Not-so-well-known Airlines

In last few years we all got used to
hearing the buzz surrounding
discount airlines JetBlue and
Southwest. But, if you wish to
explore a little more, some of the
best deals around are on airline
you've never heard of. According
to the Department of
Transportation, there are some 60
small airlines offering chartered
flights to the public, often with
scheduled service. Some have
every amenity that the wellknown
big airlines provide. Here are some examples:

-- North American Airlines flies Boeing 757s and 767s, and it has leather
seats and handheld video players on flights to Hawaii from Oakland. Fare?
One-way fares start at $125. Fair?
-- Allegiant Air flies to Las Vegas from 21 U.S. cities. Fares start at $57.
-- TransMeridian, which flies to Orlando from the northeast and midwest,
offers 1st class on most flights.

Any drawbacks? Yes. There are. These airlines usually use secondary
airports. Sometimes there's just one flight in a day. Some of the days
could be completely blank. Not all travel agents (online or otherwise)
include those in their program. Sites like Orbitz.com may include some of
these names in their searches.

To reserve a seat, visit the homepages through links above or you may
also search the website of your destination airport which will enlist all
airlines serving it.