New Airline Serves Luxury Vacation Rentals
February 6, 2007. Airline industry observers have long discussed an era in which smaller jets will provide travelers with more flexibility and fewer out-of-the-way layovers. With a recent announcement by ExpressJet, we may be seeing the beginning of that new era.
This week, ExpressJet announced 24 new direct jet flights to U.S. cities to begin this spring. The news prompted an article in USA Today, which examines the company's past, present and future.
ExpressJet had been operating as a contractor to fly small jets for Continental under the name Continental Express, but has now emerged as an independent company that offers its own branded service. The new jet flights will provide non-stop alternatives on routes often overlooked by the major players. Amenities will include large leather seats, free XM satellite radio, and the absence of middle seats – meaning everyone gets either a window or aisle seat. According to the USA Today article, fares are surprisingly competitive.
A similar company, Independence Air, only survived for 19 months. ExpressJet says it has identified the problems that took Independence down and doesn't intend to make the same mistakes. If this company succeeds, we see this service creating many new possibilities for travelers who enjoy staying in luxury vacation rentals.
Need to meet some clients on a Friday morning, but have to meet family in New Mexico that night? ExpressJet's non-stop flights to Albuquerque will provide new choices that don't involve wasted time during a layover. Other great vacation destinations the airline will serve include: Boise, Tucson, Raleigh/Durham and Jacksonville, Florida.
