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Skybus may return again: Some ideas for making a go of it
Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, so might Skybus. Yesterday, there were several stories about the possibility of Skybus Airlines' return. The first story I heard was on the radio. Next came the nightly news. According to the stories, John Weikle, the airline's founder, said he's been working out ways to bring it back.
Weikle pointed to Allegiant Air as an indication that no-frills airlines can work. In order for the airline to pull it off, it needs to up the on-time performance and control expansion. Considering that Skybus has the planes, it has the logo, it has people who have probably not found jobs yet, AND there is the space in airports designed specifically for Skybus, it seems to me that the ingredients are there. Even since yesterday, I've talked with more people who were either going to buy tickets or who bought tickets all the time in order to visit relatives.
Now, it's almost impossible to fly anywhere from Columbus without stopping somewhere along the way--often in an opposite direction. For people who are older, changing planes is problem. Why not promote Skybus as the airline that brings family members together. Another thing that I think would help push the smaller airports is to have step by step directions on how to get to the larger cities from the small airport locations. For example, have it spelled out how to get from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, New York to Grand Central Station. I don't think it's that hard, but it's something people need to know in specifics. If the directions are in a format so they could be printed off, even better. How handy, people might think.
Another idea I have for a user-friendly addition is to have a page to click on at each airport location that highlights the things to see in the area. Click on Greensboro, North Carolina and you'll find out information about what it's near. I'd really like to know what's near Greensboro, North Carolina without having to search myself. When I went to Allegiant Air's Web site, I saw information about Allegiant Air destination towns and photographs. This put me in a traveling mood. Also, Allegiant's Web site looks like it changes with new highlights. Smart. If Skybus could only get some more investors. An article in the Dispatch today said that those in Columbus shouldn't hold our breath. I do have my fingers crossed.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DEB IN OHIO Apr 10th 2008 7:45AM
I like Jamie's ideas about Skybus re-emerging with a change in focus. Direct flights, even if market priced, would be a huge draw. My daughter flew from Columbus to Oakland in March on Skybus. Total time each way was less than 5 hours, this month she will be spending almost 9 hours each way due to lay overs. We would certainly have chosen Skybus for the time convenience even if the flight was considerably more than their old deep discounted rates.
Eileen Apr 10th 2008 9:45AM
The City of Columbus needs to entice carriers to stay here. Airfare is what it is. We need flights that go non-stop to the Caribbean, to San Juan. We have enough New York , Chicago flights. There is no such thing a value flights, fuel is high. We need safe aircrafts with cleaned out toilets and gate representatives that treat people with respect. If people want a good meal go to a restaurant!!!
Steve Smith Apr 10th 2008 8:15PM
The Skybus Web site was rather antiquated to say the least. If you looked at a departure date in July, for example, the calendar for return dates did not update to July. It stayed in April ! There are many reasons Skybus didn't make it, including the fact that they didn't update their ticket prices with the updates in fuel costs. They were just -- out-of-step! Allegiant announced last month they were pulling out of the Greensboro, NC airport due to competition from Skybus. Allegiant has now decided to STAY in Greensboro since their low fair competitor is out of business. That's the difference between an airline that stays up-to-date and that is now belly-up! When I found myself stuck in Philly last Saturday, I was half-shocked and half-surprised. How could it happen -- and how could it NOT?!
Donna Apr 11th 2008 11:56PM
I live 2 miles from the St. Augustine Airport, it was wonderful not to have to go to Jax Airport, which is 50 min. away. My daughter and niece have both flown Skybus, and no layovers, 3hr. flight instead of 5. No missing planes from a late flight coming in. and being stuck in an unfamiliar airport. I had 3 flights booked for May to the NH Airport. What a disappointment.
I wish they could have given people at least a week notice before shutting down. I'm glad I wasn't booked on that Sat. morning flight. I would still be ranting. But I guess you take your chances.
Was still a wonderful idea...