New airline coming to Philadelphia International in the spring

An airline offering ultra-low fares with a la carte pricing options will begin offering service from Philadelphia International Airport in the spring. 

Spirit Airlines will offer four flights a week to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport starting in April.

 

Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson says the company came to Philadelphia when it saw an opportunity to bring competition to the route.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

“There are high prices between those two markets, and we feel that we can come in and offer a lower fare,” she said Monday.

Passengers will need to read the fine print before booking a flight.

A check of the airlines website shows fares to Dallas for less than $40 each way, but a carry-on bag will cost you an extra $25, something usually offered for free on other airlines.

Spirit is the third airline to announce plans for or actually arrive in town in the past year, says Rina Cutler, Philadelphia’s deputy mayor for transportation.

“I am hoping to welcome more soon!” she said.

Spirit will be taking on US Airways, the main carrier in Philadelphia. Spokesman Todd Lehmacher says US Airways is up for the challenge.

“I can’t really comment on pricing but, historically, if you look at the past, we remain competitive in the marketplace,” he said.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal