Vision Airlines Extends Mega-Expansion $49 Fare Sale

SUWANNEE, Ga., Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to consumer demand, Vision Airlines, the nation's newest big jet, low fare, direct air service to Florida is extending its $49* introductory fare sale from January 23 to January 31.

"On Tuesday, moments after the news media reported Vision Airlines' 23 city mega-expansion and its $49 introductory fare offer; we experienced enormous website traffic that repeatedly crashed our computer servers," says Chief Operating Officer David Meers. "Our server capacity has been increased to facilitate the overwhelming interest by consumers."  

"Additionally, our reservations center was inundated with callers, resulting in extensive hold times,"  says Meers.

During the first 48 hours of operations, Vision Airlines sold upward of 5,000 tickets and recorded nearly 20,000 website hits, according to Meers.

"By the close of business on Thursday, we were sold-out of $49 seats," says Meers. "Since then, I have been talking on the phone with scores of disappointed customers who were hoping to take advantage of the introductory fares."

He explains, "Many people did not understand that there are a limited number of $49 seats on each flight."

More $49 Seats Available

In response to consumer demand for the new air service and in effort to build customer loyalty, Vision Airlines has just allocated more $49 seats to each flight. The additional $49 seats go on sale today.

Sale Extended

Furthermore, Vision Airlines is extending the deadline to purchase $49 seats. The promotion was originally slated to end this Sunday but will now end on Monday, January 31, 2011.

Average Fares

Currently, Vision Airlines' fares range from $49 to $199 one-way. On average, Vision Airlines' one-way tickets from most cities to Florida cost $89.

Mega-Expansion

After 16 years as a charter carrier, Vision Airlines announced this week it is now expanding into commercial passenger service with flights from 23 U.S. cities.

The company also says it will grow its charter flight service from New York and Miami to Havana, Cuba.  

Vision Airlines Cities

- Asheville, NC - Atlanta, GA - Baton Rouge, LA - Birmingham, AL - Chattanooga, TN -

- Columbia, SC - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL - Ft. Lauderdale, FL -

- Greenville/Spartanburg, SC - Gulfport/Biloxi, MS - Houston, TX - Huntsville, AL -

- Knoxville, TN - Little Rock, AR - Louisville, KY - Macon, GA - Miami, FL -

- Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY/Toronto, Canada - Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers, FL -Sanford/Orlando, FL -

- Savannah, GA - Shreveport, LA - St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, FL -

Vision Airlines Hub

Most Florida-bound flights are to and through the airline's hub at Northwest Florida Regional Airport near Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

Florida Cities

Vision Airlines also offers direct flights from several cities to Ft. Lauderdale; Miami; Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers; Sanford/Orlando and St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa.

Intrastate Florida Flights

The airline is also linking Northwestern Florida with other areas of the state with flights to and from Southeastern, Southwestern and Central Florida.

Atlanta-Louisville

Vision Airlines also provides twice daily non-stop service between Atlanta, GA and Louisville, KY.

Mississippi's Casino Coast

Another Vision Airlines destination is Mississippi's Casino Coast. The carrier offers flights from Atlanta, GA; Houston, TX and St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, FL to Gulfport/Biloxi, MS.

Canadians Cross Border

Vision Airlines' Florida flights from the new Niagara Falls International Airport in New York are geared toward luring Canadians to drive from nearby Toronto to board flights in the U.S.

By driving across the border, Canadians avert long lines at airport customs and immigration check points. Also, by flying Vision Airlines from Niagara Falls, Canadians also save $140 in international tariffs on every ticket. Additionally, flights from Canada to Florida are traditionally 300 percent more expensive than flights originating in U.S. cities.

Business Model

Vision Airlines' business model is based on offering non-stop flights to Florida from secondary U.S. cities that have been ignored by the major airlines. People in these cities are currently forced to fly in cramped regional jets, endure long layovers while connecting through other cities and they must pay extremely high airfares.

Vision Airlines now offers non-stop and direct Boeing 737 jet flights from these cities to Florida at affordable prices.

Since no other airline travels the identical routes flown by Vision Airlines it has no direct competition. Therefore, according to many aviation analysts, Vision Airlines is likely to be very successful.

*Fares shown exclude Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00, September 11th Security Fees of up to $2.50 per enplanement and US segment fee of $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. All fares are one-way. Round trip purchase not required. All fares are non-refundable and a $100 fee per person applies to change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Baggage Fees of up to $30 each way per checked bag. Seats are limited and subject to availability and may not be available on all flights. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Vision Airlines