Southwest hopes for a less cruel “Cruel Summer” and flies Taylor Swift fans to shows

Pop megastar Taylor Swift is returning to the USA for more dates on her “Eras Tour” after a successful European appearance to delight her fans – the “Swifties” – in the States. The low-cost airline Southwest is helping her fans in the USA to reach the tour dates by offering additional flights to help them prepare.

The airline has added at least 10 new flights to the cities where Taylor Swift’s tour is taking place. The flights can already be booked.

Ted S. Warren / AP

On one of the routes, fans can take Southwest Flight 22, a reference to the singer’s hit song of the same name. Another is Flight 1989, a tribute to the pop star’s birth year and one of her albums.

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The summer travel season in the US has dragged on and airlines are feeling the pressure. This month, the US Transportation Security Administration said it had screened a record number of passengers in recent weeks.

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There have also been numerous online travel scams in the USA this summer. Experts advise travelers heading to popular destinations or high-profile events to book their travel and entertainment directly with the original provider if possible in order to minimize the risk.

Southwest said the following flight details have been added:

• October 17, flight number 22 from Baltimore/Washington to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood; flight 1989, from Nashville to Miami
• October 20, Flight 1313 from Miami to Nashville; Flight 1213 from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood to Baltimore/Washington
• October 24, flights to New Orleans, including from Austin and Baltimore/Washington
• October 25, flights from Dallas and San Antonio to New Orleans
• October 27: additional flights to bring fans home, with an additional flight “to each of these cities”

Southwest also reminded passengers and fans: “Remember that wristbands fly free, just like your first two checked bags!”