October 2024 Update:

So this still has legs so to speak! 

Southwest has left however as indicated, it has devastated our community. Leaving many of us who live here and many others who travel here in a frustrated state. I personally know a few of us who have been impacted greatly as SeaTac is not a viable option. It can take anywhere from 2hrs-5hrs to get there depending on traffic. That’s not accounting for parking and the stress of that airport in general. 
So we do have Paine Field in Everett, which also is a least an hour away with minimal parking and even less terminals and flight options than BLI. I’ve flown out of both and while Paine is a lovely airport, it is still too far and a smaller airport. 
If we do have to drive to SeaTac, we are going to choose another airline because it is generally cheaper. 
The main point being we need SWA back at BLI. The other options at BLI aren’t really that. One flies straight to SeaTac before going anywhere and the other has limited flight options. Now we do utilize both of those other airlines and we are not here to put them down by any means. The issue lies with needing another option for BLI and Southwest  was perfect. There are many times just since they left Aug. 3 that would have been helpful to hop a flight for business down to the OAK or LAS airports for my own family and several other stories. Having to go through SeaTac to get to those destinations just adds more time away from family, stress and a huge inconvenience. 

We greatly need SWA back in our community ASAP! 

As frequent travelers and members of the Bellingham community, we have come to rely on Southwest Airlines for our family visits and weekend trips. The airline's presence at Bellingham International Airport (BLI) has provided us with affordable, reliable, and convenient flight options that have significantly improved our travel experiences. Our story is not unique - many families in our community share similar experiences.

Southwest Airlines is one of only three major airlines operating out of BLI. It stands out for its full flights, affordability, and reliability. Its departure would leave a significant void in our community's transportation options. We would be left with expensive or unreliable alternatives that do not meet the needs of our vibrant community.

The decision to discontinue service from BLI is a huge mistake that will affect many lives beyond ours. Every flight we've been on has been full - a clear indication of the high demand for their services here in Bellingham.

We urge Southwest Airlines to reconsider this decision and continue providing its invaluable services to the residents of Bellingham beyond August 2024. We believe it's crucial not just for us but also for countless other families who depend on their services to stay connected with loved ones.

Please sign this petition if you too want Southwest Airlines to continue serving the Bellingham community!