Affordable flights in and out of Mobile (Birmingham: rent, prices)

[Valnf]

Why are the flights so expensive here. To fly to the Northern East Coast you have to pay close to $400.00. Even flights to neighboring Florida is unaffordable. Is this expected to change? Is it because the airport is so small? We need to get Southwest Airlines in this area because they have awsome deals. Please write Southwest Airlines requesting service in this area. Thanks

[Twostep]

There is not enough demand for flights to the panhandle area. I assume that is what you mean by FL. There is a lot of movement with privat planes. Buy, borrow, rent or charter. Split an hour KingAir by six passengers and you have an inexpensive way of comfortable transportation.

Maybe "jetjockey" can explain this better. There is not enough distance to make flying to the panhandle profitable. It has to do with speed, fuel consumption and cruising altitude. Basically - it is nothing but a take off and a landing to Pensacola and that is the most wear and tear and expense on a regional jet.

Considering todays aviation fuel prices - take the 400$ flight!

[SSgtTEX]

Used to be like that pretty bad here in Hunstville. Most people would drive the hourish time to Nashville or Birmingham.

Finally they have been realizing that their prices were keeping people from flying out of Hunstville, and it has gotten more competitive. I remember a flight to San Antonio out of Hunstville was like $300 about 1 month in advance. 3 weeks in advance San Antonio from Nashville was $68. Both with layovers in Atlanta....which I hate having to fly to Atlanta when I am going west. Seems so stupid to fly east just to fly west.

[Keeper]

You are so right about Mobile and flying. You can fly from Tampa to Seattle for less than Tampa to Mobile, not to mention the route. I ended up driving the 10-11 hours due to the high cost of flying not to mention I am a 'timid' flyer as my friend put it and to be on a small plane would make my panic attacks even worse, although I know they are as safe is not safer than the big jets.

[Moty4]

When I fly out, I always check prices out of Pensacola and Gulfport, Ms as well. They aren't that far and sometime a lot less expensive....especially Gulfport, because of the gambling junkets, I supposed.