Yeah, I commented about this on the Midwest board, and this business strategy seem insane to me. Trying this "no frills" model out of a Top 10 US city would be risky, but out of Columbus? Madness.

I still think the most telling sign of impending failure is America West's history at Columbus. They tried for YEARS to make it a hub, losing money repeatedly. But when Doug Parker and Scott Kirby took over the reigns, they realized it was hopeless, and pulled out.

If Parker and Kirby thought CMH could never work as part of a low fare national network -- and this was after successfully battling WN at PHX and LAS for years -- what are the odds for the newcomers? Almost nil, I would think.

BTW, somebody earlier knocked Columbus as a sightseeing destination. Unfair. I've ALWAYS enjoyed visiting Columbus. A very pleasant place to spend a long weekend. Their zoo is world famous, the German district downtown is fun, and the city is welcoming. So if you can snag a $10 fare there this summer, it's worth visiting a place you'd probably not otherwise get to (and won't have the opportunity again!).

http://frommers.com/destinations/col...603010001.html