Up in the Air
New Southwest flight from Austin gives music and barbecue lovers something to sing about
Flying between America's top music cities just got a little easier, thanks to a new round of flight offerings. On Wednesday, Southwest Airlines announced the addition of nonstop seasonal service between Austin and Memphis, Tennessee.
Nonstop flights will be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from December 5 through January 3. Beginning January 9 and running through March 5, the service will be available Saturdays.
According to The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, this new flight has been dubbed the "Music Express" — although let's not forget that barbecue is also a big deal in both Southern cities. Out-of-towners arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will be treated to The Salt Lick while travelers at Memphis International Airport can enjoy Interstate Barbecue.
"These new flights are music to the ears of our customers who want a nonstop route on weekends between these meccas of music and barbecue," said David Harvey, senior director of network planning and performance at Southwest.
The news from Southwest follows last month's announcement of a similar deal from Allegiant Air, in which the super-affordable airline will launch nonstop service between Austin and Memphis beginning October 1.
Starting November 1, Southwest will also offer nonstop service between Austin and two major vacation destinations: Seattle and Boston.
