Which airline began scheduled service in 1971 after its first flight from Dallas Love Field?

Southwest Airlines began scheduled service in 1971 after its first flight from Dallas Love Field.

The airline’s inaugural flights connected Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Its launch followed a long legal and regulatory struggle over whether it could serve those Texas cities, but Southwest eventually began operations with Boeing 737 aircraft.

Southwest built its early identity around frequent short-haul flights, a simplified fleet, and a low-cost operating model. The airline’s original network was confined largely to Texas because federal route restrictions limited its expansion beyond the state.

The 1971 start date is sometimes confused with Southwest’s founding date or with the date of its incorporation. The company was established earlier, while scheduled passenger operations began in June 1971.