Southwest CEO Gary Kelly has announced plans to add its 65^th city to its route system (and I was present at Southwest’s “Media Day” to hear all about it).

Actually, I suppose we should make that, 65^th and 66^th - since we are talking the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.

I think what’s noteworthy about this is, so many airlines are cutting back on the cities they serve - while Southwest is still doing some “tinkering”.

With 37 daily non-stops between the Chicago metro area and Minneapolis and the lowest leisure prices just under $400rt and business tickets slightly under $800rt this should spark some fireworks in the near future on prices. This short haul route is only 100 miles longer in distance than Dallas/Houston with 49 daily nonstops and a leisure price point of $150rt and business at $250rt.

The airline’s press release also points out that the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is booming - and, Southwest customers have been requesting this service.

So how does Northwest Airlines - which has its headquarters in Minneapolis - feel about this? I asked them — and here is their response:

“We have always supported a competitive marketplace. We will compete with Southwest on price and service just as we do with all carriers.” — Tammy Lee Stanoch, Northwest Airlines

Meanwhile, don’t head to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport just yet - Southwest’s service is not expected to get underway until March.