Spirit Airlines has launched two daily non-stop flights between Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston (IAH) starting today.  The flights from DFW to IAH are an early morning and a early evening flight and I can see how those would be satisfying enough for the casual traveler that is Spirit’s target customer.  From IAH to DFW, there is a mid-morning and mid-evening flight that also appear to be fairly satisfying at this time.  Prices show to be Spirit’s typical ultra-low cost fares with some showing to be as little as $30 each way (without fees).

I think Spirit is targeting opportunity it sees in this market pretty smart.  Some of this is aimed at Southwest and it’s original customers who have seen SWA prices rise considerably over the past several years.  This won’t hurt Southwest because that airline is selling frequency and value now that earns a revenue that is consistent with its needs.

It’s more of a strike at American Airlines.  It hits at their airport and with times that actually fit OK into the day trippers that exist between those two airports but who don’t find Love Field (DAL) or Houston Hobby (HOU) convenient.

I expect we’ll see more and more flights from DFW to other Spirit destinations over the next 12 months and most will be aimed squarely at AA routes.

Filed under: Airline News by ajax