PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Vision Airlines dba) (Newport News/Williamsburg) has selected the low fare, a la carte service model that has become popular with U.S. carriers such as Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air and the newly-reorganized Frontier Airlines. The new airline issued this pricing announcement as it starts its ticket sales:
PEOPLExpress, the iconic brand that made air travel affordable and accessible, has announced the start of ticket sales for low-fare service from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) to seven destinations.
“After months of preparation, we are excited to start selling tickets to create a fun, creative and innovative approach to air travel and dispel the myth that low air fares have to mean low service or an impersonal experience,” said Jeff Erickson of PEOPLExpress. “We are encouraged by the very positive reception we’ve received about our new service. It’s time to Fly Smart.™”
PEOPLExpress takes off June 30 with two daily round-trip flights between Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF) and Newark, and one daily round-trip flight to both Boston and Pittsburgh.
On July 15, West Palm Beach is added with one daily round-trip.
On August 1, PEOPLExpress will add one daily roundtrip to Atlanta (except Tuesdays), followed on August 28 by three weekly roundtrips to St. Petersburg/Clearwater and three weekly flights to New Orleans. PEOPLExpress will operate from two gates on Concourse A at Newport News.
Vision Airlines, dba PEOPLExpress, will fly Boeing 737-400 aircraft operated by Vision Airlines bearing the logo of the popular 1980s carrier of the same name but with a fresh, green livery. Each aircraft has 150 seats – 138 with coach seating and 12 Living Large™ seats featuring more personal space for a fee. Both seating options will feature the same level of in-flight service.
Introductory fares start as low as $76 each way.
PEOPLExpress has developed a low-cost, a la carte service model that enables customers to create a customized travel product reflecting their individual wishes and budgets. Customers can choose to fly at an super-low price with friendly and attentive service but minimal frills or they can opt to purchase extras they want to make their trip more enjoyable, such as priority boarding, pre-assigned seating or an upgrade to a Living Large seat.
Fees for checked bags are lower than that of major carriers, at $20 for the first bag and $25 for the second. Living Large seats are available at $59 per flight segment, exit row seats are $25 each way, advance seat assignments are $15 each way while carry-on bags in overhead bins are $25 for each bag per segment. Beverages are available for purchase to accompany complimentary snacks.
All fares are per customer and include the base fare plus any applicable government-imposed taxes and fees. Some fees may be per segment while others may apply to connecting flights. Fares are subject to change until the flight has been purchased.
Complete schedules, times, fares and fees are available at any time at http://www.flypex.com or by calling toll-free (844) 435-9739 (or 844-4FLYPEX), from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Eastern time.
Bloomberg Businessweek takes a look at the new PE: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Ted Kitchens. Photos taken at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. The first Vision Airlines Boeing 737-400 to be repainted is the pictured 737-405 N745VA (msn 24271).
Vision Airlines: 
PEOPLExpress (1st):