SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 

 Robert W. Kneisley 

 Associate General Counsel 

 1901 L Street, N.W. – Suite 640 

 Washington, D.C. 20036 

 (202) 263-6284 

 (202) 263-6291 Fax 

 bob.kneisley@wnco.com 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

December 19, 2012 

Filed in the Docket Electronically 

The Honorable Susan Kurland 

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Application of Southwest Airlines Co. for Within-Perimeter Slot 

Exemptions (DCA-HOU); Docket DOT-OST-2000-7182 (Part 3 of 3) 

Dear Ms. Kurland: 

Please find attached the third of three parts of a packet of letters (61 in total) in 

support of Southwest Airlines’ application for two within-perimeter slot exemptions for 

DCA-HOU-ABQ service. This submission includes additional letters from national 

organizations and major businesses that would benefit from an expanded Southwest 

presence at DCA and particularly new DCA-HOU-ABQ service. 

 Sincerely, 

 

 _____________________ 

 Robert W. Kneisley 

cc: All parties on Southwest’s service list
Letters Supporting 

Southwest Airlines’ Proposed DCA – HOU – ABQ Service

PART I (*sent via a separate submission) 

Federal Officials

1.) Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senator John Cornyn 

2.) Texas Congressional Delegation – Representatives Pete Olson, Gene 

Green, Ted Poe, Charles Gonzalez, John Culberson, Sheila Jackson Lee, 

Michael McCaul, Blake Farenthold, Francisco “Quico” Canseco, Mac 

Thornberry, John Carter, Lamar Smith, Sam Johnson, Joe Barton, Randy 

Neugebauer, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Kay Granger, Bill Flores, Michael 

Burgess, Louie Gohmert, Ruben Hinojosa, Henry Cuellar, Michael 

Conaway, Ralph Hall, Kenny Marchant, Al Green, and Pete Sessions

3.) New Mexico Congressional Delegation – Senator Jeff Bingaman, Senator 

Tom Udall, Senator-elect and Rep. Martin Heinrich, Rep. Steve Pearce 

and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan 

State Officials

4.) Texas Governor Rick Perry 

5.) Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman 

6.) Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis 

7.) Texas State Representative Sylvester Turner 

8.) Texas State Representative Harold V. Dutton, Jr. 

9.) Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson 

10.) Texas State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen 

11.) Texas State Representative Jessica Farrar 

12.) Texas State Representative Ana Hernandez Luna 

13.) New Mexico State Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez 

14.) New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela 

PART II (*sent via a separate submission) 

Local Officials

15.) Houston Mayor Annise Parker 

16.) Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry 

17.) Houston Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Member Ed Gonzalez 

18.) Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. 

19.) Houston City Council Member Jack Christie, D.C. 

20.) Houston City Council Member James Rodriguez 

21.) Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega 

22.) Houston City Council Member Larry V. Green 

23.) Houston City Council Member Stephen C. Costello 

24.) Houston City Council Member Ellen R. Cohen 

25.) Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation, Houston Airports System 
26.) James D. Hinde, Director of Aviation, City of Albuquerque/ABQ Airport 

State/Regional Organizations

27.) Greater Houston Partnership 

28.) Houston Area Urban League 

29.) Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 

30.) Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce 

31.) Texas Travel Industry Association 

32.) Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce 

33.) Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership 

34.) Greater Hobby Area Chamber of Commerce 

35.) Houston East End Chamber of Commerce 

36.) Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce 

37.) Association of Commerce & Industry of New Mexico 

PART III (*contained herein) 

National Organizations 

38.) Transportation Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 556 

39.) Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association

40.) International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (Dora 

Cervantes, Assistant Secretary) 

41.) United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 

42.) VotoLatino 

43.) Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund 

44.) Council for Opportunity in Education 

45.) Latino Leaders Network 

46.) Earth Day Network 

47.) US Business Leadership Network 

48.) Dialogue on Diversity 

49.) Organization of Chinese Americans 

50.) Japanese American Citizens League 

51.) America Society on Aging 

52.) National Asian American Coalition 

53.) Asian American & Pacific Islander Association of Colleges & Universities 

54.) National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 

Major Companies/Institutions

55.) University of Texas System 

56.) George Washington University 

57.) BMC Software 

58.) Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) 

59.) Blue Bell Creameries, L.P. 

60.) SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. 

61.) Winstead, P.C. 





 

 

 

 

431 S. Dearborn St.  Suite 1203  Chicago, IL 60605-1152

Phone 312-427-8683  Fax 312-427-5183

December 12, 2012

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood

Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Docket DOT-OST-2000-7182

Dear Secretary LaHood:

As President of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), a Chicago-based national 

nonprofit organization with an executive office in Washington, DC, I am writing to respectfully 

convey my strong support for Southwest Airlines and its application for two slot exemptions at 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which Southwest would use to begin daily 

nonstop service between DCA and Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). Today there is no scheduled 

air service between DCA and Hobby.

USHLI is a member of a coalition of 30 national and regional policy advocacy organizations 

representing the Latino community and serving most of its 50 million people. Coalition members 

utilize DCA frequently to meet our travel needs. And, as part of a 16-member association of 

national organizations that focus on corporate responsibility, USHLI and our association members 

that frequently utilize DCA have endured inadequate travel options and high ticket prices for years. 

Basically the Houston-DCA market is underserved and overpriced. As the nation’s largest low-cost 

airline, Southwest is in position to provide significant consumer benefits in this important market. 

Since 1971 Southwest has engendered the highest degree of consumer confidence for consistently

lowering ticket prices and stimulating more passenger traffic in the markets it enters.

Offering more competition, lower airfares and the use of a 143-seat aircraft, Southwest’s proposed 

service is projected to attract tens-of-thousands of new passengers and generate millions of dollars in

consumer benefits annually in the DCA-Houston market. And business and leisure travelers would 

also benefit if Southwest is able to bring low-fare competition to the Houston-DCA market. 

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Department of Transportation to approve the application by 

Southwest Airlines for two slot exemptions at DCA in the above-referenced proceeding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr

President

 
December 12, 2012

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182

 

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I am writing to you on behalf of my organization and my constituents at Voto Latino Inc., the nation's 

leading non-profit working to educate, empower, and engage young Latinos ages 18-35. In the interest of 

promoting airline competition, affordable airfares and greater access between the Nation’s Capital and 

Greater Houston, I respectfully request the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest Airlines’ 

(Southwest’s) application for two slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 

(DCA). Southwest proposes to use these slot exemption to begin daily nonstop service between DCA 

and Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). Today, there is no scheduled air service between DCA and Hobby.

The Houston-DCA market is underserved and overpriced. As the Nation’s largest low-cost airline, 

Southwest is well suited to provide significant consumer benefits in this important market. Since 1971, 

Southwest has a proven track record of lowering ticket prices and stimulating more passenger traffic in 

the markets it enters.

Through new competition, lower airfares, and the use of a 143-seat aircraft, Southwest’s proposed 

service is projected to attract tens-of-thousand of new passengers and generate millions of dollars of 

consumer benefits annually in the DCA-Houston market. Business and leisure travelers stand to benefit if 

Southwest is able to bring low-fare competition to the Houston-DCA market.

Again, I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation approve Southwest’s application for 

two slot exemptions at DCA. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Maria Teresa Kumar

President

 





D E B R U S S E L L , B O A R D C H A I R , U S B L N ® J I L L H O U G H T O N , E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R 

M A N A G E R , D I V E R S I T Y & I N L C U S I O N , W A L G R E E N S U S B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S H I P N E T W O R K - U S B L N ® 

102 W I L M O T R O A D , D E E R F I E L D , I L 6 0 0 1 5 1 3 1 0 B R A D D O C K P L , S T E 1 0 1 , A L E X A N D R I A , V A 2 2 3 1 4

847 - 315 - 8882 954 - 461 - 4726

D E B . R U S S E L L @ W A L G R E E N S . C O M J I L L @ U S B L N . O R G 

US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®) 

1310 Braddock Place, Suite 101 

Alexandria, VA 22314 

Phone: (800) 706-2710 

Fax: (800) 706-1335

info@usbln.org 

www.usbln.org 

December 11, 2012 

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

On behalf of the US Business Leadership Network® (USBLN®), we write in strong support of Southwest Airlines' 

application for two slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Southwest proposes to begin 

daily nonstop service between Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby) and Washington DC's only downtown airport. 

As a major U.S. company headquartered in Houston, our employees frequently fly to Washington, DC. Today, nonstop 

access to DCA is limited to service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located 22 miles north from 

downtown Houston. From IAH, only one airline serves the Houston-DCA market. 

With its application, Southwest proposes to operate a new nonstop flight between DCA and Hobby, which is situated 12 

miles south of downtown Houston. A nonstop Hobby-DCA flight will not only be convenient for our team, it will create 

much needed competition in this important market and, with it, lower average ticket prices and improved service options 

for Houston-based travelers. 

Southwest has served Houston for over 41 years and is a strong partner in our community. Undoubtedly, a Southwestoperated Hobby-DCA flight will create significant consumer benefits for Greater Houston. For this reason, we

respectfully ask the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest's application. 

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of our organization's views in this important matter. 

Sincerely, 

 

Deb Russell Jill D. Houghton 

USBLN® Board Chair USBLN® Executive Director 
Over Twenty Years of Service to American’s Diverse Communities 

 

 

December 15, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Mr. Secretary: 

Dialogue on Diversity, of which I am president, a non-profit educational organization, is proud to 

have been associated with Southwest Airlines for several years as a Community Partner. We have 

utilized the company’s excellent air services, moreover, for travel in connection with our 

organization’s work. It is our understanding that Southwest Airlines has requested permission for 

the use of certain now available slots at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), 

for proposed use in service to the Hobby Airport at Houston, Texas. It appears that at this time – 

perhaps surprisingly – no direct air service between these two major air terminals is available. 

Southwest, in seeking use of the slots, would offer quite admirable services and would do so under a 

notably economical fare structure. This would offer relief from a state of affairs in which this route 

is badly underserved by air transport services, and in particular air transport at the economical rates 

Southwest is in a position to offer. 

The stimulus of vigorous competition, together with the relatively low fares that would be on offer 

for the traveling public through the entry of Southwest Airlines on this important route, would 

evidently redound greatly to the advantage of travelers, business and pleasure passengers alike, 

seeking to use a D.C. – Houston service. The availability of low-cost service, moreover, would 

significantly enlarge the volume of passengers (an increase annually in aggregate passenger trips 

estimated by the airline to be in the range of tens of thousands – to be accommodated by use of 

relatively large, 143-passenger aircraft), with a benefit to the flying community that would measure 

some millions of dollars in welfare enhancement to the national economy. 

In view of the above we respectfully ask that the Department of Transportation give favorable 

consideration to the request of Southwest Airlines with respect to the DCA slots being sought for 

the DCA - Houston Hobby route. We will be appreciative of your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Ma. Cristina Caballero 

President/CEO 

1629 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 

Tel: [FfxVa] 703-631-0650 Fax: [FfxVa] 703- 631-0617 e-mail: dialog.div@prodigy.net www.dialogueondiversity.org 

Dialogue on Diversity is a 501(c)(3) Organization. Contributions are tax-deductible 
December 13, 2012 

 

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

On behalf of OCA, a national membership driven civil rights organization representing all Asian 

Pacific Americans in the United States, headquartered in Washington, DC, it is my pleasure to express our 

support of Southwest Airlines’ (Southwest’s) application to begin daily nonstop service between Ronald 

Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). 

Southwest has not only been an important part of the Greater Houston community for over 40 years 

but a strong supporter of our constituencies made up of 80 chapters and affiliates across the country. 

Southwest continues to grow in Houston, and now operates over 140 daily departures at Hobby to over three 

dozen cities throughout the United States. This increased capacity in Houston is particularly of interest to our 

constituency since Houston has a very robust APA population including OCA advocates. 

DCA is one of the few major airports not served directly by Southwest from Hobby. In fact, no airline 

flies directly between DCA and Hobby. It is long overdue for Houston’s downtown airport and Washington, 

DC’s downtown airport to be linked with daily nonstop air service. Through new DCA-Houston service, 

Southwest proposes to attract tens-of-thousands of new passengers and generate millions of dollars of 

consumer benefits annually in the DCA-Houston market. Moreover, these expansions provide more access to 

lower fares to our cost conscious constituencies some of whom have had to make tremendous financial 

sacrifices to survive the recession in the last four years. Air travel in the 21st century is no longer a luxury. It 

is very much a necessity, yet it is often very expensive. While our country continues to struggle through a 

lackluster economy, incurring additional costs due to limited choices in accessing air travel will continue to 

significantly impact individuals as well as businesses alike. Given that our members from all across the 

country also fly Southwest on OCA and non-OCA travel, the additional lines will better serve our constituents. 

For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest’s 

application. As one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the United States, Greater Houston is deserving 

of more affordable and frequent access to/from the Nation’s Capital. Thank you for your consideration of this 

request. 

Sincerely, 

Ken Lee 

President 
December 7, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

In the interest of promoting airline competition, affordable airfares and greater access between 

the Nation’s Capital and Greater Houston, I respectfully request the Department of 

Transportation approve Southwest Airlines’ (Southwest’s) application for two slot exemptions at 

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Southwest proposes to use these slot 

exemption to begin daily nonstop service between DCA and Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). 

Today, there is no scheduled air service between DCA and Hobby. 

Southwest is the official airline of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest 

and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the nation. JACL represents over 10,000 

members. As the Nation’s largest low-cost airline, Southwest is well suited to provide significant 

consumer benefits in this important market. Since 1971, Southwest has a proven track record of 

lowering ticket prices and stimulating more passenger traffic in the markets it enters. Business 

and leisure travelers, and our members and staff, stand to benefit if Southwest is able to bring 

low-fare competition to the Houston-DCA market. 

I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation approve Southwest’s application for 

two slot exemptions at DCA. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. 

Sincerely,

Priscilla A. Ouchida 

Executive Director 

Japanese American Citizens League 

JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE

Headquarters: 1765 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

DC Office: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 212  Washington, DC  20006

Phone: (202) 223-1240  E-mail: pouchida@jacl.org
December 11, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

In the interest of promoting airline competition, affordable airfares and greater access between the Nation’s Capital 

and Greater Houston, I respectfully request the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest Airlines’ (Southwest’s) 

application for two slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Southwest proposes to use these 

slot exemption to begin daily nonstop service between DCA and Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). Today, there is no scheduled 

air service between DCA and Hobby. 

The Houston-DCA market is underserved and overpriced. As the Nation’s largest low-cost airline, Southwest is well 

suited to provide significant consumer benefits in this important market. Since 1971, Southwest Airlines has a proven track 

record of lowering ticket prices and stimulating more passenger traffic in the markets it enters. Their low cost fares benefit our 

10,000 members and stakeholders who fly to Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of older Americans and their families. 

Through new competition, lower airfares, and the use of a 143-seat aircraft, Southwest’s proposed service is 

projected to attract tens-of-thousands of new passengers and generate millions of dollars of consumer benefits annually in the 

DCA-Houston market. Business and leisure travelers stand to benefit if Southwest is able to bring low-fare competition to the 

Houston-DCA market. Again, we respectfully request that the Department of Transportation approve Southwest’s application 

for two slot exemptions at DCA. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important matter. 

Sincerely, 

 

Robert G. Stein Carole A. Anderson 

President & CEO Vice President of Education 

American Society on Aging American Society on Aging 

71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1450 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1450 

San Francisco, CA 94105-2938 San Francisco, CA 94105-2938

ABOUT ASA: Founded in 1954, the American Society on Aging is an association of diverse individuals bound by a common goal: 

to support the commitment and enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to improve the quality of life of older 

adults and their families. The membership of ASA is a multidisciplinary array of professionals who are concerned with the 

physical, emotional, social, economic and spiritual aspects of aging. Members include practitioners, educators, administrators, 

policymakers, business people, researchers, students, and many others. No other organization in the field of aging represents 

the diversity of settings and professional disciplines reached by ASA. 


Certifying LGBT Businesses. Connecting Our Communities.

729 15TH STREET NW, 9TH FL, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 P 202.234.9181 F 202.234.9185 nglcc.org

December 18, 2012

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182

Dear Secretary LaHood:

On behalf of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), we write in strong support of 

Southwest Airlines' application for two slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

Southwest proposes to begin daily nonstop service between Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby) and Washington 

DC's only downtown airport.

As a national organization representing the LGBT business community, many of our members and partners are 

located in Houston and frequently fly to Washington, DC. Today, nonstop access to DCA is limited to service 

from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located 22 miles north from downtown Houston. From IAH, 

only one airline serves the Houston-DCA market.

With its application, Southwest proposes to operate a new nonstop flight between DCA and Hobby, which is 

situated 12 miles south of downtown Houston. A nonstop Hobby-DCA flight will not only be convenient for our 

members and partners, it will create much needed competition in this important market and, with it, lower 

average ticket prices and improved service options for Houston-based travelers.

Southwest has served Houston for over 41 years and is a strong partner in the LGBT business community. 

Undoubtedly, a Southwest-operated Hobby-DCA flight will create significant consumer benefits for Greater 

Houston. For this reason, we respectfully ask the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest's 

application. 

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of the NGLCC’s views in this important matter.

 

Sincerely, 

Justin G. Nelson Chance Mitchell 

Co-Founder and President Co-Founder and CEO






WINSTEAD Austin Charlotte Dallas Fort Worth Houston San Antonio The Woodlands Washington, D.C. 

A 1 

1100 WMargan Chase Tower 713.650.8400 OFFICE 

600 Travis Street 713.650.2400 FAX 

Houston, Texas 77002 winstead.com 

December 13, 2012 

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Docket No. DOT-OST-2000-7182 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

I write in strong support of Southwest Airlines' (Southwest's) application to begin 

daily nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and 

Houston Hobby Airport (Hobby). 

Southwest has been an important part of the Greater Houston community for over 40 

years. Southwest continues to grow in Houston, and now operates over 140 daily 

departures at Hobby to over three dozen cities throughout the United States. 

DCA is one of the few major airports not served directly by Southwest from Hobby. 

In fact, no airline flies directly between DCA and Hobby. It is long overdue for Houston's 

downtown airport and Washington, DC's downtown airport to be linked with daily nonstop 

air service. Through new DCA-Houston service, Southwest proposes to attract tens-ofthousand of new passengers and generate millions of dollars of consumer benefits annually 

in the DCA-Houston market. 

For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Department of Transportation to approve 

Southwest's application. As one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the United 

States, Greater Houston is deserving of more affordable and frequent access to/from the 

Nation's Capital. Thank you for your consideration of this request. 

(ThSince 

Denis Clive Braham 

Chairman Emeritus 

WINSTEAD PC ATTORNEYS