Charlestonians’ wallets were hurting when AirTran left Charleston in December and flight fees went up across the board, and many of us were hoping for good news about a new low-cost carrier entering the market. Yesterday, Charleston got great news–Southwest Airlines is coming to Charleston in 2011!

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Here a some of the perks of Southwest for locals and tourists alike:

• Southwest will save Charleston International Airport travelers $180 million a year in fares
• The discount carrier will potentially bring 200,000 new passengers through the local airport annually
• Prices from competing carriers likely will plummet
• Southwest allows passengers to check two bags for FREE
• The average one-way ticket as of December 31 was $115

Charleston offered various incentives, like a 5% tax on rental cars, but officials at Southwest “believe they can be profitable in Charleston without being propped up.” We think so too, Southwest!

Greenville, SC will also be getting Southwest, so get ready to experience “The Southwest Difference.”

Click here to read the full Post & Courier and Charleston Regional Business Journal articles