New Orleans Airport Fares Among Most Affordable in
Nation
Federal Govt. Releases 3rd Quarter 2014 Average Fare
Data
(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – The recently released Bureau of
Transportation Statistics for average air fares has the Louis Armstrong New
Orleans International Airport as one of the most affordable airports to fly to
and from. Among the top 100 U.S. airports, Armstrong International is
ranked in the 4th quartile at #79 with an average air fare of $360.
The $360 fare consists of domestic round-trip fares, including taxes and fees
at the time of purchase. The top five most expensive airports were all above
the $500 mark.
This ranking reflects the
Airport’s success in securing new airlines, including ultra-low cost airlines,
which increases competition and lowers air fares. In February 2015, ultra-low
cost carrier, Allegiant Air, began nonstop service to Indianapolis, IN (IND);
Cincinnati, OH (CVG); Columbus-Rickenbacker (LCK); and Orlando-Sanford, FL
(SFB). Allegiant Air offers low base fares and a la carte add-ons such as
vacation packages, hotels and attractions. Flights to Orlando-Sanford can be
purchased for as low as $45 each way.
Additionally, Spirit Airlines’
ultra-low cost service has increased over the last year. Spirit expanded
its non-stop offerings to include Dallas, TX (DFW); Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL);
Detroit, MI (DTW); Houston, TX (IAH); and Chicago, IL (ORD). Similar to
Allegiant, Spirit offers an unbundled product where customers choose the
amenities and services they desire. Why drive when flights to Houston
Intercontinental can be purchased for as low as $35 each way.
Most
recently, the Airport announced two additional airlines that will begin service
later this year. Copa Airlines will be providing non-stop to Panama City,
Panama connecting New Orleans to the rest of Latin America through Copa’s "Hub
of the Americas”. Branson AirExpress operated by Orange Air will start
non-stop to Cancun, Mexico and Branson, Missouri. With these most recent
announcements, the Airport has a total of 14 airlines serving a total of 46
nonstop destinations, which are all-time Airport record high for the number of
airlines and non-stops.
"Our airport continues to
grow and provide more options for air travel for our community and visitors
alike,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "With more direct flight options
plus more affordable fares, we have a winning equation for the people of New
Orleans.”
"We
have a great team at the Airport focused on air service development and
bringing more opportunities to our community,” said Cheryl Teamer, New Orleans
Aviation Board Chairwoman. "This ranking further demonstrates the
positive impact new service brings.”
"Having
low fares brings more visitors to our city and is very attractive for future
convention sales.” New Orleans Councilman Jared Brossett, Chair of the
Transportation and Aviation Committee. "We are ecstatic to have one of the most affordable
airports in the U.S.”
"Since
2010, we have introduced 11 airlines and 21 non-stops. More airlines mean more
competition.” said Iftikhar Ahmad, Director of Aviation. "An annual basis these
fares could save New Orleans’ travelers close to a billion dollars this year
when we compare to the highest fares.”
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