Allegiant to once again offer Las Vegas flights from MidAmerica Airport
BELOW FROM LEFT: Tim Cantwell, director, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah; St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern; and Allegiant Manager of Airports Eric Fletcher, during a celebration Tuesday kicking off the resumption of Allegiant’s service to Las Vegas from MidAmerica, after a six-year absence.
Illinois Business Journal report
MASCOUTAH – Allegiant air service will again offer non-stop, one-way flights to Las Vegas from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport starting Nov. 5, with introductory fares as low as $49.
“We’re pleased to offer the St. Louis community yet another destination to fly to conveniently and affordably with these new flights,” said Jude Bricker, Allegiant Travel Co. senior vice president of planning. “We’ve seen pent-up demand in the region for more low-cost flights, and we’re looking forward to providing more travel options this fall.”
The flights will operate twice weekly and will fly nonstop between MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and McCarran International Airport. Las Vegas will be MidAmerica’s third Allegiant destination, adding to existing service to Orlando and Tampa.
“We’re thrilled to host Allegiant service to Las Vegas as the airline adds a third destination to its existing successful routes here at MidAmerica Airport,” St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said. “Once again, travelers from throughout the bi-state St. Louis area will appreciate no lines and free parking as part of their hassle-free experience of flying directly from MidAmerica to the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’.”
Kern said the county continues to explore other air options, including more flights through Allegiant, in hopes of someday getting the airport to break even. “Every flight we have helps that much more with the bottom line,” he said. “We’re always searching for new business at MidAmerica.”
Las Vegas has been the one destination sought the most by local travelers, Kern told an audience at a morning press conference in the airport terminal.
Allegiant’s manager of airports Eric Fletcher said flights were already being booked even before today’s official announcement, as word filtered out. Each flight of the MD-80 jets will hold up to 166 passengers.
Allegiant offered flights from MidAmerica to Las Vegas previously, from 2006 to 2009, but suspended them because of market conditions. Since then. the community has “embraced” Allegiant in such a way that made the Las Vegas alternative attractive again, Fletcher said.
Travelers can book their entire Las Vegas vacation by visiting Allegiant.com.
The company said it provides customers with low base fares averaging nearly half of the cost of the average domestic round-trip fare. The innovative business model has allowed the company to grow from one aircraft and one route just over a decade ago, to providing convenient, affordable service in more than 100 communities nationwide.
About the one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, for travel by Feb. 16, 2016. Price displayed reflects purchase by debit card; purchase by credit card subject to surcharge not to exceed $8 each way per passenger. For details on all fees visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.
