Southwest Airlines Outlines Initial Preparations for Hurricane Ike and Offers Relief for Customers Traveling Near the Storm

DALLAS, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines said today that it will not operate flights to and from Corpus Christi International Airport and (Harlingen) Valley International Airport on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13. The airline's plans to resume service to and from Corpus Christi and Harlingen will depend upon the status of airport security personnel, facilities, and services. Southwest is closely monitoring Hurricane Ike and will announce any additional changes to its operation as the storm progresses.

Southwest strongly encourages travelers to contact Southwest Reservations at [phone] or look for updated travel advisories at http://www.southwest.com/ before checking in online for a flight or proceeding to the airport. Customers can also copy and paste the following link into a web browser for direct access to the travel advisory page: http://www.southwest.com/content/travel_center/travel_advisory_0040.html?ref= wthr.

Southwest Airlines Customers holding reservations for travel to and from Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Houston Hobby, or San Antonio from Noon Central Time on Wednesday, Sept. 10, through the close of business Monday, Sept. 15 may change their travel plans and rebook in their original class of service or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city-pairs and in accordance with our accommodation procedures) without paying any additional charge.

Also, Customers holding reservations for a flight that is cancelled to and from Corpus Christi or Harlingen may request a refund for any unused ticket/travel itinerary.

Southwest Airlines is doing its best to take care of Customers' air travel needs and to keep Customers and Employees safe during the storm. The airline invites Customers to visit southwest.com to receive the latest information regarding a flight. Southwest also encourages Ticketless Travel Customers to visit the Travel Center on southwest.com to cancel, change, and/or rebook their flight reservations. All ticketed Customers may contact Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance.

http://www.southwest.com/

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040715/DATH028-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010718/SWNULOOK
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010724/SWALOGO
PRN Photo Desk, [e-mail]