The City of Pensacola sent out a press release touting a FAA report that said Pensacola had the lowest airfares in the region. Inweekly went on Expedia and tested the rates using a roundtrip from the airports to Atlanta leaving on Aug. 5 and returning Aug. 8. The Pensacola International Airport had the highest rate:
From Tallahassee International Airport to Atlanta: $401.70
From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport to Atlanta: $412.20
From Mobile to Atlanta: $420.70
From Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to Atlanta: $422.20
From Ft. Walton Beach to Atlanta: $412.20
From Pensacola to Atlanta: $492.20
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We tried a roundtrip to Orlando using the same dates. Pensacola faired better.
From Tallahassee International Airport: $278.00
From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: $622.20
From Mobile: $516.60
From Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport: $518.20
From Ft. Walton Beach: $622.20
From Pensacola: $412.10
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We tried a roundtrip to NYC. Pensacola wasn’t the lowest or highest.
From Tallahassee International Airport: $489.20
From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: $559.20
From Mobile: $569.70
From Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport: $494.20
From Ft. Walton Beach: $559.20
From Pensacola: $560.70
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Here is the city’s press release:
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) leads the Gulf Coast with the lowest average airfares of any airport in the region, according to recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nationwide airfare data, released this month by FAA’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, covers the 1st Quarter of 2016.
Pensacola led all airports in the region with an average fare of $454.77 compared to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) at $463.41, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) at $472.22, Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) at $512.26, Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) at $554.86 and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) at $574.79.
“Our success at the airport has transformed into major improvements for travelers: new airlines and routes, low fares, an easier time getting to where they need to be, and a more relaxing atmosphere,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward in the press release. “Pensacola International Airport is the first and last impression of Pensacola for thousands of visitors so we’re doing all we can to maintain the best possible ‘Fly Easy’ experience for everyone.â€
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Update:
The higher volume of passengers may help Pensacola when it comes to average fares:
Passengers for 1st Qtr 2016:
Pensacola International 36,274
Destin Fort Walton Beach 15,119
Northwest Florida Beaches International Panama City 14,639
Mobile Regional 12,660
Gulfport-Biloxi International 12,292