Southwest Airlines Co.(NYSE: LUV) today published its initial flight schedule of nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale (Miami Area) and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, beginning Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite governmental approvals. Southwest Chairman & CEO Gary Kelly made the announcement during a news conference at Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport this morning where stakeholders had a preview of a $333 million revitalization and expansion of Terminal 1 that the County intends to open fully this summer.
"These new gates, additional border screening capacity, and the arts and flavor of South Florida will be a hit with hundreds of thousands of Southwest's local Customers who prefer our all-in friendliness and value," said Kelly. "In offering access to the network of America's largest carrier1, we also bring Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood a bolder shade of blue, where two bags fly free for everyone, where no one pays a change fee*, with purposed policies rooted in the spirit of no surprises."
*Southwest does not charge any passenger for a first or second checked bag, weight and size limitations apply, and never levies a fee simply to change travel plans, though fare differences could apply.
Beginning Nov. 5, 2017, fly nonstop daily from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos for as low as $59 one-way
(This fare is offered at Southwest.comin celebration of new nonstop service for purchase today through 11:59 p.m. on June 8, 2017, Eastern Daylight Time, for travel from Nov. 5, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018. Travel is blacked out Nov. 18, Dec. 16 and 21-22, 2017. Please see complete fare rules, terms and conditions.)
Southwest is readying a multi-national celebration to unfold around the first flights Sunday, June 4 to Grand Cayman, Belize, Montego Bay, and Cancun.
The carrier is partnering with Lilly Pulitzer, the Palm Beach-born resort wear brand for a fun surprise for Customers on each of the inaugural flights. "As we enter the height of summer travel season, we're all about celebrating the best days of vacation in favorite Lilly styles and we're proud to once again team up with Southwest to start the vacation before the plane even leaves the gate," said Michelle Kelly, CEO of Lilly Pulitzer.
Visit swamedia.com for maps, community and service facts, and imagery of the new facility reflecting Southwest's 20-plus year investment in South Florida.
The carrier's full schedule of service through Jan. 7, 2018, is available for booking at Southwest.com.
1 Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier as measured by the number of originating domestic passengers boarded.