FROM COAST TO COSTA—SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CONNECTS LOS ANGELES TO COSTA RICA

(Los Angeles, California – April 12, 2016) Southwest Airlines, California’s largest carrier, begins a new chapter for the airline as it adds international daily nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia/Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

            “Southwest passengers arriving for their international flight to Costa Rica, will experience the already transformed Terminal 1, as part of the $508 million dollar being invested in Terminal 1.” said Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “Passengers can expect fresh, modern facilities, amenities such as new seating with chargers, and new dining and shopping opportunities which all speak to our focus on providing an exceptional experience.” 

            “Connecting Los Angeles to Costa Rica’s growing resort and ecotourism region brings to the market a value only Southwest can offer with bags fly free*, no change fees, and low fares, all alongside the hospitality shown by our one-of-a-kind Employees,” said Southwest’s Paul Cullen “And beginning our international story here at LAX, as we continue to explore more destinations for our LA Basin Customers.”

            A brand standard with Southwest for more than four decades, every seat on every flight comes with an unparalleled combination of reliable Customer Service and all-in value for everyone on every fare.   

            “As the busiest origin and destination airport in the world, LAX’s partnership with Southwest helps to create additional choice for travelers,” said Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton.   “Today’s launch of international service to Liberia, Costa Rica helps to ensure that we are maintaining a strong base of service and airline market profile.” 

            Southwest has achieved several milestones in a revitalization of its LAX facilities at Terminal 1.  As part of the $508 million modernization project unfolding now in partnership with LAWA, most recently the airline unveiled the new ticketing lobby and baggage claim facility to the public on Feb. 18.  Additional facility construction will bring new entrances, additional capacity in the security checkpoint, new concession options, and an overall enhanced Customer experience.  The project is expected to reach completion by mid-2018.

About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

            LAX is the fifth busiest airport in the world and second in the United States, based on 2014 airport rankings (the latest available).  LAX served more than 74.9 million passengers in 2015.  LAX offers 692 daily nonstop flights to 85 cities in the U.S. and 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries on 59 commercial air carriers.  LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with more than 2.1 million tons of air cargo valued at over $86.9 billion.  An economic study in 2011 reported that operations at LAX generated 294,400 jobs in Los Angeles County with labor income of $13.6 billion and economic output of more than $39.7 billion.  This activity added $2.5 billion to local and state revenues.  LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.

            For more information about LAX, please visit www.lawa.aero/lax or follow on Twitter @flyLAXAirport, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LAInternationalAirport , and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/laxairport1 .  Information about LAX’s ongoing multi-billion-dollar LAX Modernization Program, as well as tips and shortcuts to help navigate LAX during construction, are available at www.LAXisHappening.com.  

            As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.

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