AirTran, Southwest add flights; Chicago hotels close

By Joe Brancatelli

AIRPORT REPORT

Comings, goings, changes and moves: While our attention was diverted by the holidays and the terrorism chaos, a lot of airport-related news came in over the metaphoric transom. Ready for the full report? We’ll go fast.

AirTran Airways is bringing its flights back to Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi. AirTran returned to the airport this month with service from Atlanta and Tampa.

Two hotels at or near Chicago/O’Hare airport have closed. The Wyndham O’Hare at Rosemont closed on Dec. 31. And in Arlington Heights, the Sheraton Chicago Northwest bit the dust on the same day.

At Los Angeles International Airport, long-term parking Lot B at 111th and LaCienega has closed its doors, er, gates.

Southwest Airlines says it will fly into the new Northwest Florida Beaches Airport in Panama City when it opens in May. The privately owned airport will have Southwest flights to Nashville, Baltimore/Washington, Houston/Hobby and Orlando.

OpenSkies, the boutique British Airways carrier that flies to Paris/Orly, is shifting all of its flights to Newark Liberty International. Flights to New York/Kennedy ended earlier this month.

AT&T has added Wi-Fi service at Tulsa airport. Prices start at $7.99 for 24 hours for travelers who don’t have access through an AT&T subscription or Boingo.