What ever happened to SWA going into MSP...

[ajhbubs84]

Or was there ever talk of Southwest starting service to Minneapolis? I could have swore there was a while back, but I am out of the loop.

Just curious...

 

[Saluki Dawg]

I'm sure it's on our short list of cities we'd like to serve. Just not enough available gates to make it work right now I suspect. This is a recurring problem for us lately in trying to find new domestic markets. If 2 or 3 gates in the same terminal or general area were to magically appear, then I'm sure that there would be an announcement of new service there.

 

[fiel12]

That question was asked a couple of times in my initial training last spring. From what was said, MSP is a favorable market because of the high frequency of O/Ds (originating departures). However, no immediate plans were in the mix. But who knows, maybe 5 or 10 years.

 

[ajhbubs84]

Werent there available gates at the Humphrey Terminal, but they were holding out for room at main (Lindbergh) terminal?

And NWA stepped in and said "not in our house."

 

[Saluki Dawg]

To my knowledge, there are no available gates in the main terminal. I don't know about the Humphrey Terminal, but I think that SunCountry has all of those spoken for.

 

[FR8dognit]

If there were gates at the HUMPH it seems as if it would be perfect for our model. We wouldn't be in all that mess over on the Lindy side and it would be easy access for our customers from whatever that highway is just to the south. When I was company commuting in and out of there a few years back I prayed my company got me a Sun Country ticket because it was so easy over there. Short walk, a lot less traffic and no waiting on people to push back to get into the gate right next door.

BTW--anyone know how many gates are over there and who is in them...just curious. Thanks FR8

 

[Av8tor]

AirTran has 2 gates in the Humphrey Terminal. H9 H10

 

[Wingsweep]

Only one more requirement...

SWA will go to MSP when they agree to widen the stalls in the mens' restrooms.

 

[CitationLover]

midwest uses humphrey also. one gate H-6.

http://www.midwestairlines.com/MAWeb/travelPlanner/airportInfo/airportPages/cityPages/MSP.html

 

[flying zephyr]

actually, midwest uses hotel 8 in minne

 

[CitationLover]

actually, midwest uses hotel 8 in minne

sorry, just used what our website said. you are correct though:

here all the airlines in MSP and shows who all is in Humphrey.
http://www.mspairport.com/msp/Airlines/passenger.aspx

 

[firstthird]

1 - we might have other higher priorities (most likely)

2 - NWA is known as a fierce competitor in their fortress hubs, we do okay at DTW but aren't exactly expanding there.

3 - there is a rumor that Herb made a gentleman's agreement with NWA back in the day when we moved into MDW after Midway (?) went bankrupt. something about if NWA wouldn't fight us there we'd stay out of MSP. probably not true but who knows.

 

[ajhbubs84]

If there were gates at the HUMPH it seems as if it would be perfect for our model. We wouldn't be in all that mess over on the Lindy side and it would be easy access for our customers from whatever that highway is just to the south. When I was company commuting in and out of there a few years back I prayed my company got me a Sun Country ticket because it was so easy over there. Short walk, a lot less traffic and no waiting on people to push back to get into the gate right next door.

I agree completely. After the huge renovation and revamp of the Humpty Dumpty, it is the definition of convienient. Crowds are always small, lines are always short and access to parking and freeways is simple.

I am still paying for my tickets, so when ever I get the chance to go home to Minne, it is usually on Sun Country, cant pass up the free cheeseburgers.

If the rumor was true, I dont see why SWA would have passed up gates at the Hubert H....

 

[cargoflyr69]

I wonder why they haven't thought about STP, the St. Paul downtown airport. There is a 6,500 ft runway with ILS both directions. There is the old terminal building currently sitting empty that could be used. The only thing missing is ARFF, which could be done, even if only part time when SWA shows up...

FWIW, Capitol airlines did STP-ORD in the mid-90's in a metroliner. Capitol folded due to lack of Capital and bad mgmt. They only had 2 metroliners. SWA could pull it off!

Another good option is STC, St. Cloud, MN. Its ony a 30-45 minute drive on the interstate. the only airline there as of today is Mesaba

 

[Skycam]

I wonder why they haven't thought about STP, the St. Paul downtown airport. There is a 6,500 ft runway with ILS both directions. There is the old terminal building currently sitting empty that could be used. The only thing missing is ARFF, which could be done, even if only part time when SWA shows up...

FWIW, Capitol airlines did STP-ORD in the mid-90's in a metroliner. Capitol folded due to lack of Capital and bad mgmt. They only had 2 metroliners. SWA could pull it off!

Another good option is STC, St. Cloud, MN. Its ony a 30-45 minute drive on the interstate. the only airline there as of today is Mesaba

My guess would be because STP is prone to flooding from the Miss. River. I lived there for 12 years and there were times when several flight ops moved to MSP because of floods or because they were forecast. Runways were complately covered with 1 ft + of water. I always thought RST would be a good fit. STC is more like 1+15.