Southwest Airlines Inaugural Weekend

Friday, March 11

GSP and the Upstate community welcomed Southwest Airlines employees by hosting a reception at the Upcountry History Museum in downtown Greenville. Hundreds gathered to show Southwest the LUV that our community has to offer. The evening was marked by a Southwest Airlines B-737 cocktail, and a special toast to welcome our local Southwest crew.

Saturday, March 12

More Southwest Airlines employees flew into GSP to celebrate the arrival of Southwest with the Upstate. The plane touched down at 3:10pm, and the big event was a plane pull. The Anderson Chamber of Commerce battled The Greenville Chamber of Commerce and The Greer Chamber of Commerce took on The Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce as the Chambers took turns fighting to pull the Southwest Boeing 737 in the fastest time. Each Chamber took home a pair of free Southwest Airlines round-trip tickets, but the Spartanburg Chamber claimed victory pulling the plane in 16 seconds.

Saturday, March 12

The festivities continued on Saturday with a progressive dinner tweet-up hosted by Southwest Airlines. The dinner took place in downtown Greenville and included fare from Larkin’s on the River, Nantucket Seafood Grill, The Lazy Goat and The Nose Dive. The evening culminated at Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria with contests and giveaways.

Sunday, March 13

Southwest Airlines Officially started service to GSP International Airport! The first flight departed at 6:25am to Baltimore/Washington. The Southwest gate area came to life with gate games, contests and Southwest cheers.

Sunday, March 13

On the GSP entrance road at 2:00pm, the day continued with a memorial oak tree planting in honor of the late Mr. Roger Milliken. The memorial tree planting and news conference were followed by a Southwest and GSP community service tree planting project that took place simultaneously in Greenville County’s Corey Burns Park and Spartanburg County’s Barnet Park.

Monday, March 14

Southwest Airlines Officially announced service to GSP International Airport. Remarks were given by GSP President/CEO Dave Edwards, Chairman of the GSP Airport Commission Minor Shaw, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications Ginger Hardage, and Southwest President/CEO Gary Kelly.