OKC-LGA on American is back!!!! Originally announced a long time ago but then dropped due to the Pandemic.

https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2021/American-Airlines-Uses-Partnerships-to-Grow-Its-Network-Offer-Customers-More-Choice-and-Provide-a-Premier-Travel-Experience-in-the-Northeast-NET-ALP-04/default.aspx

OKC-LGA on American is back!!!! Originally announced a long time ago but then dropped due to the Pandemic.

https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2021/American-Airlines-Uses-Partnerships-to-Grow-Its-Network-Offer-Customers-More-Choice-and-Provide-a-Premier-Travel-Experience-in-the-Northeast-NET-ALP-04/default.aspx

Great news. Hope they would consider BOS service sometime soon.

Great news. Hope they would consider BOS service sometime soon.

DL would be more likely to launch OKC-BOS IMO - but I don't think DL has even resumed OKC-DTW yet? Very disappointing how little DL seems committed to OKC. Guess we're stuck with AA's subpar product for now. I suppose another possiblity for OKC-BOS would be B6 given the new partnership with AA, but I doubt B6 would start an entirely new station for that route.

Man we don't have Feb or March statistics. Usually both would be up by now

Very disappointing how little DL seems committed to OKC. Guess we're stuck with AA's subpar product for now.

As a Delta medallion, I second, third, and fourth this complaint. Ugh.

Delta has always had the bare minimum in OKC. It kind of sits in a weird geographical area in their network where they can’t achieve much strength to any of OKC’s passenger flows.

AA/UA/WN can offer monster capacity to Texas, Delta doesn’t have that luxury here.
OKC-Florida has been traditionally weak. Delta’s crown jewel is ATL being able to connect the country to Florida. A market that OKC just doesn’t contribute a ton to.

We are far enough from DTW/MSP/SLC to have a background presence in their respective networks from those hubs. It really is just an awkward geographical position that puts OKC at a fairly low priority for DL.

Delta has always had the bare minimum in OKC. It kind of sits in a weird geographical area in their network where they can’t achieve much strength to any of OKC’s passenger flows.

AA/UA/WN can offer monster capacity to Texas, Delta doesn’t have that luxury here.
OKC-Florida has been traditionally weak. Delta’s crown jewel is ATL being able to connect the country to Florida. A market that OKC just doesn’t contribute a ton to.

We are far enough from DTW/MSP/SLC to have a background presence in their respective networks from those hubs. It really is just an awkward geographical position that puts OKC at a fairly low priority for DL.

AA also has the advantage of their hubs being good point to point destinations as well. DFW, MIA, LAX, PHX, PHL are all places I could connect but I also might be going to just to visit. DTW/MSP/SLC? Eh not really. The only one like that for AA is CLT.

ATL is a fun place to visit within their hubs.

I don't know if that matters when picking routes but it can't hurt.

Southwest changing reservations on us like crazy the last two weeks. Every itinerary we have booked for this summer has been changed at least once in the last month. And each change they have sent us has not worked for us so we have to call and choose another flight than the one they booked us on. Customer service rep says the last two weeks they have been adding capacity back and it has jumbled the schedules a lot. They have re-booked me through BWI and MCO so it looks as though those nonstops are coming back this summer, with MCO being a bit of a surprise to me--they're trying it again, but FL is a popular place for vacations right now with less COVID restrictions and lots to see and do!

Yep, OKC-MCO is operational again as of a few weeks ago.

Southwest changing reservations on us like crazy the last two weeks. Every itinerary we have booked for this summer has been changed at least once in the last month. And each change they have sent us has not worked for us so we have to call and choose another flight than the one they booked us on. Customer service rep says the last two weeks they have been adding capacity back and it has jumbled the schedules a lot. They have re-booked me through BWI and MCO so it looks as though those nonstops are coming back this summer, with MCO being a bit of a surprise to me--they're trying it again, but FL is a popular place for vacations right now with less COVID restrictions and lots to see and do!

I have a SWA flight to Pensacola in July that has been changed 4 times already. I would get the emails of the changes, but surprisingly instead of originating in OKC, it might start in Houston. If I wasn't so anal these small details could easily be missed and we would have shown up to the airport and not have a flight. So I have to cancel my wife's companion reservation, then cancel everyone else's, then start over. Then I got an email last night they have changed my flight to San Jose, CA in August. I looked again and my flight origninates in Denver now, not OKC. It's been extremely tiring and let the agent know this morning on the phone. If the new flight schedules don't include my original origin city, then just cancel the flights!

2nd rant, is going back and rescheduling new flights, they are all more expensive and cost more points. Not too happy with SWA right now.

^^^Hmm, haven't the change of origin city problem, they just give us times that don't work. And they do rescheduling for free for the same city pair, they'll even let you move around your dates within 14 days of your original dates, so we have not had to pay anything extra in points or dollars. Not sure why they are charging you. It has been inconvenient, that's for sure. And the most inconvenient thing is having to call because they won't let you make those kind of changes online, and then when you call sometimes their automated call back option is not offered and the wait times have been 80 minutes plus! I am trying to be understanding because it is all pandemic related disruption, but it seems it could be handled better on their part and they usually are so good with customer service.

United Airlines is increasing the number of flights to IAH from 5 to 8 starting in July and will all be flown on the -175. I believe that is the number of flights that United was flying to IAH before the pandemic started.

United Airlines is increasing the number of flights to IAH from 5 to 8 starting in July and will all be flown on the -175. I believe that is the number of flights that United was flying to IAH before the pandemic started.

Domestic traffic seems to be bouncing back quicker than expected all across the country--this is great news!

I wish they'd resume their OKC-SFO route. I might just book a trip on that flight the day they resumed it.

I heard it is planned for August

I heard it is planned for AugustPerfect. I could use some Northern California weather in August.

March is up but not Feb

https://flyokc.com/sites/default/files/News/March2021Enplanement%20.pdf

United is increasing service from Chicago(ORD) to OKC in July from 2 flights a day to 3. Mix of CRJ-700 and EMB-175 . I don't recall but this seems similar to pre-pandemic

Domestic traffic seems to be bouncing back quicker than expected all across the country--this is great news!

I used miles to fly to Denver for family emergency, via United. The plane was a Canadair RJ 200, and I must say, I have never flown that body type before and I hope I never do again.

I used miles to fly to Denver for family emergency, via United. The plane was a Canadair RJ 200, and I must say, I have never flown that body type before and I hope I never do again.
They are terrible! I hate CRJs. The Embraers are my favorite.

The CRJ-200 came out in the late 90s and was a great concept to bring jet travel to communities that were smaller and only seeing prop planes. The CRJ-200 has been discontinued, but will probably remain in service for at least another decade. While the plane is small, it is good for getting on and off fast.

The CRJ-200 has its place (connecting cities via the Essential Air Service like you said) but I am somewhat surprised to see it used connecting a medium sized city like OKC and a hub. I’ve experienced it and it’s a pretty awful ride compared to just about any other commercial aircraft.

CRJ-200s are awful. I avoid them like the plague

Just finished an OKC-EYW-Tul- EYW-OKC run this week. TUL seems to have so much better amenities in their airport than we do. Several shops and even a place to get a massage. Decent name brand hotel basically on the property also. I know OKC has the Quality Inn but still consider those below Hilton Garden Inn (granted....not by much). TSA in TUL was using the newest technology where you just give them your license and no boarding pass required as it is already in their system.

Hopefully when OKC gets done...it will have a few more amenities and shops as we look pretty bad in comparison right now

^

Will Rogers is preparing to add a ton of new restaurants and shops and the entire security system and area will be reworked.

Should be done in the 3rd quarter of this year.

Just finished an OKC-EYW-Tul- EYW-OKC run this week. TUL seems to have so much better amenities in their airport than we do. Several shops and even a place to get a massage. Decent name brand hotel basically on the property also. I know OKC has the Quality Inn but still consider those below Hilton Garden Inn (granted....not by much). TSA in TUL was using the newest technology where you just give them your license and no boarding pass required as it is already in their system.

Hopefully when OKC gets done...it will have a few more amenities and shops as we look pretty bad in comparison right now

TUL is trying to figure out what to do with the old Sheraton that is closed (across the street from the HGI). There are talks of demolishing it and rebuilding as a nicer hotel/conference center on airport property.

Just finished an OKC-EYW-Tul- EYW-OKC run this week. TUL seems to have so much better amenities in their airport than we do. Several shops and even a place to get a massage. Decent name brand hotel basically on the property also. I know OKC has the Quality Inn but still consider those below Hilton Garden Inn (granted....not by much). TSA in TUL was using the newest technology where you just give them your license and no boarding pass required as it is already in their system.

Hopefully when OKC gets done...it will have a few more amenities and shops as we look pretty bad in comparison right now

Regarding on-airport hotels, I think the airport has had a somewhat of a missed opportunity by not spurring their retail development ideas on the north side of the airport property. They have had little interest in their retail aspirations for the east side. That is quickly becoming industrial/shipping; which is appropriate.

Developing along the main terminal egress road is common in other cities, and helps to provide some traffic that can sustain on airport hotels. I have never understood why the airport has had no interest in developing the northern area of the property which would never see any potential aviation use; but has been eager to develop the east property to non-aviation uses.

United will be increasing the flights per day from 3 to 5 to Denver from OKC starting in July. 5 flights a day seems to be pre-pandemic levels. It looks like United will be returning back to pre-pandemic levels for the OKC-DEN, IAH,ORD routes. Still not finding any nonstop to Dulles, but I imagine that may not be far away by looking at all the other cities that service is being increased to.

United will be increasing the flights per day from 3 to 5 to Denver from OKC starting in July. 5 flights a day seems to be pre-pandemic levels. It looks like United will be returning back to pre-pandemic levels for the OKC-DEN, IAH,ORD routes. Still not finding any nonstop to Dulles, but I imagine that may not be far away by looking at all the other cities that service is being increased to.4/5 flights on a CRJ200. No thanks. They should reduce the frequency back to 3 and up gauge the aircraft. I'm going to Denver in September but if these are the flight options you'll find me on Southwest (never my first, second, or third option) or driving.

4/5 flights on a CRJ200. No thanks. They should reduce the frequency back to 3 and up gauge the aircraft. I'm going to Denver in September but if these are the flight options you'll find me on Southwest (never my first, second, or third option) or driving.
Yeah the frequency is nice but the equipment choice sucks.

Regarding on-airport hotels, I think the airport has had a somewhat of a missed opportunity by not spurring their retail development ideas on the north side of the airport property. They have had little interest in their retail aspirations for the east side. That is quickly becoming industrial/shipping; which is appropriate.

Developing along the main terminal egress road is common in other cities, and helps to provide some traffic that can sustain on airport hotels. I have never understood why the airport has had no interest in developing the northern area of the property which would never see any potential aviation use; but has been eager to develop the east property to non-aviation uses.

I have never under stood this either. You leave the airport and you don't pass anything. No gas station no Braums. I mean come on their should be a braums as soon as you leave the airport. You get on Meridian than airport road and all you pass is the car rental and a few other buildings. it's kind of sad if you ask me.

It looks like as you go deeper into summer and then fall, the equipment type increases to Denver. More EMB-175s in September than August. I guess if demand allows, then the equipment types will continue to increase and we'll see a return to mainline before you know it :)

It looks like as you go deeper into summer and then fall, the equipment type increases to Denver. More EMB-175s in September than August. I guess if demand allows, then the equipment types will continue to increase and we'll see a return to mainline before you know it :)

United has not loaded any real schedule beyond July.

How would I search for cheap flights from OKC on a specific date? I'm not too concerned with the destination, just looking for a spontaneous trip.

How would I search for cheap flights from OKC on a specific date? I'm not too concerned with the destination, just looking for a spontaneous trip.

As you have specific dates I would use kayak Explore :
https://www.kayak.com/explore/OKC/20210609,20210621

For specific destinations but open dates I would advise Google flights.

Keep in mind, you ll have to check Southwest Airlines websites by yourself as their fare does not show on search engines.

Good luck

4/5 flights on a CRJ200. No thanks. They should reduce the frequency back to 3 and up gauge the aircraft. I'm going to Denver in September but if these are the flight options you'll find me on Southwest (never my first, second, or third option) or driving.

agreed. i would think that they should reduce and go to a larger plane... i would be more okay is having to work more around my schedule for a specific flight if the accommodations were better. something that amazes me that airlines haven't figured out yet

How would I search for cheap flights from OKC on a specific date? I'm not too concerned with the destination, just looking for a spontaneous trip.
Cheapoair isn’t bad. I use them a lot.

That CRJ-200 is dreadful

That CRJ-200 is dreadful

Yes it is. United has been doubling down on them. They are cheap to fly and somewhat reliable, and SkyWest is a pro at operating them.

But they still suck.

How would I search for cheap flights from OKC on a specific date? I'm not too concerned with the destination, just looking for a spontaneous trip.

I like SkyScanner for this.

Yes it is. United has been doubling down on them. They are cheap to fly and somewhat reliable, and SkyWest is a pro at operating them.

But they still suck.

It's pretty much pushed me away from United and back to American. I hate them. So cramped in there.

New airline to begin three routes from OKC, with service to SAT, TPA and MSY

https://paxex.aero/breeze-airways-launches-opeations-routes-first-flight/

New airline to begin three routes from OKC, with service to SAT, TPA and MSY

https://paxex.aero/breeze-airways-launches-opeations-routes-first-flight/

They will also be serving TUL with the same routes. Hopefully better than Via Air.

New airline to begin three routes from OKC, with service to SAT, TPA and MSY

https://paxex.aero/breeze-airways-launches-opeations-routes-first-flight/

Perfect. My son just graduated and accepted a cross country scholarship at Loyola New Orleans. This will make going down there to see him a lot easier.

Excellent. I mentioned them a while ago, but based on their initial guidance thought they would be more of a NE airline, not SE.

They will be much better than ViaAir.

YESSSSSSSSS Finally MSY. The time down there is great. 7am flight coming back here not so great.

Press release:

****************

BREEZE AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA CITY AS A NEW DESTINATION
Non-stop flights starting at $39 one way.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Friday, May 21, 2021 – Oklahoma City welcomes Breeze Airways, the new U.S. carrier from JetBlue founder David Neeleman. Breeze announced new nonstop service for unserved routes to Tampa, New Orleans, and San Antonio. Flights are on sale now at www.flybreeze.com and the Breeze app, starting at just $39 one way.

The first flight out of Oklahoma City will be to Tampa, Florida on July 1 followed by San Antonio and New Orleans on July 15. The entry of Breeze Airways to the area and the addition of three nonstop services will greatly enhance the overall air service in the Oklahoma City market by providing more travel options for travelers.

“We are excited to announce that Breeze has selected OKC and the Greater Oklahoma City area as one of its first markets, said Airports Director Mark Kranenburg. The markets Breeze has chosen for OKC are three of our top ten unserved markets.”

Joined by an experienced team of industry veterans, Mr Neeleman set out to build an airline that offers a great experience, with low fares and high flexibility. A staggering 90 percent of Breeze routes currently have no airline serving them nonstop. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly.

Breeze’s introductory fares start at just $39 and there are no change or cancellation fees. Passengers earn credit called “BreezePoints” on all purchases that can be used towards future flights or other ancillary products, such as bags and seat assignments. Guests can change or cancel a flight up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure without penalty. Unused funds from changes and cancellations are automatically saved in the Guest’s Breeze account and do not expire for 24 months.

During booking, passengers have the option to choose fares that can affect the price of a fare, items that may be accepted for carry-on, and seating options. To learn more about Breeze and their booking options visit www.flybreeze.com.

Well we will see if Neeleman can strike gold again after JetBlue.

Are the new gates expected to be completed by July?

YESSSSSSSSS Finally MSY. The time down there is great. 7am flight coming back here not so great.

We were just looking at that. Great times for my son flying home for weekend (MSY-OKC) but we will probably be flying Southwest home on Sundays as I am not doing 7 am return flights on weekend trips.

This is awesome.

Great news for OKC. But, another flight to Texas. Meh.

Breeze will be using Gate #1

Great news for OKC. But, another flight to Texas. Meh.

Breeze will be using Gate #1

SAT and AUS are the two of the biggest regional markets currently unserved from OKC and TUL. MCI (Kansas City) is the other one but I suspect Southwest will start that route back up after the new airport is finished there. AUS could likely either be served by Southwest or Delta at some point as they build up their focus city to include regional connections.

I think COS is a market that could work from Oklahoma for an airline like Breeze.

I NEVER thought we would get a look from Breeze this early. This is really a big get. Neeleman is a very successful airline guy, so this has a real shot at being a long term thing for OKC. I really hope I can try them out sometime soon. Can't believe service starts so quickly after the announcement! So, so, cool.

Excited to see how this progresses! Definitely hoping to see the routes from OKC grow in the future...and very pleased to see that OKC and TUL were on the radar screens of the leadership at Breeze as viable markets for their launch.

Idle question spawned by this - has any airline ran a non-stop OKC-TUL flight, or are they just too close to make it not profitable since the drive cost isn't too bad?

Idle question spawned by this - has any airline ran a non-stop OKC-TUL flight, or are they just too close to make it not profitable since the drive cost isn't too bad?
I too have wondered this and thought it is the perfect reason to build HSR.

Idle question spawned by this - has any airline ran a non-stop OKC-TUL flight, or are they just too close to make it not profitable since the drive cost isn't too bad?

It has been several decades, but yes.

Granted between modern security and a range of other factors commercial flights there are no longer going to save time, plus the vast majority of development of the two cities since WW2 pretty much demand most residents need to own a car, so even if the flight were free then it would still cost more to fly there and rent/hire a car verse driving yourself.

United, American, Delta, and Great Plains ran OKC-TUL at various times through history.

Idle question spawned by this - has any airline ran a non-stop OKC-TUL flight, or are they just too close to make it not profitable since the drive cost isn't too bad?

Pan Am back in the 60's.