When will Southwest Airlines start flying somewhere within a reasonable distance of Atlanta?

Question

Southwest Airlines has a huge gap in its coverage surrounding Atlanta, GA. And, the cost to fly other airlines from the Northeast to Atlanta is ridiculously expensive. Any thoughts on how to get Southwest to start service to Atlanta or (preferably) a nearby airport?

Answer 1

unfortunately, you can't "get southwest to start service" but I'm sure they're already trying to get more access to ATL since its a huge market.
first off, there has to be gates available, and in atlanta, there certainly aren't any. AirTran and Delta have been in a bitter fight over some free gates in ATL recently. I would suggest try flying AirTran- sometimes there are fares from $29-$114 if they're running a sale. And they fly to lots of place in the northeast.

Answer 2

Southwest has been flying out of Birmingham for several years. Depending on which part of Atlanta you live in, it can be a quick drive over to Birmingham. Otherwise, you may ask yourself, which is more valuable, my time (and gasoline expense) to drive to and from or the few dollars I may save by flying Southwest versus other airlines out of Hartsfield.
As far as when/if they will operate service from Atlanta, who knows?

Answer 3

I think Birmingham is the the only location near Atlanta
most airlines can not compete with the volume of Delta out of the Atlanta

Jet Blue only made it 6 month in Atlanta

Answer 4

I hear ya. They offer lots of great rates but they dont fly outta Memphis either. then closest airport to us is Nashville. Southwest flies outta there but I am not sure how far of a drive that is from you. Only about 2 1/2 to 3 hour for us

Answer 5

Not cost effective for them. Gate fees are too much. I find prices from the northeast to Atlanta to be on the low side.

Answer 6

If you drive to Birmingham, they fly out of there.