Southwest Begins SFO Service Aug. 26 With Three Cities and a Sale

For years, Southwest Airlines was content to serve the San Francisco area with flights into and out of Oakland airport.  And why not?  That airport is smaller than San Francisco's main airport, and it's less likely to suffer from schedule-crippling fog.

But with the summer start up of Virgin America at SFO, Southwest apparently felt it needed to defend its stake in San Francisco, so beginning late August, the airline will fly 18 daily flights--non-stop service to Chicago's Midway airport (three daily flights), Las Vegas (seven daily flights), and San Diego (eight daily flights).  And to get passengers used to the new service, Southwest is offering deeply discounted tickets if you book 21 days before you travel.  You may begin buying sale tickets now for travel between the start of SFO service, Aug. 26, and Oct. 31.  Obviously, with the 21-day advance purchase requirement, the sale ends Oct. 10.

Sale fares are as low as $39 one way to San Diego, $59 one way to Vegas, and $99 to Chicago Midway.  By the way, those fares are also valid from the other two San Francisco airports served by Southwest, Oakland and San Jose.   For a schedule of all Southwest flights from the San Francisco area, including ongoing flights to Boston, DC, and Orlando, visit the airline's web site.  For rules and details on the sale, click here.  As always, sale seats are limited, so the special offer fits your travel needs, book sooner rather than later.