Southwest Launches San Diego-Lake Tahoe Direct Flights March 11

Southwest Airlines will launch two new daily, non-stop flights between San Diego and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport Sunday, March 11 with fares as low as $67 (refundable
anytime) one-way.

"Lake Tahoe traditionally receives most of its snowfall in February and March with approximately 400 inches total for the winter season," said Andy Chapman, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

"But it's not uncommon for us to receive 19 feet in just one month. Many of our winter enthusiasts come from Southern California. These direct flights open the doors to San Diego, which was previously one of Southwest Airlines' most underserved markets for the Tahoe region. We are thrilled to make it easier for San Diegans to experience North Tahoe firsthand."

One of the new flights leaves San Diego at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Reno at 11:10 a.m., perfect for a half-day of skiing and snowboarding. The other flight leaves San Diego at 6:55 p.m. and arrives at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport at 8:30 p.m.

San Diego travelers don¹t even need to rent a car as the North Lake Tahoe Express, the area's first daily airport shuttle, began services in November to and from North Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Visitors can book reservations on the 21-passenger shuttles, which include stops at major lodging properties that are within walking distance to area ski resorts and pedestrian villages.

North Lake Tahoe Express runs from 3:30 a.m. until 12 midnight. Fares are $35 per person, one-way, $60 round trip. Discounts are available for groups of two or more and frequent-user passes are available at a cost of $100 for five trips when purchased at one time. One way for 21 passengers (booked as a group) is $225 and $325 roundtrip, perfect for corporations and non-profit organizations holding meetings in North Lake Tahoe.

Reservations are required and should be made at least four hours in advance by visiting www.northlaketahoeexpress.com or calling (866) 216-5222.

For lodging reservations, special event information and vacation packages, call the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau at (877) 949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.