There’s a new way to dance the Charleston thanks to a new direct flight that connects the Holy City with West Virginia’s Charleston.
Breeze Airlines now offers a $39 one-way flight every Wednesday and Saturday between the two Charlestons as part of 37 new and returning flights available across the country over the summer.
On May 31, the air service gave the Charleston City Paper a chance for a day-long air dance between the two cities to tout its routes. An Embraer 195 jet zipped about 500 miles to the north over an hour and a half before touching down in Yeager Airport in Charleston.
Breeze officials said its affordable flying doesn’t mean what it offers is low quality.
“We are the ‘goldilocks’ of the airline industry,” said Breeze President Tom Doxey. “With our combination of mid-size aircraft size and efficient, flyer-friendly business model, Breeze is able to fly from underserved markets, more easily connecting guests with the rest of the country — including convenient and affordable service.”
An early morning trip to West Virginia was quick, easy and comfortable. The Breeze crew was welcoming and eager to offer a great experience with unique refreshments such as cheese and crackers, Voodoo chips and drinks made with Charleston’s Bloody Mary Mix for a taste of home. The two-two seating on the jet provided plenty of space in the main cabin with an option to upgrade, too.
Spending the whole day with several members of the Breeze team offered a peek into the company’s mission.
Angela Vargo, the airline’s vice president of marketing, said, “connecting people and communities together is what makes this job so rewarding.”
Evan Osborn, executive director of the Capitol Market in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, said he lived part of his life in and around the Holy City and was thrilled to hear of the new, efficient opportunity to return.
Another person enthusiastic about the new Charleston-to-Charleston connection was Paul Smith, a James Beard Award finalist ‘Best Chef: Southeast’ and chef of 1010 Bridge in Charleston, West Virginia.
Smith prepared staple West Virginia dishes to celebrate the special day.
“We have pepperoni rolls, deep fried, and a little fresh Parmesan with it. Then we have a crisp fresh caviar cone and a smoked bacon wrapped date stuffed with blue cheese. Then for the entrée, we’ve got a smoked trout mousse BLT with fried green tomatoes.”
Smith, whose wife lives in South Carolina’s Charleston, was enthusiastic about Breeze connecting the Charlestons.
“I am probably the happiest person for this flight because it saves me a seven and a half hour drive every six weeks.”
Smith said he’s excited to see his wife more often and to hit up some of his favorite Lowcountry locations, such as Leon’s.
Owen Kowalewski is an intern with the Charleston City Paper who attends Furman University.
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