Southwest Airlines Launches New International Routes At BWI
LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) --It was an historic day for Maryland's largest air carrier. On Tuesday morning, Southwest's first international flight took off from BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport.
Marcus Washington has more on the new destinations.
From BWI, you are now able to fly directly to Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas on Southwest Airlines.
"What an exciting day in Baltimore. International services out of Southwest Airlines; that's so cool!" said Jack Smith.
For the first time, Southwest Airline travelers are able to fly internationally, and Baltimore is one of the first cities where this is happening.
To kick off the event, starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, flights left Baltimore heading to Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
It doesn't take long to see one of Patrick Murphy's sons is excited about the trip.
"It's pretty exciting. The kids are excited to go. They've always wanted to go to the beach, and we figured if we're going to have to go to the beach, we might as well go somewhere awesome. So we're headed to Aruba," Murphy said.
From family planned fun to surprise celebrations.
"Tomorrow is my anniversary, and I thought it would be a great idea to surprise her and take her away to some place warm and relaxing," said Tony Sebro, traveler.
At BWI, within the past two years international travel has gone up 20 percent each year. With Southwest's recent announcement, the airport is taking part in a $125 million expansion.
"If you think of Southwest 20 years ago here, they started here with two cities and eight destinations and think what they are today and what they mean to our community," said Paul Wiedefeld, BWI Thurgood Marshall.
For travelers looking to make an international trip without paying to check luggage, Southwest's chief marketing officer says they have you covered.
"Bags fly free and no change fees. That's flexible, reliable, enjoyable Southwest Airlines for the Caribbean," said Kevin Krone.
By the end of the year, Southwest's senior vice president of operations says the airline will travel to a total of five countries.
Southwest also kicked off its international flights from Atlanta and Orlando.
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