The Associated Press reported on Friday that airlines were moving in to fill the void left by Independence Air with some really low fares. A one-way trip to Boston on JetBlue from Washington-Dulles will cost just $25 when that route begins Jan. 17. US Airways is cutting fares 40 percent from Washington to Boston and New York, and Southwest Airlines is having a systemwide fare sale with flights starting at $49 one-way. Independence Air flew across the East Coast and into major cities on the West Coast, but financial problems forced it to shut down for good last week. Spirit Airlines, which serves Washington-Reagan, says it is also considering adding discount service to some markets once served by Independence Air. In addition, Southwest Airlines' web site carried a notice that it would allow customers ticketed for travel on Independence Air to fly on a standby basis at no charge through March 6. Standby travel will be allowed only for the exact date and city pairs for which Southwest has scheduled service, unless an alternate airport has been specified. Customers must present Independence Air's travel document (paper ticket or ticketless travel receipt) at SWA Ticket Counter on day of travel. Any customers who are holding Independence Air reservations and wish to have a confirmed seat on Southwest Airlines should purchase a ticket on Southwest and seek a refund of their original ticket through Independence Air. Call 800 435-9792 for more information.
