Southwest Airlines looking at GSP Airport. (Columbia, Greenville: leases, unemployment, transfer to)

[EnglishCream]

Originally Posted by Greenville

I said that GSA is comparable to Milwaukee in terms of population. 1.2 million and 1.5 million are comparable in my book. I did not make a claim about pro sports teams, cultural events, festivals, or vacationers. I also did not include air travelers from nearby metros, because they are negligible.

Thanks for providing all of that unnecessary information which had nothing to do with my argument, though.

Whatever. What I was getting at was that a lot more people are likely to travel to Milwaukee, than to GSP. Argue that one, genius.

[NewYorkBorn]

Originally Posted by roxors

Whatever. What I was getting at was that a lot more people are likely to travel to Milwaukee, than to GSP. Argue that one, genius.

Very true!
The GSP area is nice for things like raising a family, pretty good amenities (shopping, restaurants etc.) for an area of it's size. But when the topic changes to Southwest making a choice between GSP and other cities that obviously have more going for them that is where the discussion ends for rational people.

[CHSGuy]

Originally Posted by g-man430

WRONG. CHS couldn't even support Airtran. Southwest isn't going there.

Sorry G-man, but Airtran essentially pulled out of Charleston due to Southwests interest in Charleston, they knew they couldn't compete. All Southwest needs to do after the first of the year is officially announce it, which they will, and put thier signage up at the old Airtran ticket counters.
FYI - If Southwest wasn't coming to Chucktown, then why are Southwest execs currently expensing dinners all around town if they weren't coming...

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Originally Posted by CHSGuy

FYI - If Southwest wasn't coming to Chucktown, then why are Southwest execs currently expensing dinners all around town if they weren't coming...

....because they discovered that they love low-country cuisine while there nosing around???

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Originally Posted by NewYorkBorn

Very true!
The GSP area is nice for things like raising a family, pretty good amenities (shopping, restaurants etc.) for an area of it's size. But when the topic changes to Southwest making a choice between GSP and other cities that obviously have more going for them that is where the discussion ends for rational people.

Are you people even aware that Southwest serves cities with arguably less going for them than Greenville?..... Little Rock, Birmingham, JACKSON, MS???

[NewYorkBorn]

Originally Posted by UpstateBooster

Are you people even aware that Southwest serves cities with arguably less going for them than Greenville?..... Little Rock, Birmingham, JACKSON, MS???

It is time to face the reality that Southwest did not add GSP, this debate has dragged on way longer then it should have. I do not work for Southwest and neither do you. I have NEVER visited Little Rock, Birmingham or Jackson, MS so can not make a comment regarding whether or not those cities have more or less going for them than Greenville....that is your perception of those cities. But obviously there was something that Southwest saw in those cities that caused them to add them!

What I do know for a FACT is that the new cities that Southwest has added this year (New York City, Boston, Milwaukee and St. Paul) are all leaps and bounds ahead of Greenville and have WAY more going for them....so it is no surprise that Southwest made the smart decision to add them. Any airline that is not in the NYC market makes me wonder about their sanity. Glad Southwest has woken up. Greenville on the other hand is a nice family oriented town and that is where the story ends for people who live in reality!

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

Originally Posted by NewYorkBorn

I have NEVER visited Little Rock, Birmingham or Jackson, MS so can not make a comment regarding whether or not those cities have more or less going for them than Greenville

I HAVE been to those cities, and actually lived in two of them.... Multiple times... 'Nuff said.

[NewYorkBorn]

Originally Posted by UpstateBooster

Are you people even aware that Southwest serves cities with arguably less going for them than Greenville?..... Little Rock, Birmingham, JACKSON, MS???

Originally Posted by UpstateBooster

I HAVE been to those cities, and actually lived in two of them.... Multiple times... 'Nuff said.

You are only ONE PERSON....I am sure there are others who would disagree on your perception of those cities. If Greenville wants to come out and play in the big leagues next time Southwest is looking to add cities then there needs to be millions of dollars spent (possibly tax increases that I am more then happy to pay) making it the kind of place that Southwest will want to add.

The other cities (NYC, Boston, Milwaukee and St. Paul) all had to spend money to make those cities the type of place that can attract Southwest.......Greenville did not!

You all want to keep the cost of living low in SC, don't want to pay higher taxes to get anything done but then want the same big name recognition (upscale status) and benefits as cities that pay higher taxes, have a higher cost of living and have WAY more going for them then Greenville does.....sorry life just does not work that way! NUFF SAID

[smfrivercat]

Southwest Airlines GSP

As a employee of the airline in question I can tell you the airline is always looking to expand to new markets. Financial incentives have been a major factor in determining what cities have been added in the past few years. Panama City, Fla basically has guaranteed Southwest operations in that city to be profitable for the first 3 years of operation. Those incentives were a huge factor for that location getting service. Panama City, Fla starts service 05/10/10.

I will add the fact that the talk beeing circulated amoung many employees of Southwest is that the airline will be adding 3 new cities to its operation in the year 2010. What those locations will be is anybody's guess. Southwest is very good at not releasing any info about where or if it will expand. Not sure whats been offered by GSP to Southwest to attract service. However its one of the locations that has been often mentioned amoungst employees as a new city for service. I have worked at three different Southwest Airline destinations and have approximately 10 years with the company (New Orleans, La MSY - Sacramento, Ca SMF - Raleigh-Durham, Nc RDU) Hopefully your political and business leaders have attracted Southwest Airlines attention. I know many employees consider GSP as a potential new city. Good Luck with getting service.

smfrivercat

[jac]

Thanks for the information. It would be nice if Southwest did open at GSP. I think they would be welcomed with open arms and get quite a bit of business.