Passengers to and from Branson, Missouri, referred to by some as the “Live music show capital of the world,” will soon be able to fly nonstop between the Branson Airport (BKG) and the Denver International Airport (DEN). A recent news release from Frontier Airlines announced that, effective April 20, it will be offering service between the two airports. The Frontier announcement was part of a summer schedule announcement that added six other summer destinations in addition to Branson.
The new Branson service is schedule to be offered four days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and is scheduled to be on Embraer Regional (E-190) Jets that hold approximately 100 passengers. It is scheduled to depart Denver at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in Branson at 1:52 p.m. and depart Branson at 2:30 p.m. to arrive in Denver at 3:30 p.m.
Daniel Shurz, Frontier’s vice president of planning and strategy said, “Customers in our seven new markets can now look forward to Frontier’s excellent customer service and affordable fares as they travel to Denver and beyond.” No pricing was mentioned in the release and tickets will not be available until February 14.
United Airlines currently has multiple daily flights between Denver International Airport and Springfield-Branson National Airport and has had for years. Sharon Budnick, Manager of the Branson Travel Agency and a twenty one year veteran of the Branson travel industry said the impact of the new air service to Denver, for air travelers to and from Branson, is hard to measure at this point because there is so little information available, particularly as relates to pricing.
She pointed out however, that last year, when service was announced between Branson and Dallas, air travelers to Branson benefited whether they flew into the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) or the Branson Airport (BKG) because of the lower fares resulting from competing carriers. “Whatever option air travelers exercise when flying to Branson, whether it is through the Branson Airport or the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” she said, “They will be flying into a beautiful and functional new facility that is convenient to Branson.”
Sharon advises Branson air travelers to consider not only the lowest air fare, but scheduling that provides for back up fights in the event a connection is missed and minimizes long delays between connecting flights. She is available to assist Branson travelers through the Branson Travel Agency at 417-332-1990 or through its website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.
