CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Southwest officially kicked off service at Charlotte Douglas Airport.
The airline, which is well-known for its fares, had many customers wondering if the new competition will help them save money.
Traveler Will Smith said when he was booking his flight, he expected US Airways to be significantly cheaper because of its hub in Charlotte.
Smith, who said Southwest is usually his go-to airline, said Southwest and US Airways had nearly the same price.
"For Charlotte, it's very comparative," he said. "I'm very impressed with that. I have no reason but to switch."
Some passengers boarding a Southwest flight to Houston couldn't contain their excitement.
"This is new! And this is wonderful for Charlotte!" Mary McKinney said.
Southwest now offers nonstop and connecting flights to 78 cities from Charlotte.
Smith said he likes the customer service, low fares, checking their first two bags for free, and other perks.
"They have a lot of inexpensive upgrades for the business class seats," he said.
Aviation Director Jerry Orr believes Southwest could have an impact on the other airlines.
"It forces everybody to sharpen up their game.. in terms of fares and service and everything which you may select an airline for," Orr said.
Southwest has one gate right now but Orr said there is another gate beside it available for expansion.
"I expect that they will expand -- all other airlines seem to expand sooner or later in Charlotte," Orr said.
Dave Ridley with Southwest said they'll wait and see.
"We've come to Charlotte with what we think is a very good schedule for the people in this area," he said. "If they reward us with their loyalties and their pocketbooks then we'll expand."
Southwest officials said they also hope to lure customers with new technology on planes that allows people to watch TV On Demand on their iPhones and iPads.