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Southwest Airlines, a well-known budget carrier, continues to expand its domestic network across the United States. The airline is recognized for its free checked bags and flexible ticket policies, making it a popular choice among passengers traveling to leisure destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Tampa.
However, despite its widespread reach, some of Southwest's bases have more connectivity than others. Dallas Love Field is one such base with limited growth potential due to historical legal challenges with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Prior to Southwest's launch in June 1971, Dallas Love Field was the primary airport for Dallas. When DFW was constructed as a joint effort by Dallas and Fort Worth, existing carriers were required to relocate there. Southwest refused this move, arguing that it wasn't operating yet when these laws were enacted.
The courts ruled in favor of Southwest multiple times over this matter. "Many consider Southwest to be a leisure-focused carrier," but initially targeted business travelers who preferred Love Field for its proximity to downtown Dallas. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 allowed Southwest greater operational freedom from Love Field.
