Low-cost carrier is adding flights before starting here

Low-cost carrier Independence Air doesn't start service at Huntsville International Airport until Oct. 1, but the Dulles, Va.-based airline is already adding to its schedule here.

Independence Air will launch nonstop service Nov. 3 aboard its 50-seat jets to both Orlando and Tampa from six cities, including Huntsville. The schedule from each of these cities will include two daily nonstop flights to both Florida cities.

The Huntsville flights to Orlando International Airport will depart at 9:35 a.m. and 7:05 p.m. The Orlando flights to Huntsville depart at 8:25 a.m. and 5:50 p.m.

The Huntsville flights to Tampa International Airport depart at 7 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. The Tampa flights to Huntsville depart at 12:35 p.m. and 8:25 p.m.

Independence Air is offering special seven-day advance-purchase Internet sale fares to both Orlando and Tampa from Huntsville for $59 one-way. Regular fares will be as low at $69 one-way to no more than $149 one-way, officials said.

Huntsville International officials are looking forward to having 10 flights a day from Huntsville on its first low-fare carrier.

"We're confident that the community will take advantage of low fares to these Florida destinations," said airport spokeswoman Cindy Maloney.

Starting Oct. 1, Huntsville travelers can fly on Independence Air to its hub at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., for as low as $69 one-way and no higher than $129 one-way. The airline plans six daily nonstop flights to Dulles with connecting flights from there to 30 cities across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

For the special sale fares to Orlando and Tampa, travel must be booked by Sept. 27 and be completed by Jan. 31, 2005. Sale fares are limited and may not be available on all flights. No sale fares are available on Nov. 23 and 24, Nov. 28 and 29, Dec. 23 and 24, Dec. 26 and 27, Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 and 3, 2005.