Business
Sun Country coming to La Crosse airport, but not for flights — adding shuttle to Minneapolis
A shuttle bus service coming to the La Crosse Municipal Airport this spring is being promoted as a way to increase access to flights through the airport in Minneapolis.
The Landline bus service, affiliated with Sun Country Airlines, will run weekdays between LSE and the Twin Cities airport (MSP), beginning in April.
The shuttle will be free for a short time and only for those booked on Sun Country flights. Others can also use the service, where fares for adults begin at $39 one way.
American Airlines is the only flights available through La Crosse’s airport.
A February flight to, for example, Las Vegas from La Crosse cost $580 round trip. That same flight through Minneapolis is between $150-$260. Another example: Flights from La Crosse to Miami are between $500-$650 in late February. Through Minneapolis, they’re between $184-$341.
La Crosse airport director Jeff Tripp said Tuesday the bus trips are expected to bring more travelers in contact with the local facility.
“Landline approached us to help provide a service for their customers on Sun Country Airlines, so it’s a good fit for us, as we’re providing the transportation for customers to get to and from their destinations, whether from La Crosse directly, or now also to Minneapolis,” Tripp told reporters.
The Landline service to the La Crosse airport will begin April 1.
Hannah Tamura, a spokesperson with Landline, said the weekday shuttle is designed to spare travelers some cash and inconvenience.
“When you’re booking with Sun Country you get the benefit of being able to tag your bags here to their final destination,” Tamura said, “and then you can use the quick-drop service in Minneapolis, so it saves you time and money.”
Tamura added that passengers on the shuttle can enjoy free Wifi onboard, and reclining leather seats. The shuttle also helps reduce the number of people driving cars between the two airports.
Passengers would not be required to take a flight on Sun Country in order to use the Landline shuttle.