“They offer frequent service. They offer non-stops where other people are selling connections. So, if you prized lots of schedule and non-stop service you ended up trying Southwest, and people who tried Southwest generally find it was a better experience than they might have expected."

Mann also points out that Akron-Canton has always offered lower fares than other nearby airports and the addition of Southwest has made the airport’s rates even more competitive.

A spokeswoman from the airport says Akron-Canton is looking at long-term plans to improve its entrance road off of I-77, to add additional parking and to build gates to accommodate the wave of travelers.