Huntsville Scores Low Fares with Launch of AirTran Service

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), recently launched daily nonstop service from Huntsville International Airport to Orlando International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. To celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted a football-themed event at the airport featuring special guest Cadillac Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During the event, AirTran made a donation to the American Red Cross of North Alabama. View the full article.

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Local Media, Officials Take Advantage of New BWI Service

On June 2nd, local media and elected officials joined Huntsville International Airport executives on a one-day trip to Baltimore/Washington using AirTran Airways’ new nonstop service to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville; Mayor Paul Finley, City of Madison; and Chairman Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission were among the group, as well as representatives from the regional chambers of commerce. The trip, which was co-sponsored by Huntsville International Airport and AirTran, was devoted to showing support of the Tennessee Valley region’s new low-cost carrier as well as an opportunity for the media to showcase the new BWI service as an option when traveling to the D.C. area. View the full article.

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Join the HSV Facebook Fan Page

Are you a member of Facebook? Join the Huntsville International Airport (HSV) Facebook Fan Page and stay up to date on the latest news, hottest fares, upcoming events, and more. The first 2,000 fans to join will be entered into a drawing for a $500 AirTran Airways airfare voucher. Complete contest details can be found under the “Notes” section of the HSV Facebook Fan Page.

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Port of Huntsville Employees Give Back

Throughout the month of May, Port of Huntsville employees devoted their Saturdays to giving back to the community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical, grassroots, Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Employees volunteered in 6-hour shifts as part of the Port of Huntsville’s United Way campaign. Landscaping, painting, caulking, and installing siding were among the many tasks completed by the group.

“The day of volunteering program provides our employees with an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others while serving as a team building activity,” said Laura Gipson, Public Relations Manager, Port of Huntsville. “Teamwork is one of our five core values, and the day of volunteer program seeks to reinforce this among our employees."

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Economy Parking Increases to $8 Per Day

Effective July 1, the daily rate for economy parking – the flat surface lot located directly north of the parking deck – will increase from $7 per day to $8 per day. The hourly rate remained the same at $1 per hour not to exceed the daily rate. This marks the first rate increase for economy parking since July 2004 and follows the parking deck increase from $9 to $10 (levels 2-6), which took effect in March of 2009. The first level of the parking deck, which is considered hourly (short-term) parking and is designed to be the most convenient place to park for people who will only be at the airport for a short period of time, such as persons picking up passengers, will remain the same price.

According to Rick Tucker, Executive Director, "The parking rates at Huntsville International Airport remain extremely competitive. Providing passengers with ample parking while at the same time keeping prices competitive with other airports in the region is a key objective in moving forward with parking improvements to meet the future needs of our passengers. Click here to compare parking rates at airports across the region.

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Travel Tip: Keep Your TSA Experience Simple

Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Put these in your carry-on, or in a plastic bag. This keeps lines moving and your security screening experience more pleasant. Try to avoid wearing anything with metal, clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal, such as heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, or belt buckles.

Pack your coats and jackets in your baggage when possible. All coats and jackets that you are carrying must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the security checkpoint, you will need to either pack it in your carry-on baggage or put it in one of the bins provided by TSA. For additional travel tips, visit www.tsa.gov.

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