Against all odds, a new independent airline is starting up service in the eastern US, with flights to the Caribbean and Mexico as well. This is USA 3000, a brand-new off the rack airline based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, and offering services already between eleven cities noted below. And some one-way fares are as low as $69, not including airport fees and taxes.
Already in operation are the following city pairings, with the introductory one-way fares noted:
- Chicago, Baltimore and Cleveland to Ft. Myers FL, with one-way fares starting as low as $69
- One-way from Baltimore to Cancun (Mexico) or Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), from $199
- One-way from Cincinnati to Cancun or Puna Cana, from $249
- One-way from Cleveland to Punta Cana, from $229
- One-Way from Newark NJ to Punta Cana, from $199
- One-way from Philadelphia to Cancun or Punta Cana, from $199
In a comparison with other major airlines, these prices are equally-priced or even a few dollars less than USAir, AeroMexico, Delta and Northwest. All services mentioned are non-stop aboard one of the airline's fleet of six Airbus A320 aircraft, each with a capacity of 168 passengers.
USA 300 is a sister company of the giant tour operator, Apple Vacations, which has had 30 years of experience in providing affordable vacation packages from the US to the Caribbean and Mexico (we report on their deals regularly in the Frommers.com Newsletter). They call their rates "Fair Fares," and the price includes hot meals, mimosa cocktails, hot towels and in-flight entertainment; no round-trip ticket requirement; no Saturday night stay rule: a one-year same-price extension in the event a passenger is unable to make the trip as originally planned; and electronic tickets (only) whether you use the Internet or make reservations through an agent.
For reservations or more information, contact the new airline at 877/.USA-3000, call your local travel agent or book online at www.USA3000airlines.com.