There is a new airline coming to town. Red Way airlines has begun flights from Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Las Vegas (LAS). Five other new destinations will launch from Lincoln in the coming weeks to Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS) Dallas (DFW), Minneapolis (MSP) and Nashville (BNA). Members of the Path Less Traveled flew Red Way’s inaugural flight from Lincoln to Orlando on 06/09/23.
How Red Way Differs From A Traditional Airline
Red Way operates flights with a slightly different operating model. Flights are sold as public charters. Red Way Acts as a sales agent on behalf of Global X Air Tours LLC. Global Crossing Airlines is the direct air carrier supplying the crew and Airbus A320 aircraft. Basically, Red Way Airlines handles the bookings and sales while Global X handles the aircraft for them. Aircraft are painted in the Global X livery sporting old Alaska Airlines seats. It is unknown if Red Way will have their own product at the moment.
Booking Process
Booking tickets on Red Way is a quick and straightforward process. Tickets can be booked online at goflyred.com Depending on the desired product and price point there are a few bundles to choose from including:
Basic
- Select limited seats in the rear.
- $25 / bag.
- $25 / carry on bag.
- Change fees ($50 per change).
- Can upgrade to preferred boarding for $25.
Light
- Select seats from rows 18-32.
- carry on included in ticket price.
- $25 / bag.
- Able to change booking (pay the fare difference).
- Can upgrade to preferred boarding for $15.
Plus
- Select seats from rows 18-32.
- carry on included in ticket price.
- $25 / bag.
- Able to change booking (pay the fare difference).
- Can upgrade to preferred boarding for $10.
Go Extra ( Reviewed Product)
- Business Class seats rows 1-3
- 2 checked bags included in ticket price.
- Priority boarding.
- Able to change booking (pay the fare difference).
- 100% refundable.
First Impressions
After all, this is the first flight for Red Way so there was a handful of goodies and local media present including the Mayor of Lincoln, Leirion Gaylor Baird. Check-in is straightforward with baggage drop and ID checks. Red Way staff were able to put the TSA Precheck info in without issue. Even though boarding commenced on time, long lines began forming due to TSA checks at the gate. As this is a new airline, the TSA was performing additional screening on this particular flight.
Seats in Go Extra Business Class are configured in a 2 on 2 configuration. It is the same hard product found on Alaska Airlines Airbus Aircraft. This is no surprise as GlobalX took delivery of secondhand Alaska A320s. During the general boarding process the lead purser handed out waters and took a pre departure beverage order.
Inflight Experience
After crossing 10,000 feet the crew began the snack and beverage service. Prior to handing out food the crew came around with hot towels. Those seated in Go Extra Business class had the option between the “protein” or “bakery” dish. The protein dish consists of cottage cheese, a hard boiled egg and fruit. The bakery dish consists of a bagel, muffin and fruit. In economy, passengers could select a beverage and muffin. Beverages consist of juices, coffee water etc. While the presentation is basic, this is a generous offering for a domestic short haul segment.
Wi-Fi is complimentary in all classes with Gogo providing the network coverage. Although the system took a few tries to connect it worked without issue for the entire duration of the flight once connected. It operated at fast speeds and was able to handle email and websites no problem. Power outlets were located between the seats which like the Wi-Fi worked without issue. Furthermore, seats in economy also have power outlets at each seat located in the seat back.
For the most part, the remainder of the flight was uneventful however, an eventful arrival into the gate soon transpired. After touching down, the local airport fire department participated in an age old tradition to celebrate Red Way’s service into Orlando International Airport. In fact not only one but two fire trucks lined up on either side of the aircraft providing an arc of water over the aircraft, a rather surreal experience to witness from the inside.
Final Approach
Red Way Airlines has a lot going for them. Despite not having their own aircraft in house the charter operator they have selected provides a stellar experience. Little things such as hot towels and meals on this short of a segment are items that are often overlooked by mainline air carriers. Free Wi-Fi that actually worked was an added bonus that was unexpected. Both the crew in the airport and onboard provided friendly and attentive service. The inflight crew were constantly in the isles checking on passengers. It was apparent that the crew was excited to be providing service for Red Way. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for Red Way Airlines in the coming months as more routes are added. For now the airline is off to a great start.
