Another new airline...Shuttle America is offering one-way advanced purchase fares of $19 between Hartford, CT and Wilmington, DE.

This airline uses Dash-8 commuters between these cities as well as to their other destinations: Buffalo, NY and Norfolk, VA.

Their website is: http://www.airshuttle.com

Thanks for another great commuting tip, Mileage Addict, especially for those of us
who live on the East Coast.

I'm wondering if this little airline started because of concerns that SW was thinking of
entering the market?

If anyone flies it, I'd be curious to see what it's like.

Also: is it partnered with any ff program?
(Yes, I can check the site!) CATMAN

Although they aren't offering the $19 fare anymore (still cheap, fares are as low as $39, with no sat. night stay, no roundtrip required), they have been expanding with new cities and flights.

I had the opportunity to fly them twice and actually meet the CEO of the airline on my flight. All brand new Dash-8 turboprops, 50 seaters, leather seats, in-flight snacks, flight attendant. They are HQ in Hartford, CT.

They tend to fly alternate city airports, like Wilmington, DE instead of Philly (almost as close to Philly as the Philly airport). They also fly to Trenton NJ, Albany, Buffalo, Norfolk, and Islip.

latest press release:
see: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/990615/ct_shuttle_1.html

Web Site:
see: http://www.shuttleamerica.com/

sorry - No Freq. Flyer program, yet (but the prices more than make up for that)

You folks like these tiny turbo's? On a nice day the more quiet (or should I say less noisy) ones are fine but as soon as the weather goes south I'm not too crazy about them. Also, maybe its my imagination but I think when you in a little one rather than a "heavy" you get last priority for ATC and gate matters! On the other hand you dont have to worry about an upgrade!

Doc - of course, I would much rather be in a large jet. But take a look at the bigger picture here.

This airline is flying short-hop routes that nobody else is really doing, and an extremely affordable price. The airports they are flying into are on the smaller side, so there is hardly ever a wait for takeoff slots and/or gates. Also, these are brand new 50 seater, Dash-8's, with Leather seats and more leg room than a 'regular' jet. And, since the whole airline only has 250 employees, they really do seem to care.

They have a check mark on the plus side for me.

doc - I take it that you would never consider flitting about in a six-seater Cessna or similar??

To add to steve100's remarks, other advantages of small planes include shorter queues for check-in, faster boarding/deboarding, faster delivery of luggage and less time waiting for the flight attendant's attention!

All good points! Thanks!