The Honorable James M. Inhofe 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 2051 0 

Dear Senator Inhofe: 

AprillO, 2012 ZOP 

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines fot two within-perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U.S.C. § 41718(b) as a result of the return of two exemptions that had eadierbeen granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip 

from DCA. 

Southwest;s application, which the u.s. Department of Transportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlinesj 

proposing service to Louisville, Kentucky, and US Airways. proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot comrnent on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However, I can assure you that alJ applications the Department receives will be given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Department's action on this matter is being administered through a public docket, which 

allows all interested parties the opportunity to comment. Following our normal practice, I am 

placing a copy of yout letter and this response in. c.ket DOT -2000-7182. 

A similar response has been sent to ea ·ate your interest in this 

matter. 
The Honorable Tom Coburn 

United Sta:te.s Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Senator Coburn: 

THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

AprillO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines for two Within-perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U.S.C. § 41718{b) as a result ofthe return of two exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip 

from DCA. 

Southwest's application, which the U.S. Department of Transportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport. in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines, 

proposing service to Louisville, Kentucky, and US Airways, proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. · 

As the matter is stitl pending, I cannot comment on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However, I can as$ure you that all applications the Department receives will be given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Department's action on this matter is being administered through a public docket, which 

allows all interested partie.s the opportunity to comment. Following our normal practice, I am 

placing a copy ofyour letter and this response in docket DOT ·2000-7182. 

A similar response has been sent to each o · of your letter. I appreciate your interest in this 

matter, 
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable Dan Boren 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Boren: 

AprlllO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines for two within~perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U.S.C. § 4l718(b) as a result ofthe return oftwo exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip 

from DCA, 

Southwest's application, which the U.S. Department oftransportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve WiU Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications tor the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines., 

proposing service to Louisville, Kentucky, and US Airways, proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot comment on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However, 1 can assure you that all applications the Department receives will be given fuU and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The. Department's action on this matter is being adm.inistered through a public docket, which 

allows all interested parties the opportunity to comment Following our normal ptactic~ I am 

placing a copy of your letter and this response docket DOT ~2000-7182. 

A similar response has been sent to each • te your interest in this 

matter. 
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable Frank Lucas 

U.S. House ofRepresentatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Lucas: 

AprillO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter> cosigned by your congressional colleagues~ supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines fortwo within-perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U.S.C. § 41718(b) as a result of the return of two exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support .one daily round trip 

from DCA. 

Southwest's application, which the U.S. Department ofTransportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines, 

proposing service to LmlisviUe, Kentucky~ and US Airways, proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. · 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot com1nent on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However~ I can assure you that all applications the Department receives will be given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Departmenf s action on this matter is being administered through a public docket, which 

allows aU interested parties the .opportunity to comment. Following our normal practice. I am 

placing a copy of your letter and this response· docket DOT-2000-7182. 

A similar response bas been sent to each 

matter. 
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable James Lankford 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Lankford: 

AprillO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter, eosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines for two within .. perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two sJot exemptions ~ available for reallocation under 

49 U.S.C. § 41718(b) as a result of the return of two exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip fromDCA. . . 

Southwest's application, which the U.S. Department.ofTransportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per dEzy. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines, 

proposing service to Louisville. Kentucky. and US Airways. proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot comment on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However~ I can assure you that all applications the Department receives will be given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Department's action on this matter is being administered through a public docket, Which 

allows all interested parties the opportunity to comment FoJlowing our normal practice, I am 

placing a copy of yow: letter and this response in doeket DOT-2000-7182. 

A similar response has been sent to 

matter. 
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable Tom Cole 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Cole: 

AprlllO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines for two within~ perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Ait-pott (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U.S. C.§ 417l8(b) as a result of the return of two exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip 

from DCA. 

Southwest's application* which the U.S. Department of Transportation reeeived on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA wi:th one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines, 

proposing service to Louisville, Kentucky~ and US Airways, proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. 

As the matter is still pending, I cannot comment on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However~ I can assure you that all applications the Department receives will be given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Department's action on this matter is being administered through a public docket, which 

allows all interested parties the opportunity to comment. Following our normal practice, I am 

placing a copy of your letter and this response in docket DOT-2000-7182. 

A similar response. b~ been sent to each cosigner of your letter. I appreciate your interest in this 

matter. 
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 

The Honorable John Sullivan 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Sullivan: 

AprillO, 2012 

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, supporting the application 

of Southwest Airlines for two within-perimeter slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington 

National Airport (DCA). These two slot exemptions are available for reallocation under 

49 U .S.C. § 41718(b) as a result of the retum of two exemptions that had earlier been granted 

for service to Jackson, Mississippi. Two slot exemptions would support one daily round trip 

from DCA. 

Southwest's application, which the U.S. Department of Transportation received on March 5, 

proposes to serve Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City from DCA with one round trip 

per day. Other timely applications for the exemptions were received from Frontier Airlines, 

proposing service to Louisville, Kentucky, and US Airways{ proposing to continue service to 

Jackson. 

As the matter is still pending, 1 cannot comment on the merits of the points raised in your letter. 

However, 1 can assure you that all applications the Department receives will he given full and 

fair consideration and will be evaluated against the selection criteria specified by statute. 

The Department's action ().n this tnatter is being administered through a public docket, which 

allows all interested parties the opportunity to comtnent. Following our normal practice, I am 

placing a copy of your letter andthis reS;ponse in docket DOT-2000 .. 7182. 

A similar response has been sent t er of your letter. I appreciate your interest in this 

matter. 
flrnngt~ll& nf t}f~ l!tttit~b JJtat~s 

l!lus4ingtnn, IQt ~U515 

The Honorable Ray Laliood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

March 12~2012 

Re: Docket.OST-2000..;7182 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

In the interest pf increasing airline competition, improving access to small communities and 

lowering.aitfares at Ronald Reagan National Ahport {DCA), we strongly support the application 

ofSouthwest Airlines (Southwest) for a pair of slot exemptions for daily nonstop service 

between DCA .and Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City (OKC). Southwest's proposal would 

generate significant public benefits for consumers ofair travel in Oklahoma, Washington, De;,. 

and other markets. 

Upon reviewing Southwest's application for DCA -OKC service, we are particularly persuaded 

by the factthatSouthwest's proposal satisfies the maximum number of congressionally-created 

criteria for awarding these slot exemptions under 49 U.S.C. § 41718(b). We specifically note the 

following: 

1. Southwest is a "limited incumbent air carrier," .as that term in defined at 49 U.S.C. § 

41714(h)( 5), As the nation's largest low-cost airline and the larges( U.S. airline in terms. of 

domestic passengers, Southwest is significantly underrepresented at DCA. 

2. Southwest's proposal would provide nonstop ait service to Oklahoma City, a vibrant 

community without existing nonstop DCA service today. Neither OKC not any other airport 

located within the State of Oklahoma has nonstop service to/from DCA. 

3. OKC is a "small hub" commercial airport, as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA). OKC is easily accessible to hundreds ofsmall and rural co11lll1uriities throughoutthe 

State of Oklahoma. 

4. With a proven record of reducing ticket prices and stimulating consumer demand in th~ 

markets it serves, Southwest is uniquely positioned to use these slots to achieve maximum 

competitive benefits for consumers based at OKC, DCA and elsewhere. Traditionally, the 

§10-120312-024 PAINTED ON AECYCLEO PAPER 
DCA~OKC market is over-priced and underserved. Today, the. average one-way fare 

between DCA-OKC is approximately $270 one-way for connecting service. We ate 

confident that nonstop service and increased .competition from a low-fare leader like 

Southwest would reduce airfares and stimulate greater demand for air travel in the DCAOKC matket. 

5. Southwest's proposed DCA-OKC servic.e would provide competitive benefits to 

communities beyond OKC and DCA, including Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix. In 

its application, Southwest proposes for the first time single-plane, one-stop service between 

Dallas Love Airport(DAL) and DCA( via OKC). Like OKC, DAL's current travel options 

to DCA are limited and, consequently, passengers traveling between DAL and DCA would 

benefit considerably. Moreover, Southwest's proposal would.lmptove service options 

between DCA and several markets located beyond DCA's 1250-mile perimeter. Southwest's 

average fares from these markets are projected to be much lower than the average fares 

between DCA and these markets today. 

It is important to note that among the chief beneficiaries ofnonstop DCA-0 KG service would be 

the thousands of Department of Transportation (DOT) employees based in Oklahoma City, who 

lack direct and affordable access to the Nation's Capital. Oklahoma City is proud to be home to 

the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, one of DOT's largest facilities outside of Washington, 

DC. This facility serves as a regional office of the FAA and houses the FAA's LogisticCenter~ 

Academy and Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, as well as DOT's Enterptise Services Center 

and Transportation Safety Institute. AU ofthese DOT institutions would benefit significantly 

through the allocation of slot exemptions for DCA-OKC service. 

Finally, Oklahoma is home to a significantmilitary presence. Both the miHtary and private 

contractors make frequent trips to our nation's .capital, and this new service between the two 

cities will increase the efficiency of those efforts. 

For these reasons, we contend that Southwest's proposal for nonstop service between DCA and 

OKC is the public interest, and 'we therefore urge the Department to grant the two slot 

exemptions at issue in this proceeding to Southwest Airlines so jt can initiate service between 

DCA and OKC. Thank you for your consideration of our views in this matter. 

Sincerely, 

Senator Tom Coburn 
.. 

Congressman Dan Boren Congressman k.Q~~ FiTucas -........ 

Congressman Tom Cole 

S10-120312-024