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

_______________________________________________________________________________

January 17, 2013

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: DCA Slot Exemption Proceeding, Docket DOT-OST-2000-7182 

Dear Ms. Kurland:

I am submitting this letter in response to the “Consolidated Reply” that was 

conditionally filed by JetBlue Airways in this docket on January 10, 2013. Because 

JetBlue’s January 10 filing consists almost entirely of a re-hash and regurgitation of 

arguments that JetBlue made in prior pleadings, it is not a proper responsive document

and does not merit further rebuttal. Accordingly Southwest will not burden the 

Department with any additional response. Southwest does, however, endorse the 

Surreply of the City of Houston and the Greater Houston Partnership filed January 16, 

2013, which responds to the small amount of new material that is contained in JetBlue’s 

January 10 filing.

Separately, I am enclosing two additional letters in support of Southwest’s 

proposal for DCA-Houston Hobby service, from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and 

the IW Group. 

Sincerely, 

________________

Robert W. Kneisley

cc: All parties on Southwest’s service list
C/O The Chicago School | 901 15th Street NW | Washington, DC 20005 | www.HispanicHeritage.org

 

December 17, 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 Hispanic Heritage Foundation and tens of thousands of young leaders 

in our Latinos On Fast Track (LOFT) network, I 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 which would greatly 

benefit our nonprofit organization as Houston continues to grow as a region of focus for 

our mission (visit www.HispanicHeritage.org). 

As a national leadership organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with a strong 

presence in Houston, our employees frequently fly to Houston for our annual Youth 

Awards for the Houston Region at Rice University and more than four LOFT workforce 

development symposia we conduct with the US Army and other sponsors. In addition, 

we have a LOFT Fellowship program based in Houston with our biggest benefactor 

ExxonMobil as well as BBVA Compass who are headquartered in Houston. As a 

nonprofit in this difficult economic environment, a more streamlined approach to 

Houston would great reduce costs for us and encourage even more activities in the 

Houston region which will benefit thousands of outstanding Latino youth. 

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 HobbyDCA flight will not only be convenient for our employees, 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. And I can attest to the need to 

make the most of our limited resources.

Southwest has served Houston for over 41 years and is a strong partner in our 

community, as evidenced by their support of our year-round mission to identify, inspire, 

prepare and position Latino leaders in the community, classroom and workforce to meet 

America’s priorities. As a sponsor, Southwest provides thousands of Latino students 

are provided with platforms, connectivity, training and grants to help move America 

forward. 

Board of Directors

Emanuel Pleitez 

Chairman

Dr. Pedro José Greer

Chairman Emeritus

Antonio Banderas

José M. Cornide

Father Virgilio Elizondo

Sergio Garcia

Ken Gurrola 

Jack Kilduff

Eric Rovner

Raúl Yzaguirre

Emeritus Board

Hector Elizondo

Rita Moreno

Richard Bela
Undoubtedly, a Southwest-operated Hobby-DCA flight will create significant consumer 

benefits for Greater Houston and our organization. For this reason, I respectfully ask 

the Department of Transportation to approve Southwest's application. 

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of my organization’s perspective on this 

important matter. Please contact me if you would like to discuss.

Best,

Antonio Tijerino

President and CEO

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Antonio@HispanicHeritage.org