Holiday Beach Resort Destin

New airline service to offer 'very competitive' fares

Published On: Monday, June 20, 2011

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT: The new non-stop jet service by Vision Airlines will favourably reflect Grand Bahama's proximity as the nearest offshore destination to the US East Coast, says Director-General of Tourism David L Johnson.

The airline will provide direct air service to at least five US cities in November, it was announced at the Our Lucaya Resort.

Vision Airlines will start non-stop jet service on a 136 seat Boeing 737 aircraft to Grand Bahama on November 11 from several US cities, including Richmond, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland and Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

This new service will bring 100,000 additional seats annually to Grand Bahama in its first phase of operations.

Mr Johnson said Vision's low fares would be very competitive, and lower than other carriers.

He noted that round trip ticket to Grand Bahama from Fort Lauderdale on Vision would be more than $100 less than another airline.

"If we shopped for tickets to Grand Bahama Island today, the best price round-trip from Ft Lauderdale would be $259 including tax, but an average price of $340.

"When Vision Airlines starts, tickets will be available for as little as $89 round-trip, plus tax, or $199 including tax. And for travel to GB combined with minimum three nights hotel stay our customers will be able to fly free for taxes only," he said.

Mr Johnson said the lowest airfare from Louisville, KY to GBI today is $663, including taxes, compared to Vision Airlines' fares which would be $392 including taxes, or a savings of $542 per booking.

He noted that Richmond, VA to GBI will be $382, including taxes versus today's cost of $665. "What this shows is that with the advent of this new Vision Airlines service, a three night stay on Grand Bahama with airfare, hotel and transfers will be typically less than today's cost for airfare alone," he stated.

Mr Johnson said the non-stop jet flights also significantly reduce travel time from cities like Louisville, KY, Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA by two hours or less.

"By realising its proximity advantage through lower airfares and shortest travel times, it will go a long way to making GB the destination of choice for vacationers in these markets seeking a beach holiday," the Director-General said.

Vision Airlines began operations in Las Vegas, NV in 1994.

Very Few Vacancies at Pelican Beach | Destin Pelican Beach Resort

Destin,Florida Pelican Beach Resort is one of the Panhandle's best kept secrets. Not only is the Pelican Beach Resort a beautiful place but also a economical place to stay on the white sandy beaches of Destin. My family loves Destin and more specifically the Pelican Beach Resort. Discount rates are available for early bookings for my unit and many others!

Condo vacations, the complete guide

Flyfisher's Guide to Florida Saltwater

Insiders' Guide to Florida's Great Northwest

Standard directory of advertising agencies

Florida