RDU’s Top Non-Stop Destinations in 2013

With about 180 daily flights to 38 non-stop destinations, there are many places to fly from RDU.  So, which are our most popular? Let’s take a look at the top 10 non-stop destinations for 2013. 

*Rankings cover July 2012- Oct. 2013, the latest time frame according to the way data is calculated.

[caption id="attachment_271" align="alignright" width="300"] San Francisco[/caption]

10. San Francisco (SFO)

Average Passengers Per Day, Each Way (PDEW): 255

2012 Rank: Not on list

Airline: United

Since service began in August 2012, SFO has been a high demand market for RDU with connections to software, financial services, education and venture capital industries. Look for SFO to do well in 2014 as United adds a second daily flight for the Spring and Summer beginning in April.

9. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)

PDEW: 275

2012 Rank: 8

Airlines: Delta, Southwest

Located just outside Washington, D.C., BWI is an alternative airport to the nation’s capital. It’s also a major hub for Southwest Airlines.

8. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

PDEW: 294

2012 Rank: 7

Airlines: American, Delta, JetBlue

JFK is a major international hub for several airlines, including one of our low cost carriers, and one of the primary airports for the Big Apple. It’s a major connecting point for our passengers.

7. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

PDEW: 295

2012 Rank: Not on list 

Airlines: American, Delta

Another new entrant on our list, LAX is served daily non-stop by two carriers and proves a very strong market for RDU. Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, there are a lot of business connections especially in the software, defense and film industries. Beginning in May 2014, there will be 17 flights per week to LAX.

[caption id="attachment_666" align="alignright" width="300"] Philadelphia[/caption]

6. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

PDEW: 349

2012 Rank: 4 

Airlines: Delta, U.S. Airways

PHL slipped two slots on our top 10 list from 2012 as a result of losing non-stop service by one of our major carriers. However, some new service has been added back. Look for PHL to continue to remain a top city in 2014.

5. Orlando International Airport (MCO)

PDEW: 352

2012 Rank: 6 

Airlines: AirTran, Delta, Southwest

Not only a popular tourist destination, Orlando shares strong connections with the Research Triangle Region in the defense and logistics industries as well.

[caption id="attachment_667" align="alignright" width="300"] Chicago[/caption]

4. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

PDEW: 372

2012 Rank: 5 

Airlines: American, United

ORD has long been one of the top destinations from RDU. America’s third largest city is the financial and distribution center of the Mid-West and offers many international connections.

3. Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

PDEW: 520

2012 Rank: 3 

Airlines: AirTran, Delta

Our region and ATL share an almost identical set of top industry connections, and, it’s the largest hub for Delta Air Lines.

2. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

PDEW: 551

2012 Rank: 2 

Airlines: Delta, JetBlue

Consistently a top-ranked destination, BOS is home to many high tech and software companies that have a presence in our region.

[caption id="attachment_668" align="alignright" width="300"] New York City[/caption]

1.  New York-LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)

PDEW: 631

2012 Rank: 1  

Airlines: American, Delta 

It’s no surprise that the preferred airport for business travel to one of the world’s largest cities would come in at the top of our list. LGA’s proximity to Manhattan provides convenient option for RDU travelers.

What do you think about these rankings? Tell me in the comments below.