'Will be a big hit:' Southwest launches nonstop service from MKE to HOU

MILWAUKEE -- There's now nonstop service from General Mitchell International Airport to Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, Southwest Airlines officials and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced Thursday, March 8.

The celebration featured a space exploration theme in the gate area, in recognition of the major role Houston has played in space exploration history.

“These nonstop flights into convenient Hobby Airport will be a big hit with travelers from Wisconsin and Illinois looking to visit Space Center Houston and the NASA Johnson Space Center,” County Executive Abele said in a statement. “We now have nonstops from MKE to 50 destinations in North America. With low fares to great destinations like Houston, even more passengers are discovering just how easy and convenient it is to use our hometown airport. 2018 is going to be a big year at MKE.”

The new flights are operated on full-size Boeing 737 jets, and Southwest passengers enjoy up to two free checked bags and no change fees.

Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at MKE.