Continuing a string of semi-interesting news regarding lower-cost airlines, Southwest has announced that it's starting service directly to and from SFO on August 26.

During a media conference at SFO last week, Gavin Newsom was quoted as saying:

"It's a wonderful day when we can welcome back an old friend -- in this case, Southwest Airlines -- to San Francisco."

Wait -- he's Southwest's "friend?" Uh oh. How long until Mayor Gav.'s heartfelt announcment that he's been flying business class on Virgin or JetBlue, but paying out some contractual obligation to Southwest all the same?

In any case, SFO will have eight daily flights to San Diego, seven to Vegas, and three to Chicago Midway. As a related promotion, one-way fares start at $39 for all three northern Californian airports (SFO, Oakland, San Jose).