Discount airline JetBlue launched its twice-daily service to Boston today.
The New York-based airline joins Spirit and Frontier in filling the gap left behind when United Airlines whittled its flights by 60 percent last year, effectively ending its hub at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.
Cleveland State University economist Ned Hill says there’s been some positive developments since.
“What’s happened since United left, we’ve seen prices drop because the monopoly power of United has dissipated," explains Hill.
"And the very high margins that were generated by United, attracted other carriers coming in, knowing they could make some money that was there.”
But Hill warns there are still some gaps left, which may mean extended stays for some travelers with connecting flights. He says a businessman trying to get to Green Bay may find his travel time extended by half a day at least, until more connections are established.
Meanwhile, newcomer JetBlue will compete with Frontier and Spirit for Clevelanders bound for Boston and Ft. Lauderdale.
More destinations for the carriers may be possible in the coming months.