PenAir Passenger Numbers Off to Good Start
This article was in Monday’s (October 21st, 2016) Herald and News
Written By: Holly Dillemuth, H&N Staff Reporter
Missy Roberts, vice president of sales and marketing for PenAir, has eagerly watched the numbers for flights taking off and landing in Klamath Falls since the airlines first left the runway early on Oct. 5.
After nearly 30 inbound and outbound flights at Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport as of Thursday evening, Roberts likes what she sees.
“I watched the daily flight loads and they’re tremendous,” Roberts told the Herald and News. “They’re always in double digits. We couldn’t be more pleased with the market.”
More than 2,000 bookings with PenAir have been scheduled for the first 150 days of the operation in Klamath Falls, Roberts said.
“We could really do well in your market,” Roberts said.
It was announced at a reception at the Portland International Airport on Oct. 5 there could be a third flight added at the airport by summer 2017 if demand indicates the need.
“The company continues to look at daily flight loads,” Roberts said. “As they continue to grow, it’s certainly an indicator that the market could handle more flights.”
Roberts acknowledged that any skepticism about the long-term profitability of the flight service is natural, especially since air service with SkyWest left town in June 2014.
“There was good reason to be skeptical,” Roberts said. “We’re doing a good job proving to the community that we’re a good, reliable, safe airline.”
Airport Operations Manager Joe Goetz agreed.
“For us it’s really important that the airline succeeds,” Goetz said. “We just continue to ask the community to continue purchasing tickets.”
And PenAir is also throwing in some perks as well.
Autumn is not always the busiest time of year for flight travel, according to Roberts, and the airline is adding some incentives for those who choose to make the trip to Portland.
Those who book a flight by 9 a.m. today for travel between Oct. 28-31 can do so for $99 each way.
A promotional code — LMT16 — is also being offered for 15 percent off any flight booked by Dec. 31 for travel by Feb. 29.
“For a company to come in and start a route at a slower time isn’t necessarily the best,” Roberts said.
“That’s why we’re offering the incentives.”
Roberts also shared some helpful hints to ensure an enjoyable flight.
Passengers are encouraged to arrive one hour early to flights if they have baggage to check. Those not planning to check baggage can arrive 45 minutes prior to departure. The cut-off is 30 minutes prior to departure.
Arriving later than this can impact the flight time, according to Roberts.
“It’s not just us, it affects Transportation Security Administration and it affects everybody on the aircraft,” Roberts said.
Not to mention, arriving late can mean the complimentary coffee might be gone.
“Come early, bring a book,” Roberts said. “Enjoy the free Wi-Fi.”
Parking at the airport is also free.
PenAir offers two flights daily during the week in a 340 Saab turboprop plane twice to PDX and one flight on Saturday and Sunday.
To book online, go to penair.com. Contact Linda Tepper at the Klamath Falls’ airport with questions about the new service at 541-883-5371.