January 3, 2006
A Farewell to Independence Air
In a development that will force Washington area residents to trek out to BWI for our cheap flights, we bid farewell this week to budget carrier Independence Air.
For an airline that started as an underdog in a tough industry, Independence's problems included leasing small regional jets that didn't turn as much of a profit as the larger aircraft of Jet Blue or Southwest, rising fuel costs, and a unique business model that many in the industry deemed unsustainable.
According to an article in USA Today, the airline currently has 2,700 employees and operates about 200 daily flights to 37 destinations. Their most popular routes were to Boston, Chicago's O'Hare, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa. We'd all better start finding new thrifty ways to get to Beantown and Disneyworld.
For those who hold reservations or credits with Independence, FAQ's can be answered here. Airliners.net also has an informative thread with those from the industry talking about slots opening up at specific airports and where the industry and those at the airline are headed next.
Of course, if anyone out there is a millionaire with some cash to burn and an itch to own an airline, January 7 is the deadline for Independence to find a buyer. Anyone? Please?
Farewell, Independence Air. It was a good, if brief time we had.
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Trek? Last time I checked Dulles was just as far as BWI from DC. 5 miles closer doesn't really spell convenience for me when National is less than 5 miles from my apartment, period.
Um. So that TypeKey thing didn't work there...
but I digress.
As for the "trekking" bit. Also, BWI is much more transit accessible, imo. In the eight+ years I've used Washington airports I don't think I've ever used Dulles. Flyi was the only reason to even think about it.
In another thought, part of Flyi's problem was that it was the rebranding of a smaller airline that had those small planes to begin with. That and trying to expand to quickly.
Now, if only another discount carrier will offer direct flights to my parents in Eastern Tennessee, I'll be set.
Independence Air was the only redeeming quality of flying to/from Dulles... believe me, I dont tackle the economy lot out there for just anything!
All money problems aside, the service was just wonderful - no one can deny that. It was a throw back to the old way of airlines with little pleasure such as mints and hot towels.
My farewell flights this weekend included a contest to guess the combined age of the three onboard flight attendants (winner received 2 mini bottles of wine) and the return trip included free alcoholic beverages.
Having said that, giving things away for free doesn't quite help the bottom line, but if they need to get rid of inventory....I am more than willing to put back a beverage or two for such a cause!
RIP Independence Air
That was so convenient. Now I have to search for another way to travel around the country.