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| GETTING READY FOR TAKEOFF: Work on the new American gate at Love Field is underway. Construction will be completed in time for the March 2 launch of four new routes to Austin, San Antonio, Kansas City and St. Louis . |
Let the competition begin.
For years, Southwest Airlines has been arguing to repeal the Wright Amendment the federal law that limits flights from Love Field to states contiguous to Texas. In December, Southwest scored a small victory when Congress granted an exemption that would permit flights from Love to Missouri.
But Southwest isn’t the only carrier that can take advantage of the new rule. American Airlines is getting into the game, too.
This week, American and American Eagle began a media blitz promoting new routes between Love Field and Kansas City and St. Louis, as well as intrastate flights to Austin and San Antonio. Starting next month, the airlines will fly 16 flights daily out of three new gates.
“We consistently have said that if the Wright Amendment changed and Southwest Airlines expanded its operations at Love Field, we would move flights and do what’s necessary to remain competitive,” Dan Garton, vice president of marketing for American, said in a press release.
“We had to reduce flights at DFW in order to make these resources available for service at Love Field,” said Tim Kincaid, manager of corporate communications for American.
The turnaround has been quick less than three months. But Kincaid said gates will be finished and a temporary ticket counter will be available March 2, the first day flights are scheduled.
American is backing up the launch with some incentives. Customers who fly at least three round-trips out of Love or DFW airport until May 26 will receive 30,000 frequent flyer miles. (Fly six round-trips in the same period and the miles double to 60,000.) An additional 1,000 bonus miles will be offered for purchases made on American’s Web site, aa.com.
Fares at Love Field will be in line with American’s “lowest fare guarantee” price structure, which does away with the necessity for a Saturday overnight stay in order to get the best price. One-way fares will run $54 within Texas or $79 to Missouri.
For more information, visit aa.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition of February 3, 2006
