Southwest Airlines, known for its competitive airfares and customer-centric policies, has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate daily nonstop flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. This request is part of Southwest’s pursuit to secure one of five new round-trip slots made available at DCA under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Should Southwest be awarded the route, it would significantly increase competition on the DCA to LAS route, which currently has only one daily flight operated by another airline. Southwest projects that this new service would lead to lower average fares for passengers traveling between Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.
In addition to the DCA-LAS route, Southwest’s application also proposes a one-stop, same-plane/no-change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. This direct flight would connect the California state capital with the nation’s capital, offering travelers a convenient and competitive option for travel between these two major cities.
Southwest Airlines’ President & Chief Executive Officer, Bob Jordan, expressed the company’s commitment to providing travelers with more choices and enhanced travel experiences: “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. We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest’s proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public.”
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, who played a role in drafting the FAA reauthorization bill, welcomed Southwest’s application, recognizing its potential to boost tourism and create jobs in Nevada: “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.”
Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County Director of Aviation, emphasized the significance of this new service for both business and leisure 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. Southwest Airlines continues to be the largest commercial carrier at LAS, accounting for more than 34% of our annual passengers. The potential to expand this critical service to and from DCA will provide business and leisure travelers with more convenient options and accessibility for nonstop service that hasn’t been available in the past.”
Southwest plans to operate the proposed service daily using a Boeing 737 aircraft with 175 seats. The airline stands out by offering each customer up to two checked bags for free (subject to weight and size restrictions) and travel funds and frequent flyer points that never expire. Over its more than 50-year history, Southwest has never imposed a change fee.
“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.”
