Gettin’ Carried Away

I’m pretty sure the cheapest flight I ever took cost me about $50 round trip via Ryan Air in Europe. But the Clearwater, Florida airline JetAmerica takes the cake when it comes to inexpensive flights!

By targeting smaller markets like Toledo (OH), Lansing (MI) and Newark (NJ), JetAmerica is single-handedly increasing the air traffic in 34 cities across the United States. Doing so allows the airline to sell cheaper flights. It’s basic supply and demand. Because there are a limited number of flights going in and out of these smaller cities, the cost to fly to them is rather expensive these days.

Beginning July 13, 28 flights will fly in/out of Newark, New Jersey to the aforementioned cities. JetAmerica will then add six more flights out of Toledo (to Minneapolis) starting August 14.

Prices start at $9, topping out at $199. But, of course, there are stipulations:

• The $9 fare only applies for the first 19 seats on the plane.
• Don’t forget to add the taxes/fees: $5 convenience fee, $10 fee if booked via telephone, $2.50 9/11 Security fee, etc.
• It costs $15 to check a bag.
• All food, drinks and in-flight TV can only be accessed for a small fee.

Even after all the fees and the charges for food,drink and TV, JetAmerica still offers a pretty good deal. Perhaps I’ll test it out this summer. My plan? Drive (get a ride) to South Bend, IN, only 75 miles from Chicago. Fly to Newark, NJ and take my $40 flat fee cab ride to my beloved NYC. I’ll let you know if it happens!