Summary
- Southwest Airlines seeks approval for new nonstop flights between Washington National Airport and Las Vegas.
- The airline’s chief executive believes the proposed service will maximize benefits to the traveling public.
- The proposal also includes offering same-plane service to and from Sacramento, California.
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced on Monday that it would seek approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for new nonstop flights between Washington DC and Las Vegas. The news comes as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) was granted new roundtrip flights thanks to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2024 Reauthorization Act.
The proposal includes daily service between the two destinations on the Boeing 737-800 or 737 MAX 8. Additionally, Southwest believes the service would offer increased competition and lower fares.
“Maximize benefits to the traveling public”
With a robust operation at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), the low-cost carrier has a notable presence in Sin City. This Summer, it will offer over 260 daily departures to markets all over the country, including Hawaii. Currently, American Airlines is the only carrier that operates nonstop flights between DCA and LAS. Should Southwest receive approval from the DOT, it expects to offer “significantly lower average fares” on the route.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Bob Jordan, Southwest’s CEO, spoke about the proposal on Monday.
“Southwest has a long history of connecting people across the nation with important moments in their lives through competitive airfares, friendly and flexible policies, and the unmatched Hospitality of our People. We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest’s proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public.”
Continuing onto or from California’s capital
Along with its application, the airline said it would propose same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. Southwest operates no-plane-change service on several routes within its route network, which is convenient for some travelers. Between the nation’s capital and California’s capital specifically, Southwest expects the new service would further elevate the carrier’s competitive edge.
“We believe Southwest’s proposed new DCA-LAS nonstop service will lower fares and increase access for the nation’s capital, Las Vegas, and western states,” Jordan explained. “Customers in both markets will benefit from competitive airfares and nonstop, hassle-free transportation aboard the airline that invented friendly, reliable flying.”
Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock
With the 737-800 or MAX 8 operating the flights, Southwest will offer a total of 350 seats on the route daily – 175 in each direction – in addition to passengers taking advantage of other perks such as free checked bags, unassigned seating, and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Five new long flights
The Senate passed the bill adding five new roundtrip flights at DCA late last month. The flights are allowed to exceed 1,250 miles, which has been the limit in the airport’s nearly six-decade-long perimeter rule introduced to limit aircraft size and reduce noise pollution.
![A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 climbing out](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1474838708-2.jpg)
Check It Out
Never Say Never? How Open Is Southwest Airlines To Another Merger?
The carrier’s leadership team recently shared its point of view.
US Senator Jacky Rosen said Southwest’s new service between DCA and LAS would be beneficial for Nevada’s tourism industry.
“I’m glad to support Southwest’s application to provide nonstop service between DCA and Harry Reid International Airport because bringing more flights to Las Vegas creates more options for visitors to come to our state and helps sustain critical tourism jobs.”
Southwest is not the only airline to propose new service, however. American intends to apply for nonstop service between San Antonio and DCA, while Alaska Airlines will apply for its share between San Diego and DCA. According to ch-aviation, the new flights will be awarded no later than about two months after the bill’s passing.
![JetBlue Airways Airbus A320 taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_2293031149-1.jpg)
Read Next
US Senators Say Additional Flights At Reagan National Airport Is A Safety Risk
The airport currently handles nearly 820 daily aircraft movements.