Fare sales are fine, but structural rate cuts are better. That’s what Horizon Air has done on the important Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) to Portland, Or (PDX) route. The carrier’s rates are now as much as 50 percent lower. Unrestricted seats on Horizon’s every half-hour flights from SEA and PDX are now $99. That fare is a fully refundable, walk-up rate.
Fourteen-day advance purchase tickets go for $59 now, and seven-day advance purchase seats for $79. Both these latter fares carry restrictions. Neither taxes nor fees are included. They’re extra
While a cheap flight is the biggest perk of all, Horizon Air is adding new airplanes to the route too. Beginning September 9, half of the carrier’s 31 flights each business day will be via either new, quiet 76-seat Q400 propjets, or 70-seat CRJ-700 pure jets.
The airline is replacing its venerable 37-seat Q200 propjets. Interestingly, there’s a link between new airplanes and lower fares. Q400s are more efficient than efficient Q200s, and carry significantly more fliers. That allows Horizon to cut fares, and get people off the freeway.
Horizon is upgrading the ground experience too, at least in Portland. The carrier has expanded and remodeled Gates A2 through A5. Look for stand-up desks, lots of power outlets, free Wi-Fi courtesy of PDX, more seats, and video monitors with sports and news.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler
