OREANDA-NEWS. April 1, 2016. Southwest Airlines Co.(NYSE: LUV) today announced new service linking Long Beach Airport (LGB)and Oaklandwith four flightsa day in each direction beginning Sunday, June 5, 2016.  Southwest® announced the news aboard the iconic RMS Queen Marywith Long BeachMayor Robert Garcia and other representatives of Long Beachgovernment, business, and tourism in attendance.  In celebration of new service in Long Beach, Southwest is offering special pricing of \\$49one-way(book today through April 14, 2016, 11:59 p.m. PDT, for travel June 5 through Nov. 4, 2016, blackout dates apply.  Please see complete fare rules below.)

The carrier was awarded four slot pairs following its February 2016 applicationwith the City of Long Beachto bring new service.  Once operational, Long Beachwill become the carrier's 98thcity served, the carrier's fifth service point in the LA Basin and its 10th airport in California.

"As we bring much needed competition to Long Beachthis summer, our aim continues to be offering Californians the best value in air service," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines' Senior Vice President of Network & Revenue.  "Whether that value comes through using an airport that's convenient to home or the office, or through increasing the reach of our low-fare and high-value Customer Service, Long Beachservice will enable us to provide our unique value to more Californians who already know and love us!"

The carrier's initial flight schedule of four flights in each direction, each weekday, also brings connectivity between Long Beachand 19 cities on the Southwest network across the Pacific Northwest and mid-America.  Though some airlines allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances, Southwest will bring to Long Beachits brand-standard bags fly free® for everyone, allowing every Customer flying on every fare to check a first and second bag without a fee (weight and size limitations apply.)

The latest statistics reported by the U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT) continue a years-long trend:  Southwest is California'slargest carrier of both air travelers journeying within the state and of passengers traveling to/from California.  Southwest continues to plan for 2016 year-over-year available seat mile growth in the 5-6 percent range.

INTRODUCTORY FARE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Purchase today through April 14, 2016, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Travel is valid daily June 5 through Nov. 4, 2016 except June 30 through July 5, 2016.  Fare valid only on nonstop service. Displayed price includes all U.S.and international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of \\$5.60per one way flight. Seats and days at this fare are limited. Fares may vary by flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away® Fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Fares are nonrefundable and may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines, as long the reservation is canceled at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the flight. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds in the reservation. Any change in itinerary could result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to our Anytime Fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. The offer only applies to published, scheduled service. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 45th 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 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United Statesand seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

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 more than 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. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to 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 43 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 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.