BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Those looking to visit the nation's capital can now do so with a direct flight from Ogdensburg to Dulles Airport in Washington D.C.

Local dignitaries were on hand Friday at the airport to greet Breeze Airways’ first flight into Ogdensburg International Airport.

Breeze Airways Chief Guest Officer Fiona Kiesel said that next week the airline would announce a second destination from Ogdensburg, but fell short of revealing the location.

Breeze was recently awarded the federal Essential Air Service subsidy which helps rural areas like Ogdensburg offset the cost of air service and helps connect the community to a major hub.

Kiesel said Breeze was excited to begin air service.

Also speaking at the event was Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Chairman Sam Burns and OBPA board member and St. Lawrence County Legislator Nicole Terminelli both of whom said they were thankful to Breeze providing service.

Terminelli said the OBPA is in the process of transforming the Ogdensburg airport into a new gateway for the community. She said the reliable service from Breeze is crucial to bringing that vision to fruition.

Burns told those in attendance that Ogdensburg was more than happy to welcome the airline to the city.

The event was celebrated with a water salute from local firefighters who showered the jet as it made its way to the airport gate.

Among those who attended the event were Assemblyman Scott Gray, St. Lawrence County Legislator Joseph Lightfoot, Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley, Ogdensburg City Manager Fonda Chronis,  Ogdensburg City School Superintendent Kevin Kendall, all of whom offered praise for the city’s newest milestone.

Where can you go?

Flights to Dulles can be purchased for as low as $49. The flights leave from the city at around 5 p.m. daily. The flight is roughly 1.5 hours and the jets have high-speed wi-fi available on board. 

Seating options include 12 first class seats, 45 extra legroom seats and 80 standard seats.

Passengers also soon have the option of flying from Dulles to other destinations including Provo, Utah, South Bend Indiana and Vero Beach Florida, but with the current schedule, doing so would require an overnight stay in D.C.

One of the major flaws in the Breeze Airways service is a lack of interline connections. In meetings leading up to the selection of Breeze Airways for the essential air service subsidy, many raised concerns regarding that issue.

The lack of interline agreements puts a bigger burden on passengers looking for connecting flights. They can’t book them with a single purchase and they must recheck their luggage. While experienced flyers may not be bothered by that, it can be a hassle for those who have little knowledge of air travel.

Locally, community members have also raised concerns about the flights being in the afternoon, which can make it difficult to make connections.

Although it still remains a concern, OBPA leaders say they believe Breeze is still addressing the matter and hopes to hear good news on that front by the end of the year.