Skybus gets FAA green light

Skybus is preparing to take to the skies after being granted official approval to commence service by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Based in Columbus, Ohio, the carrier's inaugural flight is scheduled to take place on May 22.

"FAA certification is the final hurdle," said Ken Gile, Skybus President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are ready to take our place in the US airline community."

Skybus' first flight will be heading to Burbank, California, but the airline plans to connect its Columbus hub with other US destinations including Kansas City, Oakland in California, and Fort Lauderdale.

To promote and celebrate the launch, the airline has made $10 fares (excluding taxes) available for at least ten seats on flights to eight destinations.

Skybus will operate a fleet of 65 Airbus A319 aircraft across its route network.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Major Tom]

Skybus is capitalizing on the degrading culture of the US. It is appealing to those who wear thongs on their feet and rears to board a plane and encourages them to sneak cans of pop and Cheetos on board so they won't have to buy anything. Then the Skybus "police" will have to patrol aisles to check for crumbs on the floor that weren't purchased from Skybus. The next move is pay toilets and paper.

What happened to the days of travel with dress codes, good meals and above all good customer service? Unions have robbed the public of this with demands for high wages and benefits and executives with large bonuses.

If someone started an airline with customer service in mind, they would be booked full every flight and it won't be the thong throng either.

[Disgusted in Oklahoma!!]

I was extremely disappointed when I heard about Skybus and their low fares - not! I am taking my family to Northern Washington in July and was researching flights.

A family member of mine suggested that I consider looking into Skybus because of its heavily advertised and publicized low, low, low fares! I was willing to drive three hours to Kansas City if it meant saving a considerable amount and was willing to accept the six-hour layover in Columbus, Ohio, and even pay the baggage check price for every bag checked, was willing to take my own pillow and blanket and snacks for when we were off the plane again if it meant a great savings!

What I discovered was that the fare for five people to fly two months from now without the extra costs was a little more than $2,000 round-trip, that is not including baggage checking fees, taxes, boarding pass fees and insurance fees.

I compared that to United and American Airines which fly out of Tulsa, OK, one-and-a-half hours away that only had an one hour, 45 minute layover in Denver, checked my bags at no cost, offered beverages on board as well pillows and blankets. Total cost, are you ready for this! $100 more total than what Skybus quoted without the extra costs!

Sorry Skybus, you are not getting my business and am very angry that you would receive so much press and advertise the lowest airfare available when even your a la carte fares are more than established airlines.

If someone would offer exceptional service and meals on an airline, they would deserve the attention. Not a lying and cheating airline such as you Skybus! Shame on you and your advertising!

[classyflyer]

With Columbus on its schedule, no wonder the planes are painted and look like graffitti on a trailer. Do the flight crew wear bowling shirts and shoes? Beer is the only beverage served in a can at $6 each, along with a corn dog at $8 each. Are they going to offer value meals that you can super size and have it come with a belt extension? This truly is the American dream for those who love to fly. Come on someone, give the sky ways some class again and make above 4th.

[Cattle Car 1]

Inaugural flight? It was like boarding a bus for downtown Atlanta. Everyone was either rude or just plain stupid. The flight crew had that pasted-on smile with a look of panic. All they lacked was a cattle prod and that distinctive smell of someone who had soiled themselves. They are ready to take their place in the airline community alright, but that community is somewhere in a war zone and they are just a way out for now. Customer service isn't in their training manuals from what I experienced.