^ Well put, I fly Airtran to Cleveland Akron because it's cheap, easy to get in and out of, and it's a nice airport overall.

aww please mts.

 

me saving around a ridiculous $200 on a rt ticket for a short trip like that is nothing to sneeze at.

 

you know what? if sarta and cak can work out routing a stop on the cvsr to cak airport, northeast ohio could potentially have three airports eventually all interconnected via rail transit. hopkins+burke+cak=3! now that would truly be a world class air travel amenity.

 

well each person has to evaluate the cost for their budget, but $200 to drive to/from Akron doesn't equate a "savings" for all.

 

In addition, if Irregular Ops. happen, you're at the mercy of the airline in Akron.

We get it MTS, you think that the only airport with commercial service should be Hopkins.  :lol:

 

(added smiley face as i realized that the comment was a little too peppery)

We get it MTS, you think that the only airport with commercial service should be Hopkins.

 

Whoooooaaaaaaaaaa.....slow your roll.  I never said or implied that. 

Tongue in Cheek sir, tongue in cheek :-)

lol! well lightning could strike me on the head too! but in that specific case no, i'd just take another flight.

 

you could look at it from the other way as i did -- that adding $200 to a $150 plane flight is a complete disgrace and a rip-off that i refuse to support. instead, we get to spend some time in amish country with the folks, take in an aeros game, who knows what else? otherwise, thats also why a rail connection eventually would be a boon for people in more of a hurry and would also allow for better access to more flight choices.

Seriously.  I don't use Akron-Canton, it doesn't have the flight options I need.  Nor is it economical or practical for other reasons.

 

However someone south of Akron or Canton, if they are going to NYC, and the fare is withing $100 bucks, its an option since youre going to pay for parking, gas & time at Hopkins.

 

 

fine for you, but if you dont use it how would you even know? cak is a very nice little airport that is very easy to get in and out of. also, your own situation does not apply to all clevelanders.

fine for you, but if you dont use it how would you even know? cak is a very nice little airport that is very easy to get in and out of. also, your own situation does not apply to all clevelanders.

 

no I don't use the airport, but I never said MY situation fits all Clevelanders (or NE Ohioans).  There are many variables.  As I stated before - or did you miss that - each person has to evaluate their time/money for each situation.

huh? where did you see quotes? :wink:

 

but seriously, for the majority of people knocking $200 off per ticket does not take much evaluation.

huh? where did you see quotes? :wink:

 

but seriously, for the majority of people knocking $200 off per ticket does not take much evaluation.

 

Serious question.  The ticket might be $200 cheaper, but with gas, time and possibly parking.  What is the net cost, and is it still worth it?

Just a quick but in thought.

 

Even a net $100.00 will pay for a one night stay in a decent hotel. It costs more to park at Hopkins than it does in Akron, so with an economically efficient vehicle; you could probably net at-least $150.00 to $175.00.

^ thats what i figured too, esp if we get picked up at the airport by my relatives. at the very least the savings is going to pay for some amish trail bologna & aeros tickets!

Not all airports in Ohio are doing poorly, even in this environment.

 

Akron-Canton Airport Welcomes 7.7 Percent More Passengers in June  

 

GREEN, Ohio, July 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Things were hopping at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) in June.  Just 27 passengers short of an all-time record June (set in 2005), the airport enjoyed a substantial increase in travel during the month.  More than 134,000 travelers used CAK in June 2008; a 7.7 percent increase compared to the same month last year.  Plus, the passenger figure represents our fifth best month in airport history.

 

Full story at http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20080714/pl_usnw/akron_canton_airport_welcomes77_percent_more_passengers_in_june

 

About Akron-Canton Airport

Akron-Canton Airport kicked off CAK 2018, its 10-year, $110-million Capital Improvement in March of this year.  The plan is the most ambitious in the airports 62-year history and includes a 600 ft. runway extension allowing full-sized jets to reach the west coast, Caribbean and Mexico.  Other projects include a Customs and Border Patrol Facility, extended upper level concourse and the construction of Port Green, an industrial park that could bring more than 1,000 high paying jobs to northeast Ohio.  Photos of the airport are available at www.flickr.com/akroncantonairport ; and Facebook members are warmly invited to join the Akron-Canton Airport group at www.Facebook.com by searching for Akron-Canton Airport.  Additional information including flight reservations, driving instructions, and relaxation station is available at www.akroncantonairport.com, CAKs comprehensive web portal.

 

SOURCE: Akron - Canton Regional Airport

speaking of cak numbers....i wonder what the numbers of beer sales are in the great lakes pub there? i certainly added to them recently. heh.

Akron-Canton airport running counter to the New Republic vision... 

http://www.akronnewsnow.com/business/itemdetail.asp?ID=23921&section=business&subsection=generalbusiness&title=CAK_Has_Best_Month_Ever

 

 

CAK Has Best Month Ever

8/25/2008 6:55:04 PM  |  Marcy Pappafava

 

The Akron Canton Airport set a new passenger record in July.  Although not exactly like the Olympics in Beijing, the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is on a medal stand of its own celebrating a new monthly record - with 149,757 passengers traveling to/from CAK in the month of July, crushing the old record by5,541 passengers (set in July 2005). Compared to the same month last year, the airport hosted 20,005 more passengers in July 2008; a 15.4% increase. Year-to-date more than 837,000 travelers have used the airport compared to 802,442 last year, a 4.3 percent increase. The monthly record marks the best month in our 62-year history.

CHOPPED

Akron-Canton airport tries to add flights to Washington D.C.

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

POSTED: 11:12 a.m. EDT, Oct 13, 2008

 

Akron-Canton Airport is in the running for its first, nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.  Airport and regional officials have been trying to obtain a nonstop Washington flight for more than a decade, said Kristie Van Auken, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for the airport.

 

‘‘We have really never been this close,’’ said Van Auken.  Landing and takeoff slots at Ronald Reagan National Airport are restricted by the U.S. government and rarely open, said Van Auken.  The slots will be awarded by mid to late November with service to start hopefully within 60 days from that time, said Van Auken.

 

Full story at http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/30890979.html

Although I don't generally find A-C airport necessary, this flight could and most likely will result in lower fares and possibly more frequency on flights from CLE to DCA/IAD.

Master and MyTwoSense, feel free to take it up via Private Messaging. Thanks.

 

Cak to DC is here! 

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/35140379.html

 

Group effort lands nonstop D.C. flight from Akron-Canton

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

POSTED: 01:40 p.m. EST, Nov 26, 2008

 

Flying to Washington, D.C., from the Akron area will be easier in January.  The Akron-Canton Airport has been notified that US Airways won a coveted opening for its first nonstop flight to Ronald Reagan National Airport.  Landing and takeoff slots at National are restricted by the government and rarely open up. Akron-Canton Airport, through its airline partners, has been trying for a slot for the last 10 years. It was denied most recently in 2003.

CHOPPED

Based on what is being reported in this article; this has been long awaited. There appears to be a need, as well. There is a large population of people and business men and women who make A-C Airport very viable. I can speak from experience when I say how much of a pain in the rear end it is to live in Akron and have to go all the way to Cleveland Hopkins just to fly to certain destinations. Contrary to what some may believe, this will have little to no negative affect on Cleveland Hopkins, but a very positive affect on Metropolitan Akron, Canton, Massilon. This will probably envoke some Fare Wars between A-C and C-H Airports, that will be good for all N.E. Ohio travelers to and from D.C.

Based on what is being reported in this article; this has been long awaited. There appears to be a need, as well. There is a large population of people and business men and women who make A-C Airport very viable. I can speak from experience when I say how much of a pain in the rear end it is to live in Akron and have to go all the way to Cleveland Hopkins just to fly to certain destinations. Contrary to what some may believe, this will have little to no negative affect on Cleveland Hopkins, but a very positive affect on Metropolitan Akron, Canton, Massilon. This will probably envoke some Fare Wars between A-C and C-H Airports, that will be good for all N.E. Ohio travelers to and from D.C.

 

One flight isn't going to hurt Hopkins and like you said, this could be a fare war in the works.  Hopkins to DC is expensive as hell.

 

HOpefully continental will respond with more service and some lower fares as it did when Independence Air entered the market.

The fare structure for the 50-seat regional jet will be business class, not a discount route, said McQueen.

 

But McQueen said it still might be possible for leisure travelers to get decent fares with a Saturday stay-over.

 

Doesn't look like it will start a fare war as an all business class flight

The fare structure for the 50-seat regional jet will be business class, not a discount route, said McQueen.

 

But McQueen said it still might be possible for leisure travelers to get decent fares with a Saturday stay-over.

 

Doesn't look like it will start a fare war as an all business class flight

 

Thats bad reporting, especially for those who are not frequent flyers.  There are no BUSINESS CLASS SEATS on a regional jet.

 

THe RJ that will be used on this route has one class of service, COACH.

 

Even though "coach" class, the fare will be a business fare since most going/coming to DC are not staying over a weekend/Saturday night.

^ It says business class fare structure, not discount...how is that bad reporting?  Most people with common sense would know that it's not going to be a business class style seat on a 50 seat regional jet for a 45 minute flight. 

 

At any rate, it's not going to start a fare war with a business class "FARE" structure.

 

 

I think that even though it will be Business Class Prices, convenience will keep many Akron, Canton, Massilon Travelers, who would normally commute to C-H, right at home at A-C Airport. This may cause C-H to offer those would be commuters a price incentive, if they notice a sizable decline in ridership on that route. I guess it depends on how much of a reduction, if any, C-H will see on that route. I do expect that there will be some reductions, not fatal or even very painful, but some. With the economy the way it is, even some can be more painful than usual. When you feel a pain, you do something about it.

I think that even though it will be Business Class Prices, convenience will keep many Akron, Canton, Massilon Travelers, who would normally commute to C-H, right at home at A-C Airport. This may cause C-H to offer those would be commuters a price incentive, if they notice a sizable decline in ridership on that route. I guess it depends on how much of a reduction, if any, C-H will see on that route. I do expect that there will be some reductions, not fatal or even very painful, but some. With the economy the way it is, even some can be more painful than usual. When you feel a pain, you do something about it.

 

And the flip side is, will the AK route be profitable in this economy?  If not, it could be pulled and those passengers will be right back at Hopkins.

 

And the flip side is, will the AK route be profitable in this economy? If not, it could be pulled and those passengers will be right back at Hopkins.

 

"True that." The fact that route hasn't existed to this point in time suggests that there has never been a huge demand for it. It's hard to believe everyone could simply miss an opportunity with the demand all in their face. How likely is it that this demand suddenly appeared? Either someone has totally slipped all of these years or they believe that the new business influx between South Akron and North Canton has been increasing the demand.

 

 

The demand is there.  Its just a pain in the behind to get a slot at Reagan.  Like they've said, they have been trying for 10 years.  The market for CAK isn't South Akron and North Canton, its all of Northeast Ohio and probably even Northwest Ohio and Southeast Ohio and going into PA.  If I live in Mentor, Mansfield, or Medina and I need to get to DC and Akron has the flight times I need, then I'll fly out of CAK.  Its not going to be a whole lot of difference driving to CAK vs driving to CLE. 

 

Hopefully they can do so well, they'll want to upgrade the size of the jet.

^ Very true, if you map it, CAK is closer to Marrietta OH (114 miles) than CMH(123 miles).  I don't think people realize the geographic area it draws from.  For anyone living along the entire I77 corridor of OH and into W VA and western PA it is a convenient airport.  I'd suspect the growth at CAK has more to do with stealing customers from YNG(which barely operates anymore) and PIT(which is expensive since US Air closed the hub) than from CLE. 

 

I once had a flight into CAK from ORD that got rerouted to CLE for weather.  There were a lot of people from PA, Youngstown and points east and south that were pissed.

I never thought about it until you guys mentioned it, but for travelers south and southeast of Akron, east of Akron and Southwest of Akron, there is only one real airport serving them. There are some really long distances either of those directions until you reach another real airport. A-C is really serving a huge area, which because of distance and the Akron-Canton-Massilon Metro, contains a lot of people and businesses.

Just like Cleveland serves Erie PA, and probably Toledo at this point.  I knew a friend that drove from Ann Arbor to CLE for a flight because it was hundreds of dollars cheaper than Detroit.

 

It's all good, and impressive that Northeast Ohio has 2 healthy airports, that's a big league metro area in my book.  Most Clevelanders though, think there is nothing south of I480 from my experience at CSU.

 

 

Just like Cleveland serves Erie PA, and probably Toledo at this point.  I knew a friend that drove from Ann Arbor to CLE for a flight because it was hundreds of dollars cheaper than Detroit.

 

It's all good, and impressive that Northeast Ohio has 2 healthy airports, that's a big league metro area in my book.  Most Clevelanders though, think there is nothing south of I480 from my experience at CSU.

 

 

 

Don't you mean the turnpike?  Does any really care what's south of the Turnpike, NE Ohio is all that matters, we carry the state.  :-P

Just like Cleveland serves Erie PA, and probably Toledo at this point. I knew a friend that drove from Ann Arbor to CLE for a flight because it was hundreds of dollars cheaper than Detroit.

 

And conversely, I've driven to Detroit to get direct flights to Des Moines and Green Bay which weren't available out of CLE (if you're going to fly to DTW anyway and have a layover, it's just as easy to drive it from Lorain).

Please, any Clevelander would pimp themselves out to CAK if they found a cheaper fare, they just don't want to admit it :-D.  I seem to recall a certain U4IA getting closed down, and suddenly all the Cleveland queens were flocking to Interbelt...sound familiar?

 

Seriously though, the downtowns are 40 minutes apart, it's funny how provincial they evolved from one another.  For me in Chicago, ORD = CLE and MDW = CAK.  They are about the same distance apart.

Please, any Clevelander would pimp themselves out to CAK if they found a cheaper fare, they just don't want to admit it :-D.  I seem to recall a certain U4IA getting closed down, and suddenly all the Cleveland queens were flocking to Interbelt...sound familiar?

 

Seriously though, the downtowns are 40 minutes apart, it's funny how provincial they evolved from one another.  For me in Chicago, ORD = CLE and MDW = CAK.  They are about the same distance apart.

 

However, we are talking about Cleveland metro and each flyers situation is different. Me, I'm going to destinations that are not served by CAK. 

 

To me, anyone who drives 40 minutes to save $75 isn't really saving anything.  Gas, TIME, parking fees, etc.  And in an irregular opps situation, going to CAK you're screwed.

There are situations when it is definitely beneficial to comute either way. Also, parking prices at A-C are a fraction of what they are at C-H. And who said you have to drive. You can mass transportation it all the way. Akron Metro offers very comfortable reclining seats for napping. Pick it up downtown Cleveland and relax, worry free. I've done it.

 

 

There are situations when it is definitely beneficial to comute either way. Also, parking prices at A-C are a fraction of what they are at C-H. And who said you have to drive. You can mass transportation it all the way. Akron Metro offers very comfortable reclining seats for napping. Pick it up downtown Cleveland and relax, worry free. I've done it.

 

 

 

LOL  thanks but no thanks, I prefer rail connections to my airport.  lol

So you won't use LaGuardia then?

So you won't use LaGuardia then?

I said prefer.  LGA does not offer rail service, the bus route that serves LGA is a few blocks away from my house and LGA is a 20 minute ride.

 

Comparing LGA to Manhattan and Cleveland toCAK is comparing apples to oranges.

Please, any Clevelander would pimp themselves out to CAK if they found a cheaper fare, they just don't want to admit it :-D.  I seem to recall a certain U4IA getting closed down, and suddenly all the Cleveland queens were flocking to Interbelt...sound familiar?

 

Seriously though, the downtowns are 40 minutes apart, it's funny how provincial they evolved from one another.  For me in Chicago, ORD = CLE and MDW = CAK.  They are about the same distance apart.

 

However, we are talking about Cleveland metro and each flyers situation is different. Me, I'm going to destinations that are not served by CAK. 

 

To me, anyone who drives 40 minutes to save $75 isn't really saving anything.  Gas, TIME, parking fees, etc.  And in an irregular opps situation, going to CAK you're screwed.

 

When I flew to Wisconsin I left my keys in the ignition in the parking lot at CVG. Imagine my frustration as my trip was ruined constantly looking for keys in the wrong city. I called a lock smith right before my flight back to Cincinnati to have him meet me at the car in the parking lot. As soon as I arrived and went to my car I saw that they were in the ignition! That wouldn't have even happend if they had rail service!

So you won't use LaGuardia then?

I said prefer.  LGA does not offer rail service, the bus route that serves LGA is a few blocks away from my house and LGA is a 20 minute ride.

 

Comparing LGA to Manhattan and Cleveland toCAK is comparing apples to oranges.

 

Take the AirTran to JFK haha

So you won't use LaGuardia then?

I said prefer.  LGA does not offer rail service, the bus route that serves LGA is a few blocks away from my house and LGA is a 20 minute ride.

 

Comparing LGA to Manhattan and Cleveland toCAK is comparing apples to oranges.

 

Take the AirTran to JFK haha

Sweetie, NO just no. 

[*]I can damn near see LGA from my house.  The east-west runway lineup goes over my street.  So its about convenience.

[*]When I go to JFK, I'm in a car as I'm usually coming from the office and other staff members are with me.

LOL  thanks but no thanks, I prefer rail connections to my airport.  lol

 

NYC is served by 3 airports, two of which are served by rail, one of which is not.  You PREFER the one that is not, which completely negates the statement above.  Your ersatz logic only applies within the borders of Ohio apparently.

 

Maybe you should have just answered "I prefer whatever airport is most convenient to my house" Instead, a condescending negative comment must be made on every post. 

 

We get it, you have an axe to grind about CAK stealing business from CLE, and you take it out by belittling it every chance you get on this thread.  If CAK is so off your radar, why are you even reading and participating in this thread?

Do not delete this post!

NYC is served by 3 airports, two of which are served by rail, one of which is not.  You PREFER the one that is not, which completely negates the statement above.  Your ersatz logic only applies within the borders of Ohio apparently.

 

NYC is not served by any part with direct one seat rail access like Cleveland.  As I stated earlier I PREFER.

 

JFK - You must tranfser from the NYC subway/LIRR to the airtrain

EWR - You must transfer from the NJT/select Amtrak trains to the airtrain.

 

If I live in Harlem, why on earth would I go to an airport out of my way just to ride the train??? 

 

Maybe you should have just answered "I prefer whatever airport is most convenient to my house" Instead, a condescending negative comment must be made on every post. 

No, I answered appropriately for my needs.  Condescending or negative, puh-lease.  You have never been witness to my brand of condescendence and I hope I never have to go there.  I'm (funny ha-ha) sarcastic and I think you've been here long enough to know that about my personality.

 

 

We get it, you have an axe to grind about CAK stealing business from CLE, and you take it out by belittling it every chance you get on this thread.  If CAK is so off your radar, why are you even reading and participating in this thread?

 

NO, apparently you don't get it.  One thing I will not tolerate is anyone "making assumptions" about my comments.  I'm direct and to the point.

 

CAK is not stealing business this new route will hopefully enhance access to ALL of Northeast Ohio.  I've stated facts about service, pro and con.  If you don't like the TRUTH I can't help that.

 

CLE and CAK compete on some routes however, CAK is a secondary airport for the region since it's not a hub nor is it served by as many destinations as CLE.  It's not a dig at CAK but the truth.  As a FREQUENT business and leisure flyer that deals with many airlines professionally I ask quite a few questions about service and operations.

 

Bottom line, this new service is being launched at a time when travel is reducing to 9-11 levels.  The entire travel and tourism industry is going thru a slow down. 

 

I think my critiques/comments about starting this service at this time are right on point.

• Will flyers (business and leisure) use the service?
  
• High Fares on a regional jet to DC, will it attract leisure travelers?  In this economy and with this routes post holiday start (the slowest travel season) how many passengers will be attracted to this flight?
  
• Will United (via connection) and Continental retaliate?
  
• When irregular options happen on flights to/from CAK you have very few choices for re-accommodation.  Flights are diverted to cleveland or cancelled?
  

 

Why I participate in this thread. To engage in multileveled conversations. It's not always pretty, but it is accurate and on point.

 

Now can we discuss the subject?

I think Akron-Canton is a primary airport to those who regularly fly routes out of that airport and to people who live more within it's range. It is much more of a convenient, peaceful and often low cost (Overall) place to fly out of. Especially if you live close.

 

To these people, Cleveland is the secondary airport. Of-course Cleveland-Hopkins is bigger. Cleveland is a bigger city. Quite obviously you can go more places direct. But to call one or the other primary or secondary, doesn't seem acurate. No one has officially named one or the other primary or secondary. It's a matter of perception. I'll bet if you ask people in Spring Filed or North Canton which is their primary airport, with the exception of a few who can truly benefit by making that trip to Cleveland, they'll say Akron-Canton.

 

 

 

Akron-Canton Airport has second best April ever; up for the first four months of 2009

May 15, 2009

 

Green, OH: Low fares, convenient nonstop service and a better customer experience are proving to be a powerful combination to attract additional passengers at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK).  A total of 119,242 customers traveled to and from CAK in April 2009, an 8 percent increase from April 2008 beating it by more than 8,800 customers.  The airport’s best April ever was in 2006.

 

The boost in passengers was driven by US Airways Express and AirTran Airways.  US Airways Express saw an increase of 43 percent compared to April of last year carrying a total of 16,247 passengers.  Strong boardings on the carrier’s new nonstop service to Washington, D.C. contributed to the large increase.  CAK is running ahead for the first four months of the year too.  Through April, the airport has welcomed a total 442,456 passengers, a 2.35 percent increase compared to the same four months in 2008.  This is particularly noteworthy since CAK broke an all time passenger record last year.

 

More at http://news.yahoo.com

 

 

About Akron-Canton Airport

Akron-Canton Airport kicked off CAK 2018, its 10-year, $110-million Capital Improvement Plan in 2008.  The plan is the most ambitious in the airport’s 63-year history and includes a 600 ft. runway extension.  Photos of CAK are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/akroncantonairport/.  Additional information is available at www.akroncantonairport.com.

And again...

 

AirTran adds Florida destinations at Akron-Canton

By Beacon Journal staff report

POSTED: 02:08 p.m. EDT, Jun 26, 2009

 

Akron-area snowbirds, flights to two of your more popular Florida destinations will return in November to Akron Canton Airport.  AirTran is bringing back flights to Fort Lauderdale and will resume seasonal flights to Fort Myers as well. AirTran discontinued flights to Fort Lauderdale International Airport three years ago.

 

Flights to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers have been a regular seasonal service at the airport.  Services will start on Nov. 4. Flight cost information was not available.  AirTran initially will have flights to Fort Lauderdale four times a week and to Fort Myers five times a week.  Services will be bumped up to daily service in mid November, the airport announced today.

 

More at http://www.ohio.com

Surprised this hasn't been posted here or on the Hopkins board...

 

Southwest Airlines to buy AirTran for $1.4 billion

 

By Betty Lin-Fisher

Beacon Journal business writer

 

POSTED: 07:48 a.m. EDT, Sep 27, 2010

 

Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines announced this morning that it was acquiring another low-cost carrier, AirTran Airways.

 

Southwest currently operates out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and AirTran is Akron-Canton Airport's largest carrier.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/103848529.html