Notes from Charlotte County, Florida

The not so best kept secret is out! According to this morning’s Charlotte Sun-Herald, Skybus Airlines is in fact setting up shop here at the Charlotte County Airport! Although the official announcement will not come until this Thursday, it is now safe to say that the Columbus based low-coast airline will open for business soon in the new 16,000-square-foot terminal which is all but complete at the Charlotte County Airport, here in Punta Gorda.

Did we say low-cost? You bet! At least 10 seats on every flight will sell for $10! But keep your wallets out because you may want to buy a few extras such as luggage; each passenger is allowed just one carry-on and can, for a cost of $5 each, buy passage for two more pieces of luggage not exceeding 50 pounds. Want a pillow and/or blanket? No problem says Skybus but there is a small charge. The good news here is those particular items are yours to keep. In-flight refreshments are also chargeable perks and since boarding and seating is on a first come, first serve basis, you may want to purchase one of the limited priority seating passes for $10.

Skybus’ Columbus Ohio hub also takes flights from many other airports around the country; check out their website at www.Skybus.com for all routing. Keep in mind that they also fly to Cancun, Mexico and Nassau, Bahamas.

This is truly great news for all of us here in Charlotte County and kudos to the Airport Authority for making it all happen!