CHICAGO, April 11, 2012 - Southwest Airlines treated 166 passengers to a send-off party this morning at Midway International Airport to celebrate the inaugural flight of its first 737-800 aircraft.

Southwest's mascot, Spriit Junior, entertains passengers flying to Ft. Lauderdale

The airline provided a continental breakfast, games at the gate and photos with its mascot, Spirit Junior. Flight 1717 departed Midway at 7 a.m., headed for Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The -800 aircraft carries 175 passengers and the new, larger aircraft complements the existing fleet with opportunities for longer-haul flying and schedule flexibility.

A quick tour of the new plane at the gate revealed the plane's sleek cabin with mood lighting and lots more legroom and overhead bin space.  The aircraft is also equipped with satellite-based internet connection.

Southwest Airline's 737-800 aircraft departs Midway International Airport

Southwest plans to take delivery of 33, 737-800 aircraft in 2012, all equipped with full Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) configuration.

Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states.

For more information about Southwest's 737-800, please visit www.southwest.com.