begins-service-at-cincinnatinorthern-kentucky-international-airport-300468204.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.