Orlando Gains, John Wayne Loses Virginity

Interesting how Orlando International has transformed itself from the holiday charter capital of the south to the low cost capital. The largest 3 airlines are all loco's.

JetBlue
Air Tran
Southwest

and now a cheap Virgin decides to join the party

Commuters are all but extinct at this airport. Having many large locos I guess is good for having various, supposedly cheaper fare options within the country. The downside (as an aviation enthusiast) is that there's no unusual charter visitors anymore. These large low cost airlines have grown so large they have pretty much killed the US charter airline business.

I wouldn't know how things were 15 years ago for traveling within the country, but as far as intra-Florida goes, from Orlando to South Florida some really cheap fares could be had, and everything from AA Eagle to UA and even ATA would take you there.

Recent low-co's expansion into the Caribbean and South America have also pushed aside international airlines from starting service here. Avianca shelved the MCO route after JetBlue started flying to Colombia. Now Air Jamaica is pulling out of Orlando after Air Tran started flying down there.