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Love Field Changes Could Send Fares Falling

Bill Zeeble
/
KERA News
Rick Seaney, co-founder and CEO of farecompare.com, tracks airline fares and the travel industry from his Dallas-based, tech-infused headquarters

Much virtual ink has been spilled and hot air spewed over this week’s decision to let Virgin America move its operations from D/FW International Airport to Dallas Love Field. Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com explains what this and other changes could mean for flyers.

Rick Seaney, co-founder and CEO of FareCompare.com, expects fares will drop significantly as a result of three big local events: Virgin America’s move to Love Field, American’s continued integration with its merger partner US Airways, and the end of the Wright Amendment restrictions on Oct. 13.

He says North Texas flyers will experience more flying options and lower prices thanks to added competition -- but only where carriers fly to the same destinations at the same times.

Seaney also says added choices won’t just be limited to destination. There will be options of onboard entertainment, food, and other individualized services.

While Southwest Airlines markets itself as the low-cost leader and operates 80 percent of Love Field gates, Seaney expects Virgin America’s presence at the airport will prompt even lower fares for many months.

Bill Zeeble has been a full-time reporter at KERA since 1992, covering everything from medicine to the Mavericks and education to environmental issues.