Skybus Airlines received another boost in ticket sales yesterday when the Columbus carrier put tickets to three new destinations on sale to the public.

More than 20,000 tickets were sold by 4:30 p.m., Skybus CEO Bill Diffenderffer said. Tickets went on sale about 7:45 a.m., after a software glitch delayed the planned 6:00 a.m. launch.

During its first day of sales last month, 60,000 tickets were sold before the end of the day. At that time, the airline unveiled its first eight destinations.

The three new cities served by Skybus are San Diego; St. Augustine, Fla.; and Chicopee, Mass. Flights to these cities begin in mid-July.

It was virtually impossible by late yesterday to book a Columbus to San Diego flight for $10. The airline sells at least 10 seats on every flight for $10 each.

Liz Murray was one of the lucky ones who got on the Web site before 10 a.m. to seek the lowest fares.