Airtran launches LGA-MKE

This is a head on move to try to knock out Midwest. The flight schedule is very similar to Midwest and the fares are rock bottom compared to Midwest...God I hope this doesn't mean my company will book me on AirTran when I have to go to MKE...blah.

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AirTran Airways Announces New Flights From Milwaukee to New York
Wednesday January 23, 9:00 am ET
- Low Fare Airline Begins Milwaukee Expansion -


ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI - News), announced today that it will add service between General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee and New York LaGuardia Airport effective for travel May 6, 2008. The route will be served with the airline's popular and fuel-efficient Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 717-200 aircraft, which make up America's youngest all Boeing fleet.
"Passenger demand for AirTran Airways' product has been strong in Milwaukee, and we are excited to offer our Milwaukee customers new nonstop service to New York City," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways. "With well-timed flights and low- fares, passengers can sit back, listen to XM Satellite Radio and enjoy their flight to the city that never sleeps. AirTran Airways' service expansion from Milwaukee to Las Vegas and Phoenix has been extremely well received. We think the addition of New York will be a strong market for both business and leisure travelers and a key part of our growing network from Mitchell Field."

AirTran Airways currently offers nonstop service form Milwaukee to Atlanta, Baltimore-Washington, Ft. Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Today's announcement is the first of several exciting new service initiatives for AirTran from Milwaukee in 2008.

The following nonstop flight options will be available between General Mitchell International Airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport, for travel effective May 6, 2008:



Nonstop flights between Milwaukee and New York (LaGuardia)

From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency

Milwaukee New York 508 7:30 a.m. 10:35 a.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)
Milwaukee New York 311 1:25 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)
Milwaukee New York 514 5:55 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)
New York Milwaukee 216 6:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)
New York Milwaukee 509 1:10 p.m. 2:25 p.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)
New York Milwaukee 327 5:29 p.m. 6:44 p.m. Daily
(LaGuardia)


Following is a sample of fares* AirTran Airways will offer for its new flights between Milwaukee and New York's LaGuardia Airport. Fares listed are one way, available daily and are valid in either direction:



Introductory Lowest Lowest
Destination Sale Fare Walk-up Business Class

Milwaukee to/from
New York (LaGuardia) $74 $199 $239


AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 56 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com.


* All fares are one-way. Introductory sale fare and lowest walk-up fare
are non-refundable, and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made
after purchase plus any applicable increase in airfare. Reservations may
be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations
Center for an additional $7.50 per person. Introductory sale fares must
be purchased by March 17, 2008. Travel must be completed by June 11,
2008. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice.
Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as
one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to
$10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are
not included.

Media Contacts:

AirTran Airways
Tad Hutcheson
Judy Graham-Weaver
Quinnie Jenkins
678.254.7442




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Source: AirTran Airways

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From what I hear they are using slots that will be used to Florida in the winter season. Looks like it will be sesional service. Unless of course it does really well...Stranger things have happened!

A lot of AirTran's new routes are "seasonal" meaning they don't call it year round until they test the markets out. If they like it, the route is no longer seasonal. That is from observation.

Also, that is odd...NYC to Wisconsin over NYC to Florida??? But like you said, stranger things have happened.

I believe there are more people in MKE that go to NYC than there are people in NYC that go to MKE. Another words on a typical YX flight from LGA to MKE there are more people on the return portion of a roundtrip going home than there are ones just starting their trip. Why is this significant ? Because YX is MKE's hometown airline, has much local brand loyality, FL can't offer them something that might make locals switch, miles in a major carriers FF program with benefits in Star, One World, etc. And finally many of these same passengers where upset with FL for almost taking away their brown leather seats, "More Care in the Air" service, and Baked on Board Chocolate Chip Cookies. So they probably wan't be rushing to give their travel dollars to Airtran !

Does this mean Airtran will fail in this market ? Maybe, maybe not. But if I was the head of route planning for FL I could think of a much better use of my valueable and sought after by other carriers LGA slots.

My 2 cents

LGA777

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But if I was the head of route planning for FL I could think of a much better use of my valueable and sought after by other carriers LGA slots.

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Cough, cough...Daytona Beach! Now this market has potential. We are gaining a lot of new air service!

SRQ come back!