Missoula County Coverage
New Allegiant flights to help Missoula economy
Posted: Jan 25, 2012 9:01 AM by Russ Thomas (KPAX News)
Updated: Jan 25, 2012 9:03 AM
MISSOULA- A pair of Western Montana airports are now offering a cheap way for Montanans to travel non stop to the City by the Bay as airports in both Missoula and Kalispell announced it's now easier than ever to take a trip to the Bay Area.
If you've ever left your heart in San Francisco, there is a new and inexpensive way to go back. Allegiant Air announced Tuesday that Missoula International Airport is one of four airports across the state that will provide a flight to the Bay Area via Oakland International Airport.
Missoula International Airport Director Cris Jensen says this is a great opportunity for the community. "It opens up a new destination, and it's a low cost carrier on top of that, so it means it's reachable for the average person."
We're talking tickets available for about $40 round trip on limited days, less expensive than a drive from Missoula to Kalispell. Missoula Airport Board of Commissioners Chairman Paul Stafford says this is the perfect way to create excitement.
"This is starting off at two days a week and it might grow if the demand shows, so that's just kind of a way to get people aware. I think if they're shocked and think, for $40 I can get to San Francisco and back, I'll do that."
The flights, like others provided by Allegiant, will be offered as long as there is strong interest from the community and Stafford says his latest numbers indicate that Allegiant flights from Missoula to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix have been filled at over 95% capacity on average.
Jensen added that this opens up economic growth for Missoula, as well, "We hope that there is some opportunity to bring people from San Francisco into Missoula. You know, put heads in our beds and experience a little bit of economic development on our end of the equation."
Tickets are now available and service is officially set to begin on April 27th. The limited offer of $40 round trip to San Francisco is roughly the same price as you'd spend in gas traveling round trip between Missoula and Kalispell.
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