Southwest expands Philadelphia service
Discount airline Southwest Airlines is expanding its presence at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), launching nonstop service to two more destinations this summer, and boosting flight frequencies to two currently served cities.
The move could put further price pressure on US Airways, which operates a major hub at the airport.
From July 2, the cheap-seater says it will launch thrice-daily nonstop service from Philadelphia to Columbus (CMH), and twice-daily nonstop flights to Nashville (BNA). At the same time, the discount airline will lay on a sixth daily Philadelphia to Providence (PVD) nonstop, and a seventh daily Philadelphia to Orlando (MCO) flight.
Some discounted fares on these new routes can be had if you purchase through July 2 and fly by September 12. These are 21-day advance-purchase tickets, but the price is right: as low as $59 one-way from Philadelphia to Columbus, and $99 one-way from Philly to Nashville.
Fuel-hedged Southwest (it helps lower operating costs) may not offer in-flight audio, video, or assigned seating, but it continues to hand out free blankets, pillows, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. Not all airlines do anymore.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler