10/15/2007 at 10:05 AM
Tags: Low Cost Carriers, LCCs, Discount Airfare, New York Times, Oasis Hong Kong, Virgin America (all tags)
It used to be that discount carriers avoided going the distance and instead stuck to shorter flights and commuter routes. But that's beginning to change. Today more low-cost carriers are getting in on long-haul routes and saving travelers some coin in the process. Oasis Hong Kong, for example, flies nonstop daily between Hong Kong and London for about $230 each way.
And while Oasis may be among the first to fashion a long-haul discount carrier, they certainly won't be the last. AirAsia is developing its own discount spin-off , AirAsia X, which will begin service between Malaysia and Australia on November 2. And we can't forget Virgin America, which started service between the East and West coasts of the U.S. this summer.
So is saving a buck worth the hassle? As far as we can tell, our readers will try anything once. And while the service on one of these LCCs might not be the same, that super-low ticket price might make you feel better.
Related Stories:
· Discounters are in it for the Long Hauls [NYT]
· Low Cost Carriers coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Airtatoo]
by jnaw
4/27/2007 at 10:26 AM
Tags: Skybus, Airlines, Discount Airfare, Budget Airlines (all tags)
Skybus is the hottest low cost carrier to launch since JetBlue, but wait, JetBlue launched out of JFK not CMH, right?
In any event, Skybus is redefining no frills by selling ad space on the outside of their aircraft and telling you to bring your own book--all in the name of offering $10 airfares. On May 22nd Skybus will go wheels up, however their website, which is the only way to get in touch with the skimpy airline, is already busy booking passengers.
This first group of passengers will no doubt set the Skybus buzz to positive or negative, so what are they saying? Here's what we have heard thus far from tipsters and airline boards around the web:
· I'm scheduled for the inaugural GSO-CMH on May 29th, returning on the 30th. All in, it was $36, and I then added $6 for trip insurance since Skybus will not pay for food or lodging if a flight is cancelled for any reason.
· I'm going to try and sneak a water bottle on board May 22nd and see what they do.
· I live in Virginia Beach, so it will be almost a 2 hour drive to RIC, so we'll see if it will be worth it in the long run, assuming on future flights I can snag the $10 seats (I did on the ones I booked)
· I am going to Seattle for a great price, how much on board selling (beside soda and food) will I have to go through (ie clothing, perfumes etc). Otherwise I am excited to see this get off the ground. I hope the pilots and crew will be happy, though which has me a bit concerned; the Airline BBSs seem to say everyone will be underpaid, the pilots by half of the average wages for A319s.
·They're cheap - 156 seats on a 319 - yikes.
Have you booked on Skybus? Or have a random thought on S-bus in C-bus? Share with us in the comments, or by hitting us up on the tipline.
[Photo: drust]
Related Stories:
· Skybus Coverage [Jaunted]
· Discussion Boards [Airliners.net]
by markj
4/26/2007 at 3:13 PM
Tags: Skybus, Airlines, Discount Airfare (all tags)
Skybus, which made a big splash this week by offering $10 flights, is making themselves known in their adopted (thanks tax credit policy wonks!) hometown of Columbus Ohio.
The above Skybus wallscape can be seen from almost two miles up and down High Street in Columbus.
C-bus, has taken a bunch heat this week for being the obscure Skybus hub town, but central Ohio fans are not taking the big media bullying lying down.
An LA Times commenter, and C-bus supporter:
Do we have a beach or mountains? No, but neither do we panic when it rains. Having lived in both, I'd still rather raise my kid in Columbus (though I'm sure I'll be flying Skybus to get back to SoCal to visit everyone from time to time).
Skybus up-to-the-minute meta rundown:
·The New York Times is old enough to remember People Express
·LA Times Not Sure Hollywood is ready for Ohio
·Seattle PI Explains that Bellingham is actually almost in Canada
·China Calls Skybus Fledgling, says $10 is only $7.36 Euros
Skybus is launching with $10 fares on May 22nd. Why do we get the feeling it is going to be a fun, fun month?
[Photo: heymynameispaul]
Related Stories:
· Skybus Coverage [Skybus]
by markj
