AirTran flying into Charleston
AirTran will begin flying into Charleston in late May and Charleston's business community, the Charleston tourism industry and area residents are excited about the official announcement.
Charleston airfares are among the highest in the country and the only solution for many to save money when flying was to inconveniently drive an hour or two to other cities like Columbia, Myrtle Beach or Savannah where they were able to get lower fars. Charleston lost a previous discount airline with the bankruptcy and shutdown of Independence Air and fares increased immediately upon their demise. While Independence Air was well received by the community (I flew it once and enjoyed it), they fell victim to rapidly increasing fuel costs right after they opened for business.
While it is expected that Delta will match AirTran prices and US Airways may also moderate their prices in response to new competition, it is important for Charlestonians to support AirTran. I say to AirTran, thanks for coming to Charleston and welcome!
Please read the press release on AirTran's website.