One of the negatives about living in a smaller market is the lack of transportation opportunities when you just have to get out of town.

The Harrisburg International Airport is a very nice facility converted from the former Olmsted Air Base with a new terminal, very long runways and short security lines. The bad part is that it can be difficult to get anywhere from here.

This week, there were six airlines serving this area; Air Canada (2 flights a day to Toronto), Continental (a few flights to Cleveland and Newark), Delta (to Atlanta and Cincinnati), Northwest (to Detroit and Minneapolis), United (to Chicago and Dulles) and US Air (to Boston, Philadelphia and Charlotte). Almost all of the service is by "express divisions" of these airlines on regional jets or props. American provided service to Chicago and Dallas, but pulled out earlier this year.

That brings me to some good news for the area

AirTran started service yesterday to Orlando. Finally, a way to get to Florida without having to brave the Atlanta Hartsfield subway, the Philadelphia airport kiosks and the Cincinnati airport buses. I only wish they had started last month so out trip to the NAR convention could have been direct.

The airport commission is working hard to bring an additional airline or two into the market to provide service to more markets. Hopefully some more routes will be added by next summer to make vacation travel easier for everyone.