AirTran's New Routes, Southwest's New Pad in NYC

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

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Late last week, AirTran announced and began flying several new routes. The carrier launched daily, nonstop service between Charleston, (West Virginia) and Orlando on Thursday, and also began nonstop service between Allentown, Pennsylvania and both Orlando (four days a week) and Ft. Lauderdale (three days a week).

AirTran also announced it will add service to Florida from Flint, Michigan, and Akron, Ohio.

Also worth noting on the low-cost-carrier front, Southwest began its highly anticipated service from New York’s LaGuardia airport. Much has been written about what Southwest’s presence in New York could mean, but now we get to see what it actually will mean. We also get to see Southwest’s rapping flight attendant again.

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