United Airlines cuts service to two Florida destinations

United Airlines has announced that it will discontinue service from south Florida airports at Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, from September 2.

The second-largest carrier in the U.S. will move all of its operations in south Florida to the Miami International Airport, where it can capitalize on the heavy volume of internationally-connecting air traffic. The airline is known by the slogan, “fly the friendly skies,” and it has maintained a small, but ongoing presence at the Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach airports for many years.

“The record-high fuel prices and softer U.S. economy is creating an urgent need for us to eliminate our least-profitable markets from our schedules,” commented airline spokesman Jeff Kovick.

Passengers having reservations after the September 2 date will be contacted by phone or email about making alternative arrangements, Kovick added. They will have the option of booking on United flights out of Miami, or with other carriers at Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Customers are also eligible for refunds.

Large-network airlines such as United experience increasing difficulties competing in high-tourist markets like south Florida, where discount carriers, including JetBlue and Southwest are able to undercut its fares.

“All major carriers have indicated that they’re going to cut back on capacity. Those are the old, legacy carriers,” noted Kent George, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s director of aviation.

Along with lower fares, the low-cost airlines are expanded service from Ft. Lauderdale, he added. These airlines are likely to take advantage of cuts by larger carriers such as United and continue to increase service.

United has 50 employees at the Ft. Lauderdale airport and 16 in West Palm Beach. They will be eligible for jobs at United at other locations, but will be laid off if they are not able to agree on a transfer, Kovick reported.

www.united.com