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HIA -- Where Are All The Passenger?
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T O P I C
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Discussion Started: 11-29-2005, 7:18 AM
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When the new terminal opened at Harrisburg International Airport more than a year ago, it was expected that local air passengers would be crowding ticket counters and filling planes. But the numbers have failed to materialize. Tell us what you think about this story.
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View Messages: [newest first] | [oldest first]
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Robo0425
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11-29-2005, 8:00 AM
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I moved to this area a few years ago from Catasauqua PA, just north of Allentown. Our town has been being slowly consumed by Lehigh Valley Airport for years.
Just like HIA, LVI did not have large scale increases in flights, or passengers, yet they continue to steal homes and busineses through Eminent Domain. The effect on the community(about the size of Camp Hill or Middletown) has been serious.
LVI often justifies the actions they take with the blanket excuse of "Economic Development", yet every year more Lehigh Valley Busineses close and the LV turns more and more into a bedroom community for New Yorkers looking for cheap real estate.
I watched an airport grow for no real reason, and saw its impact on a community I loved. I would hate to have that happen again as I grow to love the Midstate.
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shreinersz
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11-29-2005, 8:26 AM
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i think the reason maybe the fact that if you check prices on flights say from harrisburg to west palm beach FL . the price is $382.00 roundtrip but if I drive to Baltimore and fly out of there the price is $182.00 a $200.00 savings now it may cost me $20.00 for gas to drive to baltimore and back but $180.00 is not chump change.
shawn shreiner
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jtanberg
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11-29-2005, 9:20 AM
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Well I think that a lot has to do with the high prices flying out of HIA. If the company is paying for it that is fine, however if this is out of my own pocket I would rather take the time to drive to BWI or PHL to save the 200$. It might be an hour and a half drive but well worth saving 200$. They never offer any great deals anywhere so what do you expect?
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nmusti
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11-29-2005, 9:57 AM
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I agree with the other comments. When I book personal flights I always check MDT first because it would be so much more convenient, but I have yet to find a flight from there that is not at least $100 more person. Depending on if it's just the wife and I or we include the kids, we're talking $200-$500 more. For an extra 45 minute drive, I'll save my money and fly out of BWI or PHL. Even if I have to book a business flight, my employer is looking to cut costs as much as possible and would rather I drive an extra 45 minutes to an hour to save money. Until HIA can offer more reasonably priced flights, volume is not going to be there.
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djtitler
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11-29-2005, 10:03 AM
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The new terminal would not make me use HIA; lower fares and convenient flights would. The old terminal with all its troubles and foibles was satifactory.
I've traveled extensively on business, sometimes out of HIA and other times out of BWI or PHL, to airports all over the country. Cost and flight availability were what I looked for. As long as the terminal allowed me to reach my plane I didn't care.
For me to drive to BWI or PHL for leisure travel is very inconvenient especially in the winter. But I can't justify the additional cost of hundreds of dollars to my family just to fly out of HIA.
My fond wish is for Fred Tessa to convince a low cost flyer like America West, Southwest or Song to fly out of HIA if nothing else than for a limited number of flights a week.
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JSattazahn
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11-29-2005, 10:34 AM
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I am sure that Mr. TESSA understands that if it costs twice as much to fly out of MDT than PHL or BWI the vacationing family will drive to those airports. I know I do. The convience of MDT is out-weighed by the cost savings.
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Dug1
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11-29-2005, 11:17 AM
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I don't know much about air travel, but the whole project seemed odd to me. I don't think many people use buses, and AMTRACK costs as much as flying for long trips, so why try to link all those services in a common terminal? I can see people flying OUT of Harrisburg, but HIA will never be a hub airport, and there is no major business or pleasure attraction to attract carriers or passengers. I think a project like HIA would have been better suited for a location that sees a balance of round trip or 2 way fights. Harrisburg will never be an Atlanta or Chicago or New York. It's a small town surrounded by agriculture. Although...if all the Maryland commuters started flying-in, it would help loosen up I-83.
Doug
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MIkke
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11-29-2005, 11:21 AM
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I book a lot of travel for one of Yorks Largest Companies and I can tell you that the reason that we no longer book through MIA is because their airfare is unreasonable. I recently priced out airfare and the same non-stop, same class of a flight was over $400 cheaper out of BWI. The reason no one uses that airport is that no one can afford it. It is worth the 45 minute drive to save that much money. That is almost a thousand dollars per couple. Inagine how much you can do with that on your vacation instead of on a airline ticket.
Kim Lockner
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MeatWagon
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11-29-2005, 11:31 AM
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It is very rare I find a competitive fare from HIA ? but I have. I usually fly (nationally and internationally) direct from PHL.
I consider all the expenses of each airport including turnpike fare from Harrisburg East, the cost of parking at PHL (over 10 days, it adds up to $80+), the number of tickets I purchase (if the kids are going), and the time and effort of the drive.
HIA, consider offering free parking.
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dlight49
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11-29-2005, 11:43 AM
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As others have said cost are just to high.BWI & Phila alot less. They need to get closer to there rates
Daniel B Lightner
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