American Dropping Bay Area Flights Into Orange County

The latest American Airlines scheduler shows all flights from San Jose and San Francisco to Santa Ana/Orange County will be discontinued effective November 18, 2009. Currently six daily departures are offered between these cities, operated by affiliate American Eagle.

American has been trimming away departures from the Bay Area the past several months, and over the summer announced plans to cut the San Jose - Austin "nerd bird" route at the end of this month.

Southwest Announces Service Between SFO and Orange County

Beginning May 9th, Southwest Airlines will begin nonstop service between San Francisco and Orange County/John Wayne Airports. This added route is in addition to several nonstop flights the airline offers between Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento and Orange County.

The company says it will launch with five daily flights, with scheduled departures throughout the day. Tickets are currently available from $69 each way, based on a 21-day advance purchase.

United Airlines has previously dominated the SFO-Orange County market often charging more than $200 roundtrip on this route. 

HOT! Oakland-Orange County $30 each way (not a typo) DING! Fare from Southwest Airlines
Fare is valid for travel Monday-Thursday and Saturday, October 1 through November 15, 2007 only. You must have DING! from Southwest Airlines installed on your computer as these rates are not available at the Southwest website.