Southwest Begins SF-Denver Flights Today

Southwest will launch three daily nonstops between San Francisco and Denver later today. The added SFO route is in addition to existing nonstops options from Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento to the mile-high city. 14-day advance tickets are still available from $79+ each way at www.southwest.com.

Southwest announces changes to Bay Area departures

Citing concerns of slowing economic growth, Southwest Airlines announced several route changes from airports around the SF Bay and nationwide. In all, the airline will trim a net 17 flights, while it focuses on higher yielding routes. The changes go into effect May 10th.

Losses:
Oakland - San Diego, Las Vegas, Ontario, Los Angeles, Burbank; 2 daily flights being axed on each route.

San Jose - Los Angeles and Ontario will loose a daily flight each.

Sacramento - Burbank, Los Angeles, Ontario, San Diego; loosing 1 flight each.

Gains:

Oakland - Austin service will be inaugurated with 1 daily non-stop.

San Francisco - San Diego; 2 extra daily flights to be added, for a total of 10.

San Jose- Denver; New 3 X daily non-stop service will begin

United: systemwide delays today

Breaking News: United is reporting a computer problem at their Chicago hub, relating to how they weigh and certify planes preparing for departure. This is effecting many flights in & out of the Bay Area. United reports flights should begin operating back on time within the next several hours. Be sure to check the status of your flight before arriving at the airport.

Frontier Airlines modifies their birds and frequent flyer program

Denver based Frontier Airlines says it is adding blackout dates to its award redemption tickets but concurrently increasing redemption seat availability options by 30%. For example, traveling the day before or the day after Christmas are considered blackout dates and you couldn't use miles for to redeem for such an itinerary (Christmas day itself is OK though). "EarlyReturns will be better equipped to guide you towards dates that have seats available. Adding this flexibility to the program will allow you to use your miles for more flights" says Frontier in a written email to its Early Returns members.

Also, Rocky Mountain news reports Frontier will be swapping out seats, for a thinner and lighter version, ultimately adding 4 additional seats on most planes and a reduction of seat pitch of 1-2 inches, though reportably no loss to leg space.

Frontier Airlines currently operates flights from San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, and is one of only a few U.S based airlines still offering round trip Domestic U.S & Canada award redemption's starting at only 15,000 miles.

Southwest's new Oakland-Denver route takes aim at United

Southwest began new service, flying 5 daily non-stop flights from Oakland to Denver this past weekend, a direct shot at a United hub. Initial flight loads are reported high, with Southwest offering advance tickets at $79/each way promo rates.