CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicagoans who love Southwest's offering of two free checked bags will be excited about this news.
Southwest Airlines plans to begin flying out of O’Hare International Airport next year.
The Dallas-based airline, which has served Midway Airport since 1985, announced their expansion Monday morning on Twitter.
"We decided to see how our north side looks in Chicago and Houston. Keep your eyes here in the coming months for route specifics," Southwest said in a tweet.
"Imagining all of the suburban pizza joints we'll be closer to in Chicago, in the north/northwest (you can stay in Paris, Emily). #WannaGetAway" the airlines continued, jabbing at the Netflix series Emily in Paris, which among other disses, takes stabs at Chicago pizza.
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The route specifics that Southwest will introduce at O’Hare are unclear at this time, but the airline said new flights are expected to start in "the first half of next year."
Before the pandemic, O’Hare didn’t have capacity to let Southwest move in, Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, told the Tribune.
“It’s been on our wish list for a long time to supplement Midway,” Watterson said. “The reduced flying activity with COVID-19 left open space for us to jump in.”
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Southwest does not intend to reduce service at Midway, which will remain its primary Chicago airport. All destinations Southwest offers at O’Hare will be cities the airline already serves at Midway, which is typically among its four busiest airports, according to Watterson.
He said serving multiple airports within a city lets people pick the airport that’s most convenient.
Watterson declined to comment further on the number of flights or destinations it intends to offer at O’Hare, saying it is still working on those plans with the city’s Aviation Department.
Southwest is also planning to add flights at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where it already serves William P. Hobby Airport.
"Southwest owes decades of success to our Employees and Customers who have supported our business in Chicago and Houston," said Gary Kelly, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Southwest Airlines. "Today's announcement furthers our commitment to both cities as we add service to share Southwest's value and Hospitality with more leisure and business travelers."
Southwest said information, including schedules and fares, will be available soon.