Dallas, TX - Southwest Airlines on Thursday extended the carrier's bookable flight schedule from March 9 through April 24, 2017, while publishing new service to Mexico's beach resorts from Oakland International Airport beginning February 12, 2017, subject to approvals of the Mexican government.

The carrier received U.S. Department of Transportation approval following its application and announced intention of service between Northern California and two destinations on Mexico's Pacific coast.

New nonstop service beginning in February 2017:

Beginning February 12, 2017, nonstop daily flights between Oakland (San Francisco Bay Area) and both San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will be available through April 24, 2017.

"As we constantly look at new opportunities to connect Bay Area travelers with fun and exciting places in their lives, these Mexico beach destinations have long topped the list," said Dave Harvey, Southwest Airlines' Managing Director of Business Development.

"Oakland will become our 13th gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean from the mainland in February and, with a new bilateral agreement becoming effective later this month, there will be additional opportunities to bring our low fares and unmatched value on numerous additional U.S. – Mexico routes."

Harvey discussed the new flights with the carrier's Bay Area Customers and Employees at Viva Mexico! parties held late last week at Jack London Square along the Embarcadero in the Port of Oakland. Traditional Mexican dancers commemorated news of the East and North Bay's first Mexico service by a U.S. carrier.