GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Oct. 20, 2010

When Southwest Airlines announced plans in May to serve the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, rumors about destinations began to spread.

Travelers will get a firm answer today.

GSP released an invitation last week for a special announcement from Southwest at 10 a.m. Wednesday. “Big jets and low fares! Southwest Airlines is coming to GSP,” the invitation stated.

Southwest has been quiet about what destinations it may serve from GSP, saying only that it plans to launch service in early 2011.

GSP Executive Director Dave Edwards previously told GSA Business said he expects six to eight daily roundtrip flights from Southwest. GSP has pitched Chicago, Boston, Denver and Baltimore, among others, as strong destinations for Southwest to serve.

In an informal poll GSA Daily conducted in August, survey respondents put New York, Chicago and Denver atop their wish lists for Southwest service. Respondents also listed Las Vegas, Dallas, Las Angeles and Houston as desirable destinations.

Participants in the poll were also allowed to add comments. Other destinations mentioned were: Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Fla., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

GSP already offers flights to many of these destinations, but readers commented that they would like more flights or a greater choice of air carriers to these cities. For a current flight schedule, click here.

In the effort to attract Southwest to GSP, around 250 Upstate businesses signed letters committing to patronize the airline at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

Previous coverage
Poll: GSP passengers want flights to JFK
Airport readying space for Southwest Airlines
Upstate awaits Southwest Airlines destinations