Southwest Flights From New Orleans?

[HLAuburn]

Has anyone heard anything about when SW might resume more "regular" flights out of New Orleans? We're going to Disney in late January, and I'd really like a cheap, non-stop flight to Orlando. There's no way I'm going through Houston first, and so far, that's all they're offering. When I call them, they act like they have NO idea when they're going to start more flights. Someone has to know something, unless they plan in just doing 2 flights to Houston forever...

Thanks

 

[lulu71]

That's all I've heard so far is the Houston route for the time being. They used to fly to Orlando about 6 times a day. I'd imagine by Mardi Gras when people make their pilgrimages to WDW, they'll probably be back up (hopefully!).

By the way, I'm a N.O. expat now in Mandeville.

 

[snappy]

I am hoping they hurry and resume flights in N.O. as well. I have a credit from a flight we were unable to use last year that will expire in February.
I hate to lose it and Houston is just too far for me.

Keeping my fingers crossed and my Mardi Gras beads packed.

 

[HLAuburn]

Thanks for your responses. I just wish SW would know a little more about when they are going to try to resume at least some "old" flights.

I hope you both are doing well.

Lulu, welcome to Mandeville - are you the one who's been making the Walmart so crowded and the roads so busy?? Just teasin', glad you're here! Do you plan to stay? I know a few people who were "die hard" New Orleanians, and now have decided to stay up here. I was shocked, but it is nice up here!

 

[lulu71]

Lulu, welcome to Mandeville - are you the one who's been making the Walmart so crowded and the roads so busy?? Just teasin', glad you're here! Do you plan to stay? I know a few people who were "die hard" New Orleanians, and now have decided to stay up here. I was shocked, but it is nice up here!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm a Target gal myself, but I guess I am one of the ones clogging the roads, LOL. I'm not too sure I'm ready to stay, I am one of those diehards, but the situation is just so glim, especially in Lakeview where I lived. We'll see, my DH was transferred to Gulfport so I think we'll have to stick around a while.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

This is from their website:
http://southwest.com/travel_center/katrina_update.html




New Orleans (MSY)
New Service, Travel Information, and Customer Accommodation Update

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have begun very limited service into and out of MSY. We know that the people of New Orleans are eager to rebuild their city and Southwest Airlines is intent upon helping them do just that. Our plan is to initially operate two daily roundtrip flights between MSY and Houston Hobby (HOU). Though we cannot predict how long it will take for passenger demand to justify additional flights, we have a long history of responding to passenger demand with added flights affording reliable, dependable, low fare air service. We take pride in the knowledge that we will, as always, be a Good Neighbor to our good friends in New Orleans, and we look forward to growing incrementally with them and being part of their rebirth.

We ask our Customers traveling to/from MSY to be aware that ground transportation is limited and curfew restrictions may be in place throughout Jefferson Parish, the City of New Orleans, as well as the surrounding area. All transportation, hotel, and/or other arrangements need to be confirmed before departure. You may check the State of Louisiana’s official website, http://katrina.louisiana.gov/index.htm for the latest information and assistance provided by the state government for citizens impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

You may book your travel by visiting our Reservations page, or by contacting our toll free Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance.

As previously stated, all reservations currently held by our Customers for flights to/from MSY between September 3, 2005 and January 9, 2006 have been cancelled, and are not being reinstated. We are notifying the affected Southwest Airlines Customers via their original itinerary/receipt election of e-mail, fax, or mail about our schedule changes, and we are offering the following accommodation options:

Customers who are holding a paid reservation for any flight that has been cancelled to/from MSY between Friday, August 26, 2005 and Monday, January 9, 2006, and who have not traveled, may elect to hold their funds for future reservations or request a refund.
If the Customer's MSY cruise was cancelled, then the Customer can hold their funds for alternate travel or request a refund.
Please contact our toll free Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance. We wholeheartedly appreciate your patience and cooperation with our efforts to accommodate your alternate travel requests.

 

[eeyore kelly]

Delta is flying non stop out of MSY to Orlando for about $2.00 more than southwest.

 

[HLAuburn]

Delta is flying non stop out of MSY to Orlando for about $2.00 more than southwest.

I did see that Delta non-stop flight since I posted. That's good news! The lowest I've seen on the Delta fare was about $200. Compared to the DING fares of $60 RT Southwest used to have, Delta seems outrageous! I guess if we don't have a choice though, we'll just have to hope for a Delta sale.

Thanks

 

[akrake]

i was able to get a nonstop in december just TODAY! i'd bought my flight via houston on the 22nd but changed to the ns today....still flying delta out bc it's nonstop and a better time....still nothing great in time or price like prekatrina.
akrake

 

[snappy]

Thanks for posting this. GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!