Budget Airline PEOPLExpress Returns to the Skies This Summer

June 05, 2014

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2 min read

Budget Airline PEOPLExpress Returns to the Skies This Summer

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Beloved 1980s budget airline PEOPLExpress has re-opened for business. Domestic service in the Northeast and Southeast U.S. will begin on June 30th, with fares starting at $76 each way.

The new incarnation of PEOPLExpress will fly all-economy Boeing 737s

PEOPLExpress originally flew from 1981-1987 until it was absorbed into Continental, and was known not only for low fares, but friendly, efficient customer service. In the current climate of fierce (and often frustrating) competition amongst budget airlines, PEOPLExpress has taxied back onto the scene with new, all-economy Boeing 737s based at Virginia's Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) and largely focuses on underserved routes.

Initially, PEOPLExpress will be flying between PHF and the following cities:

Boston (BOS)
Newark (EWR)
Pittsburgh (PIT)
West Palm Beach (PBI) - starting July 15
Atlanta (ATL) - starting August 1
St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE) - starting August 28
New Orleans (MSY) - starting August 28

While the former incarnation of PEOPLExpress flew to London, Montreal, and Brussels, there are no imminent plans for international service. However, future routes to Orlando and Providence are being considered.

For now, the Virginia-based PEOPLExpress will focus on routes in the Northeast and Southeast

As exciting as it is that a budget airline with a historically great track record of customer service has returned to the travel scene, the success of PEOPLExpress is every bit as much of a gamble as Warren Buffet's new flight insurance policy. Like any startup business that requires a huge outlay of capital and faces stiff competition, the airline could fold again at any moment.

If its routes appeal to you, this could be a great way to save some money while you fly. Considering their fledgling stake in the air, it would be wise to purchase travel insurance and book with a card that offers purchase protection, like American Express, on the chance that they take your money and then roll back int0 the hangar.

Hat tip: Jaunted
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Featured image by The new incarnation of PEOPLExpress will fly all-economy Boeing 737s