Southwest Airlines has announced its intention to apply for new daily nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). The airline is seeking one of five new round-trip flights made available at DCA through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Currently, only one airline operates a single daily flight on this route. Southwest’s entry would introduce much-needed competition and provide consumers with additional choices. If awarded the route, the airline projects a significant reduction in average fares from DCA to LAS. This summer, Southwest offers more than 260 daily departures from LAS, creating numerous connecting opportunities for communities across the western United States, including Hawaii.
In addition to the nonstop service, Southwest’s application will propose the only one-stop, same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. This direct flight between California’s capital and the nation’s capital aims to enhance competitive and consumer benefits on the DCA route.
“Southwest has a long history of connecting people across the nation with important moments in their lives through competitive airfares, friendly and flexible policies, and the unmatched Hospitality of our People,” stated Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines. “We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest’s proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public.”
U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, a member of the aviation subcommittee involved in drafting the FAA reauthorization bill, expressed support for Southwest’s application, noting its potential to enhance national travel and tourism. “I’m glad to support Southwest’s application to provide nonstop service between DCA and Harry Reid International Airport because bringing more flights to Las Vegas creates more options for visitors to come to our state and helps sustain critical tourism jobs,” she said.
Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County Director of Aviation, also endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the potential benefits for travelers. “Providing this much-needed service between the nation’s capital and the sports and entertainment capital of the world will open up new opportunities for all travelers,” she said. “Southwest Airlines continues to be the largest commercial carrier at LAS, accounting for more than 34% of our annual passengers.”
Southwest plans to operate the proposed service seven days a week using Boeing 737 aircraft with 175 seats. The airline is known for offering up to two checked pieces of baggage for free (with weight and size limitations), and travel funds and frequent flyer points that do not expire. Southwest has maintained a policy of never charging change fees throughout its more than 50-year history.
“We believe Southwest’s proposed new DCA-LAS nonstop service will lower fares and increase access for the nation’s capital, Las Vegas, and western states,” Jordan said. “Customers in both markets will benefit from competitive airfares and nonstop, hassle-free transportation aboard the airline that invented friendly, reliable flying.”
Southwest’s application is poised to bring significant changes to the DCA-LAS route, promising greater competition, lower fares, and enhanced connectivity for travelers.