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Stuck in ORF all the time!

showe011
Explorer C

 

 I love traveling. Well, at least I used to. That is until, the airlines that fly in and out of ORF or Norfolk International Airport have all decided to buy out the smaller airlines, change the routes, and significantly increase their prices. 
 
Do you remember AirTran? Good ole’ AirTran. I use to be able to fly out of Newport News/Williamsburg to MCO or Orlando, or to ATL or Atlanta on a round trip for as low as $199 round trip. Then Southwest came to ORF. It was a good thing at first. Especially, because  they use to compete with AirTran’s prices and flight times. Then Southwest bought out AirTran. Goodbye AirTran, goodbye two daily flights to MCO and ATL, goodbye low prices, and goodbye Biscoff cookies. Why? Now when I want to fly to ATL from ORF a 75 min flight can now take up to 8 hours and 2 layovers. Instead of Southwest continuing to offer the two direct flights daily we now have to fly to BWI or Baltimore, MD which is North of ORF to then turn around and fly South to ATL. Why is that? And since they’ve made these ridiculous changes they have increased the prices. It’s like we are being punished and we have to pay for it. Sounds like city jail. Wanna Get Away? Yes, Southwest, I would love to if I could afford to get away.
3 REPLIES 3

Re: Stuck in ORF all the time!

elijahbrantley
Aviator A

I understand and your frustration! Pros and cons, as you mentioned. SW’s purchase of AirTran greatly expanded the AirTran network, and for frequent SW flyers, Atlanta is a valuable new hub for connections. 

 

On the flip side, I can see how this change has negatively impacted availability for your travel needs and how pricing has changed a lot for your airport. Personal opinion here, but I am constantly surprised that airfare has not general increased more than it has over the past several years. I’m sure that smaller airports feel the changes more than larger airports simply due to supply and demand. 

 

I wonder...do you often buy flights at the last minute? SW is generally very competitive unless you are buying last minute flights with only Business Select fares available. Of course, you know the Norfolk market far better than I. Just thinking out loud...

-A List, Companion Pass holder

Re: Stuck in ORF all the time!

showe011
Explorer C

Hey Elijah! Thanks for replying. 

Actually, no, I am not a last minute traveler. I'm a planner. I like to plan my travel at least a month in advance. The rates and the routes out of ORF are just oppressive. I literally feel stuck here. My only alternative is to drive an hour and a half to Richmond, VA for a little better flight options. Or three hour to Dulles International.

 

Still feeling stuck in ORF,

S.H.H.

Re: Stuck in ORF all the time!

SWDigits
Aviator A
I recommend using the low fare calendar, here is a pre-populated link for May for the ORF-MCO route:
https://www.southwest.com/air/low-fare-calendar/select-dates.html?adultPassengersCount=1&currencyCod...

I randomly clicked on the $88 fare for May 8th and that is the fare for a non-stop flight.

Your mileage may vary...

Customer | Home airport DCA