Swing Into Summer Travel On Southwest Airlines

Summer travel plans for June, July, and August continue to be strong following a robust spring travel season, according to a quarterly forecast by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). Summer vacation travel is expected to increase 4 percent this year. TIA cites strong economic performance, record low unemployment, and a continued high level of consumer confidence. Additionally, one-quarter of Americans say that they will travel more than they did last summer, according to the forecast.

Southwest Airlines recommends booking summer travel early to obtain the lowest fare. The carrier offers discounted fares available for purchase at least seven or 14 days prior to the date of travel. Southwest, with its nationwide route network, serves destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, San Diego, Chicago Midway, Seattle, New Orleans, and Baltimore/Washington. For low fares for summer travel, Customers have the option of calling Southwest at (800) 435-9792, visiting the airline's web site at www.southwest.com, or by consulting a professional travel agent.

Southwest Airlines also offers a variety of special fares for families and senior citizens. For families traveling with young children, Southwest offers infant fares for young flyers that will be traveling in their own seat (with an FAA approved car seat). Senior fares are available for those 65 years of age and over on every flight, every day.

According to a travel report by Yankelovich partners, a marketing research and survey firm, there is a general trend toward shorter vacations. In 1998, one-half of all vacations were four days or less including a Saturday night stay. Additionally, travelers are more inclined to make more frequent vacations and stay closer to home. Last year, approximately half of all vacations were spent less than three hours away from home. As the country's premier shorthaul, low-fare carrier, Southwest Airlines fits this travel trend.

On Southwest, more than 75 percent of its passengers fly nonstop, making it a viable and affordable option for more frequent and closer-to-home vacations. Southwest Airlines' average fare is just $75 one-way with an average passenger trip length of 440 miles.