MILWAUKEE- Southwest Airlines is officially flying in Milwaukee. The low-cost airline, known for things like having no bag check fees and for their policy of passengers choosing their own seats, began flying out of Mitchell Airport on Sunday.

“I think it’s great that they’re expanding. I like the nonstop service, its especially nice,” said passenger Pat Johnson.

“We find the service is terrific,” said passenger Dick Outcalt.

Southwest is moving in as the skies of Milwaukee are changing. Hometown airline Midwest Airlines has been bought by Republic Airlines, and passengers aren’t sure what that will mean.

“They’re changing, and we don’t know how to compare what Midwest has become with what they used to be,” said Pat Johnson.

On Sunday, Southwest threw a huge Packers-Vikings party at McKinley Marina that was free and open to the public, in the hopes of winning over Wisconsinites.
 
“Is there a better way to enter the Milwaukee market than to have a tailgate party on the biggest day of the year?” said Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins.
 
The airline is offering 12 nonstop routes to cities including Las Vegas, St. Louis, and Orlando.

“We will add flights if the business is here,” said Hawkins.
 
On Monday, Midwest Airlines planned to fly its last Boeing 717 crewed by original Midwest employees. The crews are being replaced by lower-cost Republic Airlines.