AirTran service to Las Vegas lifts off

By Doug Schorpp | Thursday, August 16, 2007

TODAY: (Updated 8:28 a.m.) They may return with their wallets a little lighter, but 136 of a possible 137 passengers boarded AirTran Airways’ initial direct flight to Las Vegas at 7 this morning from the Quad-City International Airport near Moline.

Among those on board was an Elvis impersonator from Cedar Rapids who entertained before and during the flight.

“The Quad-Cities is thrilled to be a part of AirTran’s expansion to Las Vegas,” said Bruce Carter, director of aviation for the airport. “With superb departure and arrival times, nonstop four times per week on the largest jet in their fleet, AirTran has really stepped up to help make this new route a success.”

Carter said the airline offered direct flights to Las Vegas about two years ago, but the departure times were “late in the evening and coming back on the ‘red eye.’” That was not convenient for travelers, and the service was discontinued until now.

As part of the celebration, two airport fire engines also helped launch AirTran 737’s flight with a water cannon salute.

Among the passengers also was Brenda Stuart of Fulton, Ill., who won a free trip to Las Vegas through a contest sponsored by radio station KUUL-FM. She won two tickets and is taking her sister, Theresa Gerber of Clinton, Iowa.

“I have been there seven or eight times, but it’s been like 10 years since I have been there and my sister has never been,” Stuart said. “I won air fare, hotel and $500 in cash and a comedy show.

“We will be staying Thursday through Sunday. We will go to the Excalibur (Hotel) and see a jousting show, and we are trying to work out to go see the Grand Canyon. And of course, gamble.”

Doug Schorpp can be contacted at (563) 383-2292 or dschorpp@qctimes.com.