Southwest Airlines Adds Flights, Gears Up for Super Bowl

With the aim of catering to the demand of big game fans, Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) has decided to flag off non-stop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, connecting Seattle, Boston and Manchester, NH airports, between Jan 29 and Feb 2.

Phoenix hosts all four major sporting events in the U.S. on a regular basis. The NFL is the most popular, and the Super Bowl one of the most widely watched events on the globe. Hence, to meet the high travel demand during the weekend, all major carriers have added non-stop flight service to the city.

To cater to the taste of the big game fans, Southwest Airlines will also offer live telecasts of the game through a free Wi-Fi service.

In keeping with the fervor, United Airlines – the wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL) – has also launched 55 flights across eight routes, including non-stop flights from Boston and Seattle.

Demand on Feb 2 is expected to rise to the maximum as fans will be returning back post the game series. Flights for Feb 2 are also filling fast as expected. Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways Corp.’s (JBLU) Feb 2 flights to Boston are already full which has compelled the low-cost carrier to add another flight from Phoenix to Boston.

Also, Alaska Airlines – the wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) – reported full flights from Phoenix to Seattle for Feb 2.

Hence, we believe that the Jan 29–Feb 2 period will not only create maddening rush at the Phoenix airport but will also boost passenger revenue for most carriers. Southwest Airlines currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).