PHX Perspective

Much Excitement for Inaugural Milwaukee Southwest Flight

A walk down the D Concourse in Terminal 4 around lunchtime on Monday, Nov. 2, might have made you stop to wonder what was going on. Upbeat music played while people lined up along the windows near Gate D8. Green, yellow and football-shaped balloons were spread out all over the gate area. The fanfare was to celebrate Southwest Airline’s inaugural flight from Phoenix to Milwaukee.

Travelers lined up to sample Wisconsin cheese and beverages such as Michelob Ultra which is now available on flights. Sliders, strawberries, chips, and other snacks were also available. And, Arizona State University’s Dixie Devils band, which often plays at the ASU President’s Tailgate, played tunes while four members from ASU’s Dance Team performed.

Southwest’s PHX Marketing Manager Stephanie Schaller said that Southwest had fun prizes to give away during some gate games contests, including Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks basketball tickets. She also said that each passenger on this inaugural flight got a goody bag with Southwest items.

Schaller said that the customers and Southwest are very excited. In fact, the Nov. 2 flight was a full one. The decision to fly to Milwaukee is part of Southwest’s move to expand into various markets. Southwest will now fly one daily flight each day between from Phoenix and Milwaukee, and this is the only route served in Wisconsin by Southwest.

“We are excited to bring low fares and wonderful customer service to the Milwaukee area,” said Schaller.

But this inaugural celebration in the bright and airy D Concourse was simply a bonus for travelers because many were already extremely excited that Southwest is now serving what is often called “The City of Festivals.” Jon Rudolph, originally from Milwaukee, but now living in Phoenix, said that he was excited about Southwest serving Milwaukee because his business has its headquarters there.

And, when Southwest announced earlier this summer that they would begin offering flights from Phoenix to Milwaukee, traveler Kathy Forr of Phoenix, was ready to book her travel. “Once I heard about it, I tried to book right away,” Korr said. “I’m really excited about this flight to Milwaukee.

In addition to Southwest, Phoenix to Milwaukee non-stop flights are currently offered by US Airways, AirTran Airways and Midwest Airlines.