The inaugural March 31 flight of Allegiant Air from Billings will tempt gamblers with $59 one-way fares, champagne, games, prizes and - who else? - Elvis himself as tour guide to Sin City.
Eleven days after America West stopped flying from Billings to Phoenix and Las Vegas, Allegiant Air stepped in with two nonstop flights per week to Las Vegas.
"Americans no longer have the luxury of two-week vacations anymore. They need to get to the fun and excitement fast," said Tyri Squyres, director of corporate communications for Allegiant.
She and Stacey Shea, who describes herself as a showgirl/artist who promotes Las Vegas, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at Billings Logan International Airport. Shea, clad in sequins and a Las Vegas tiara, was dressed for the tropics or the casino stage. She lucked out with a 61-degree day in Billings and was able to venture outside without frostbite setting in.
Bruce Putnam, Billings director of aviation and transit, said he's been talking with Allegiant for a long time about coming to Billings.
"This is a significant enhancement for our community," he said.
Interim City Administrator Tina Volek said the flights open up another opportunity.
"The flights go both ways. We hope to create a tourism exchange," she said.
While business travelers may use these flights, the two-times-a-week schedule doesn't offer much flexibility.
billingsgazette
Eleven days after America West stopped flying from Billings to Phoenix and Las Vegas, Allegiant Air stepped in with two nonstop flights per week to Las Vegas.
"Americans no longer have the luxury of two-week vacations anymore. They need to get to the fun and excitement fast," said Tyri Squyres, director of corporate communications for Allegiant.
She and Stacey Shea, who describes herself as a showgirl/artist who promotes Las Vegas, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at Billings Logan International Airport. Shea, clad in sequins and a Las Vegas tiara, was dressed for the tropics or the casino stage. She lucked out with a 61-degree day in Billings and was able to venture outside without frostbite setting in.
Bruce Putnam, Billings director of aviation and transit, said he's been talking with Allegiant for a long time about coming to Billings.
"This is a significant enhancement for our community," he said.
Interim City Administrator Tina Volek said the flights open up another opportunity.
"The flights go both ways. We hope to create a tourism exchange," she said.
While business travelers may use these flights, the two-times-a-week schedule doesn't offer much flexibility.
billingsgazette
