Okay, I know Fred blogged about this too, but I just have to add to the conversation. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) gushes data about airlines including, performance, fares, number of passengers, aircraft type, etc… You name it there is some report (albeit about 6 months old) describing what has happened in the aviation sector, which is great if you are an information junky like me.

Recently the DOT ranked CAK the sixth least expensive air market in the country. Some may wonder why? Well its simple- AirTran Airways began systematically lowering air fares from Akron-Canton-Cleveland back in 1997 when they commenced low fare service to Atlanta. Fares dropped by 66% over night from CAK and 30% from CLE. Not a bad net result for all of Northeast Ohio. Since that time, AirTran Airways has added nonstop daily flights to Orlando, New York LaGuardia, Boston, Tampa. Of course, every CAK and most CLE carriers match AirTran’s price leadership. That means lots of great prices to these popular destinations.

Here’s the important reminder: fares will only remain low if you fly AirTran to these great places. Don't be tricked by price matchers. They will only raise fares later if AirTran isn't there to keep them honest.

So we are very pleased to be one of the most affordable fare markets in the US. Cleveland Hopkins, although one of the most expensive markets in the country, did well in the ranking compared to their peers. Go CLE! Great air service (meaning fares, destinations, and port options) makes the greater Cleveland area a better place to live, work and play.