Fly I on the Fourth of July: Independence Air

Independence Air is a new/old airline now with national routes out of Dulles Airport in Virginia. New because it became an independent, low-fare airline in November 2003; old because it started in 1989 as a partner to United and Delta under the name of Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA).

We booked our flights from SFO to the DC area in February for just $85 one-way. Surprisingly, we enjoyed lots of leg room, ice blue leather seats, plenty of tasty snacks, roomy Airbus cabines, and steaming hot wash cloths — more amenities than you’d expect for bargain fares. They also offered Digiplayers to watch movies, TV shows or play games for $10 each or another $5 with a splitter for two passengers.

Independence Air now offers cross-country flights from SFO, LAX, San Jose, San Diego and Las Vegas to dozens of Midwest and East Coast cities. Check out their easy-to-use Website: Independence Air.