Because they operate only on 9-passenger planes, under the current laws SeaPort is too small for the FSA to force regulation upon. This means no security check-ins or long lines to speak to a "customer service" represntative. They also aren't required to even operate out of a major airport, that's why Seattle flies into Boeing field (MUCH closer to downtown then Sea-Tac), and Portland operates out of a terminal next to Flightcraft at PDX, which equals ample valet parking at each venue. It also means you only have to arrive 15 minutes before departure time -- pretty sweet!

Obviously, SeaPort is tailored to the business traveler, not the casual consumer. At a roundtrip ticket price averaging out to $300, I'll probably still be putting my pedal to the metal (or hopping aboard perma-tardy Amtrak) when I head up north to visit friends, but then again my time in not necessarily money, for many (much more important) others, it is.

However, one thing I think SeaPort is really missing the boat on is not offering their customers a frequent flier program, at least not from what I can gather on their website. These programs really do help strengthen brand loyalty, and heck, if somone is using your service enough to garner a free trip (or perhaps gift cards to high-class Portland or Seattle restaurants), give it to them already, you'll make the investment back 10-fold! Consumers, such as myself, love nothing more then a good ROI.

And SeaPort, let me know when you start offering a Tigard-Sellwood route -- I could really use the help with morning traffic!

-Christina Stewart