I love a great bargain as much as the next girl but something about a $9 airline flight makes me nervous. JetAmerica, a new how-low-can-you-go-to-fly-high airline carrier based in Clearwater, Florida, will launch service on July 13. The current JetAmerica fleet consists of one leased Boeing 737-800 but they plan to expand to four jets by July 2010.
The first 9 seats on each JetAmerica flight will sell for $9 and prices will max out at $199. It comes as no surprise that additional fees will apply to check luggage. Snacks and in-flight TV will also cost extra.
JetAmerica will service mid-size U.S. cities like Toledo, South Bend and Lansing to fill the void left by major carriers who have reduced the number of flights to those markets. Flights will also be available to and from a small selection of major airports like Newark.
Air travel should be more affordable and accessible but I can't tune out the little voice in my head that says "you get what you pay for." I pray that JetAmerica's rockbottom prices don't compromise service and safety.