Southwest Airlines begins service in Charleston SC
... and my wife Polly is on today's inaugural flight to Houston.
Great news for both business and leisure travelers as Southwest Airlines begins service in Charleston. Unfortunately, Charleston air fares have been among the highest in the country but that will all change now that Southwest enters the Charleston market. Initial service will be direct flights between Charleston and Baltimore / Washington (BWI), Chicago (Midway), Nashville and Houston (Hobby).
With the proposed merger of Southwest with AirTran (who previously served the Charleston market), additional direct flights are likely between Charleston and Atlanta and perhaps Orlando once final approval is given by shareholders and the government.
The Charleston hospitality industry is obviously excited about Southwest since tourism is one of Charleston's biggest industries and lower fares will enable even more people to be able to visit Charleston. It's also important for the Charleston business community to support Charleston. And from my standpoint as a Charleston Realtor, I know that many people who visit Charleston fall in love with our wonderful city and some ultimately choose to relocate to the area.
And don't forget, Bags Fly Free! So pack up and come to Charleston!
Full disclosure: My wife is in the hospitality industry working as the Director of Sales for the new Courtyard by Marriott, Charleston Historic District, at Meeting Street and Calhoun. Neither of us owns shares in Southwest or AirTran.