Posts: 1059
From: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada , Owner at Harbour Inn and Resort Club, Brechin, Ontario and a Lowveld week
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-30-2005 04:53               

---

I'm seeing some good fares from Buffalo to Las Vegas for October. I don't know anything about this airline, and hope that some folks have had dealings with them. What are your impressions or experiences flying Independence? Thanks for any info you could share.

Dori

IP: Logged

Posts: 1657
From: Ocala, FL;, Mt. Amanzi, Place on the Bay, Seapointer, Strand Pavilion
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-30-2005 06:16               

---

I've used them, primarily because of their cheap fares. Have always been satisfied...so far. Will fly them again in about 3 weeks.
Connie

IP: Logged

Posts: 1033
From: Northern VA
Registered: Jul 2002

posted 05-30-2005 08:50               

---

Independence was a regional carrier that flew most of the Atlantic Express routes for United. They went public last year. They are struggling to stay in business. I'm flying to Florida in August and I'm hoping they are still in business.

IP: Logged

Posts: 1958
From: Melbourne Beach, FL & Steamboat Springs CO. owner: Celebrity Resort World of Orlando; The Ridge Tahoe; Hatteras High; Worldmark. member:II,RCI,DAE,SFX
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-30-2005 11:06               

---

I'm flying from Orlando to Washington Dulles on Independence tomorrow.
They changed my flight by several hours without notifying me. The change showed online.

IP: Logged

Posts: 92
From: Virginia Owner: Marriott's Grande Vista, Marriott's Ocean Pointe
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 05-30-2005 11:39            

---

I am flying with them this upcoming weekend. Better check my flight times! I have flown with them once before and was very satisfied with the service and the price!

------------------
MAW - Hawaii/Kauai Photos

IP: Logged

Posts: 1657
From: Ocala, FL;, Mt. Amanzi, Place on the Bay, Seapointer, Strand Pavilion
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-31-2005 04:05               

---

Interesting. I just got notification by phone that my itinerary for mid June just got changed...by ten minutes. It's always a good idea with any airline to keep checking times, though.
/connie

IP: Logged

Posts: 273
From: Batavia, New York. Krystal Vallarta
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 05-31-2005 12:18               

---

I considered using Independence Air when they first began flying from Buffalo. Their routing is horrible!! Seems that every flight, at least every flight from BNIA, flys into Dulles where you connect. Since I needed to fly into Boston, Chicago and JFK, they couldn't have a price low enough to cause me to book with them and I didn't find their prices so great anyway. Your travel time is increased by several hours. There are other carriers serving Las Vegas from Buffalo-check them out.

------------------
Jim

IP: Logged

Posts: 1958
From: Melbourne Beach, FL & Steamboat Springs CO. owner: Celebrity Resort World of Orlando; The Ridge Tahoe; Hatteras High; Worldmark. member:II,RCI,DAE,SFX
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-31-2005 16:23               

---

My flight was fine. The plane seemed new. The flight left on time and landed on time. The flight attendants even brought the passangers warm, moist towlettes after the "snack". (Not much of a snack actually, chips or cookies)
Yes, all of their flights do go into/out of Washington Dulles.

IP: Logged

Posts: 2941
From:
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 06-01-2005 15:43            

---

We just flew them this weekend and didn't like anything but the price. They have a baggage valet service but didn't mention it in advance, and my hubby and I both crouched all the way to the back of plane with our rollaboards to find there's no way to shove em into the overhead bins. The flt attendant saw us head back into the plane with luggage and should have stopped us then and there. Hubby is 6'4" and bumped his head several times; the center aisle ceiling height is probably 6 ft max. We also got delayed an hour aboard the plane coming back home, waiting for only three passengers to make a connection from Las Vegas. There was a 10:30 a.m. flt they could have been put on, but they delayed our 8:10 a.m. an hour, just for those three passengers. At Dulles airport, their hub, their lines and kiosks are poorly organized with bad signage, not directing people properly. We kept our cool since we were at airport early, but others in line were irate and near to missing their flights because of that 45+ min. baggage check-in line. Kiosk for boarding pass is the way to go if you fly them; travel light and check-in is going to be easier.

They have warm and pleasant flt attendants, but you can't sugarcoat poor overall concept and service with smiles, mints and warm towels. Having said that, we flew one way ATL-IAD for 29 bucks and taxes/fees, so that was the lure. (Our return was $54 and taxes/fees, making the total r/t per person about $108.) I'd fly them again if I could get the $29 each way sale that makes feeling like a sardine tolerable.

[This message has been edited by Carol C (edited 06-01-2005).]

IP: Logged