Islip airport has lost its competitive edge
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft lands at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma. Credit: J. Conrad Williams Jr.
As a frequent Long Island MacArthur Airport flier, I can attest to the pleasure of using this airport ["Bracing to expand at MacArthur," News, April 9]. So, I'd like to advise Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto and Southwest Airlines chief executive Gary Kelly why I've reluctantly begun to bypass Islip as I trek into JFK: price and routing.
Southwest had such great prices when it arrived in Islip that other airlines couldn't compete and left. Southwest brought no seat assignments, no meals and no movies. Good prices and nonstops to Las Vegas made up for it. I found those flights very full, and don't understand why they've disappeared.
The loss of nonstops turns a five-hour flight into a daylong odyssey without food, and with worries about missed connections and extra fees. At JFK, we have choices at often lower prices, including nonstops on airlines that offer movies, and seat selection when booking.
Southwest's frequent flier program requires many roundtrips for a free trip; mileage programs on other airlines allow a free trip after just five roundtrips to Las Vegas.
Increased fuel prices can't justify the huge price increases I've seen. Lower the prices and bring back the nonstops, and I'll be back.
Carol Raab
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