Huntsville updates

[David1502]

Originally Posted by jmanhsv

Huntsville International got the federal grant it wanted to attract a low-fare carrier: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/02/huntsville_international_airpo_2.html

"[Transportation Secretary] LaHood's announcement said that the grant will lower air fares for Huntsville travelers by providing low-fare service to and from Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Orlando International Airport."

Could this finally be AirTran? Sounds like it to me.

It most definitely is AirTran as Orlando (MCO) and Baltimore (BWI) are two of their focus cities. The big question is if AirTran will initiate a fight with Delta and offer flights from HSV to their ATL hub. Remember as HSV has the highest fares in the counrty ($100 more than the next city) Delta is making serious money at HSV (while they are loosing hundreds of millions systemwide) and they will fight tooth and nail to maintain their monopoly and money making machine. Just recently, Delta pulled out of Savannah, GA because the locals said, "We can fly Delta just as cheaply, so why fly AirTran." As a result AirTran had low load factors, lost money and was forced to pull out. Now Delta has more than doubled their fares out of SAV and the local business community is crying. The same thing happened in Mobile and Fort Walton Beach so you can understand AirTran's reluctance to enter another mid size Southern market like Huntsville/Decatur where most of the business travelers are extremely loyal to the Delta SkyMilles Frequent Flier Program. Travelers need to remember that AirTran, Southwest and Jet Blue are the only ones who initiate low fares - the others only offer them in reaction to those three where they have to - in markets where they compete head to head. Hence, HSV which has no low fare service, has the nation's highest fares.

If AirTran begins service at HSV and doesn't have flights to their ATL hub, Delta may ignore them - in some ways that is hard to see as AirTran will want more local loyalty that all of the connections the ATL hub will offer. Anyway, Delta will go all out to push them out like they did in Mobile and Savannah. The big question is if the locals will be smart enough (and grateful) to realize the source of the low fares.

If HSV can't win AirTran now, with the million dollar grant, it is hard to see how they ever can. I seriously hope they do!

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by David1502

Just recently, Delta pulled out of Savannah, GA

It was actually your beloved AirTran that split SAV.

Originally Posted by David1502

The big question is if the locals will be smart enough (and grateful) to realize the source of the low fares.

They will not. I see it being just like SAV. SkyMiles members are whores to the system and will gladly put up with a transfer at ATL on Delta to keep the miles coming in.

Maybe it will work, but I am just afraid that the business travelers will not defect from Delta and the leisure market will not be sufficient enough in HSV to sustain them.

Time will tell...

[HSVTiger]

Beginning May 6th Airtran will begin flights to Tunica MS.
Probably a sure bet for them. Airtrans' scheduling if they fly to HSV
will be crucial to be successful. For what it's worth Huntsville has a much larger passenger count and service area than Mobile so the chances here are a bit better and the airline industry is radically different than 5 years ago

[mlog]

Originally Posted by Jugernagt

I've noticed that Cheeburger Cheeburger in Providence has closed.

Also the Mikawa Japanese Restaurant behind the defunct Driving 2000 on University also looks like it has closed.

I heard that Sweet Dreams Cafe next to the Cheeburger closed too.

[Jugernagt]

Originally Posted by mlog

I heard that Sweet Dreams Cafe next to the Cheeburger closed too.

I saw that too. All the businesses on that entire front side of the building are closed. I kind of wondered if they were ran by the same folks. Much like the Grill 29 and Market Street Cafe. Although the Sweet Dreams Cafe is still listed on Providence's website, but not Cheeburger Cheeburger.

[mlog]

Originally Posted by Jugernagt

I saw that too. All the businesses on that entire front side of the building are closed. I kind of wondered if they were ran by the same folks. Much like the Grill 29 and Market Street Cafe. Although the Sweet Dreams Cafe is still listed on Providence's website, but not Cheeburger Cheeburger.

I hope Kalou's Corner Market makes it. It's a handy place to shop. A bit pricey, but it's got some things that are hard to find elsewhere.

[Jugernagt]

Originally Posted by mlog

I hope Kalou's Corner Market makes it. It's a handy place to shop. A bit pricey, but it's got some things that are hard to find elsewhere.

I agree, I have been to Kalou's several times and have bought stuff, not never a whole grocery cart.

That whole community concept for that neighborhood seems like it never materialized. Although I do see many people taking their dogs out to nearby grassy areas to take their crap.

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by Jugernagt

I saw that too. All the businesses on that entire front side of the building are closed. I kind of wondered if they were ran by the same folks. Much like the Grill 29 and Market Street Cafe. Although the Sweet Dreams Cafe is still listed on Providence's website, but not Cheeburger Cheeburger.

Yes, it is the same owner for both.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Beginning May 6th Airtran will begin flights to Tunica MS.
Probably a sure bet for them. Airtrans' scheduling if they fly to HSV
will be crucial to be successful. For what it's worth Huntsville has a much larger passenger count and service area than Mobile so the chances here are a bit better and the airline industry is radically different than 5 years ago

I'm already up to 17,000 SkyMiles but I was looking around and it seems like you have to have at least 50,000 miles before you can truly have the flexibility to fly unrestricted to various destinations. In that case, why not start flying AirTran where I can accrue free or reduced flights faster?

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by neilson

I'm already up to 17,000 SkyMiles but I was looking around and it seems like you have to have at least 50,000 miles before you can truly have the flexibility to fly unrestricted to various destinations. In that case, why not start flying AirTran where I can accrue free or reduced flights faster?

We have used our SkyMiles for international travel. Unless you want to go to the Caribbean, you would need to accrue and stick with a major carrier.

Regarding the miles required to travel. We've done a ton of MGM-LAX trips at 25,000 miles... and one or two at 37,500 miles. You would require NO FLEXIBILITY at all to use 50,000 miles for a R/T ticket domestic.

[HSVTiger]

Airtran begins service to Asheville from Tampa Bay 4 times a week, May 4th.

[nickodemis]

Originally Posted by OCA REP

We have used our SkyMiles for international travel. Unless you want to go to the Caribbean, you would need to accrue and stick with a major carrier.

Regarding the miles required to travel. We've done a ton of MGM-LAX trips at 25,000 miles... and one or two at 37,500 miles. You would require NO FLEXIBILITY at all to use 50,000 miles for a R/T ticket domestic.

I live in Atlanta and I fly almost every week. I have lot of experience with both Airtran and Delta, especially in regards to the FF program.

Airtran by far has the best loyalty program.
Pros: 8 round trip flights earns you a free round trip flight to anywhere they fly. That includes the Jamaica, Caribbean, Aruba, etc. Second, its very easy to use the points and I rarely have any problems.
Third, all of their planes are Boeing 717 with first class on every flight. No tiny planes.
Fourth, you can earn elite status by flying 5 round trips in 90 days or 12 roundtrips in 365 days. Elite status gives you free upgrades to first class.
Fifth - The flights are very cheap. They are always running specials. I can't count the number of times I have flown round trip to DC for less then $120
Cons - Your points expire after 2 years, so you have to use them or lose them. They also only fly to the major cities, so good luck flying to Montana or somewhere. You can use your points to get a seat on another airline carrier but it cost you double the points.

Delta has more flights options
Pros - FF Points don't expire and they fly to more places.
Cons - The cost more. It's harder to earn points. The planes are small.

I think you find that business people will switch over to Airtran quicker then you might imagine. The only problem is that they will probably fly into BWI and not Regan, so you have to drive into the DC or catch the train.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by nickodemis

I live in Atlanta and I fly almost every week. I have lot of experience with both Airtran and Delta, especially in regards to the FF program.

Airtran by far has the best loyalty program.
Pros: 8 round trip flights earns you a free round trip flight to anywhere they fly. That includes the Jamaica, Caribbean, Aruba, etc. Second, its very easy to use the points and I rarely have any problems.
Third, all of their planes are Boeing 717 with first class on every flight. No tiny planes.
Fourth, you can earn elite status by flying 5 round trips in 90 days or 12 roundtrips in 365 days. Elite status gives you free upgrades to first class.
Fifth - The flights are very cheap. They are always running specials. I can't count the number of times I have flown round trip to DC for less then $120
Cons - Your points expire after 2 years, so you have to use them or lose them. They also only fly to the major cities, so good luck flying to Montana or somewhere. You can use your points to get a seat on another airline carrier but it cost you double the points.

Delta has more flights options
Pros - FF Points don't expire and they fly to more places.
Cons - The cost more. It's harder to earn points. The planes are small.

I think you find that business people will switch over to Airtran quicker then you might imagine. The only problem is that they will probably fly into BWI and not Regan, so you have to drive into the DC or catch the train.

No big deal, I already fly into BWI because it's cheapest on Delta and it's very easy to take an express bus or train into DC(or if you want to go into Baltimore, just take the light rail in the opposite direction).

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by nickodemis

Third, all of their planes are Boeing 717 (or Boeing 737) with first class on every flight.

Minor correction above.

Originally Posted by nickodemis

Delta has more flights options
Pros - FF Points don't expire and they fly to more places.
Cons - The cost more. It's harder to earn points. The planes are small.

I will try to remember that (and wave to you) as my Delta 777 taxis past your Airtran 717.

Seriously, I do realize you were more than likely referring to Delta's regional carriers that are VERY fond of the CRJ.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by OCA REP

Minor correction above.




I will try to remember that (and wave to you) as my Delta 777 taxis past your Airtran 717.

Seriously, I do realize you were more than likely referring to Delta's regional carriers that are VERY fond of the CRJ.

I'll take a CRJ over an ERJ any day. Bombardier and Boeing are my preferred planes, where as Airbus and Embarer just feel "off".

[nickodemis]

Originally Posted by OCA REP

Minor correction above.




I will try to remember that (and wave to you) as my Delta 777 taxis past your Airtran 717.

Seriously, I do realize you were more than likely referring to Delta's regional carriers that are VERY fond of the CRJ.

Out of HSV, they only fly regional jets I thought (Comair,etc). Do they normally fly big planes(with first class seating) out of HSV?

I would think that Airtran will have fewer flights out of HSV but the planes will carry more people. I don't seem them flying to ATL right away because of Delta. Orlando and BWI is probably the likely destination because there is no direct flights offered by any other airline.

Either way you look at it, the over all cost of flying out of HSV will be cheaper because of the competition.

The only problem that Airtran will have is that the Delta frequent fliers will opt to fly through ATL just so they can make more points. Of course they can't use the points and it takes 3 times longer to earn a free flight but I doubt they'll be smart enough to care. Cost will be the deciding factor.

[luvinhsv]

Originally Posted by nickodemis

Of course they can't use the points and it takes 3 times longer to earn a free flight but I doubt they'll be smart enough to care. Cost will be the deciding factor.

Smart enough? That's a pretty ignorant statement. For most Delta FF travelers, it isn't so much about accumulating points - I am now Diamond status plus I use a skymiles AMEX for most purchases. Therefore, I have more FF miles than I know what to do with. For a true FF, the main reason I will almost always choose Delta is for the fringe benefits - I want to maintain things like:

1. No baggage fees.
2. Free upgrades - rarely do I not get an upgrade - and I don't care about the 24 minute flight to ATL on a CRJ. I do care about the 4,5, and 6 hour flights to the west coast, however!
3. New this year - Complimentary Crown Room membership.
4. Award Flight options not available to general public.


90% of my travel is for work so I don't care what they charge - then when I have to pay for my family of 4, I use miles.

And to say that you can't use the points? I have NEVER had a problem finding an award flight in the last 8 years - NEVER whether it was 3 days notice or 6 months. I have flown to MSP 3x in the last year for 25K miles everytime - once on 48 hours notice for a funeral. Flew to Vegas last month for 32,500. But I also noticed that these flights weren't available to my friend who was not Medallion status.

Airtran coming to HSV would be a good thing, but I wouldn't count on a lot of FREQUENT (not ocassional) fliers to switch from Delta.

[huntsvillefan]

One way or another, I just want to see Delta have some competition. I would do everything possible to support the competition--not because I have anything again Delta (I don't) but just because competition is good. The high cost of flying out of HSV indicates competition is really needed.

[Rail Claimore]

Unfortunately, only Chicago and DC are reachable from HSV by more than one airline...

[Huntsvillenative]

The VBC/Propst Arena renovation is well underway and moving smoothly. Here's the official website with some recent construction pics. This is going to be a breath of fresh air for downtown when it's finished. It'll be like having a new arena! http://www.vonbrauncenter.com/construction/