OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced its flight schedule of new nonstop service between Florida and Cuba, bringing Southwest's legendary low fares to a ninth country and a historic 100th destination. Service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Varadero, Cuba (VRA) is scheduled to begin Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, and Havana (HAV) service is scheduled to commence Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, from both FLL and Tampa International Airport (TPA), subject to requisite approvals of the Cuban government.  Service details for Santa Clara, Cuba (SNU) are intended to be released in the coming weeks.

"Southwest Customers can book their tickets now to travel to Cubawith our low fares and no hidden fees, bags fly free^, and the best Employees in the industry," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines' Chairman, President & CEO.  "Cubawill be the ninth country on our route map and Havanawill mark Southwest's 100thcity, a significant and proud milestone."

"We're continuing to invest in the Sunshine State with relevant service in all eight of our Floridaairports to connect Southwest Customers to important things in their lives," said Steve Goldberg, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Ground Operations, in announcing Cubaservice details today at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  "Broward County'sstate-of-the-art, five-gate international concourse scheduled to open here next summer, and to celebrate our new service, we sent out Southwest Employees to surprise Floridians with a gift to celebrate our 100thcity." 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United Statesand seven additional countries with service to Varadero, Cubabeginning Nov. 13, 2016, and to Havana, Cuba, beginning Dec. 12, 2016, both routes subject to governmental approvals.

Based on the U.S.Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S.airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S.Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet.