Southwest Airlines Seeks DOT Approval for Daily Nonstop Service Between Washington National and Las Vegas
Southwest Airlines Co. is set to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval to commence new daily nonstop flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. This initiative is part of the five new round-trip flights authorized by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
If approved, this new service would introduce more options and competitive pricing for travelers on the DCA to LAS route, which is currently served by only one daily flight from another airline. Southwest anticipates that the new route will significantly reduce average fares between these two major airports, offering more than 260 departures daily from LAS during the summer, thereby facilitating convenient connections to various destinations across the western United States, including Hawaii.
Southwest’s application also proposes to establish the first one-stop, same-plane service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. This addition aims to enhance competitive and consumer benefits on the DCA route.
Southwest Airlines’ President & CEO, Bob Jordan, emphasized the company's commitment to connecting people across the nation with competitive fares, flexible policies, and outstanding hospitality. "We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest's proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public," Jordan stated.
Senator Jacky Rosen, a supporter of the proposal, highlighted the potential benefits for Nevada's tourism sector. "Bringing more flights to Las Vegas creates more options for visitors and helps sustain critical tourism jobs," she remarked.
Southwest plans to operate this new route seven days a week using Boeing 737 aircraft with 175 seats. The airline prides itself on offering a range of customer-friendly policies, including up to two checked bags for free, no expiration of travel funds, and no change fees.