Vision Airlines

Vision Airlines to fly from the Fort Lauderdale March 25

Discount carrier Vision Airlines announced this week plans to start scheduled service to 20 cities nationwide March 25, including Fort Lauderdale.

Travelers from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will be able to take advantage of weekly service to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Louisville, Ky.

To launch the new service, the Georgia-based airline is offering introductory $49 one-way fares and free companion fares on select flights Tuesday through Jan. 23.

A leading charter operator for 15 years, Vision's foray into the commercial passenger market was a "logical next step," Chief Operating Officer David Meers said Monday

The Fort Lauderdale flights will operate Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, according to the airline's website.

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach route is a one-stop from Fort Lauderdale via Louisville, while the Louisville service is a nonstop.

Other new destinations to be served by Vision from Northwest Florida Regional Airport in Fort Walton Beach include Atlanta, Baton Rouge, La., Little Rock, Ark., and Knoxville, Tenn. The airline will also operate flights to and from Orlando's Sanford airport to select destinations.

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, which is considered Florida's second largest drive market, was a big draw for the airline, Meers said.

Vision fares range from $69 to $199 one-way across its system, but most fares are $89, according to a company statement.

Many of the new destinations Vision will serve have been neglected by major carriers with large aircraft for many years, Meers said. And those that do operate flights typically do so with "cramped small regional jets."

"The economic impact our airline is going to have in Florida will be significant," Meers said.

Meers said Vision will operate Boeing 737 aircraft, with 136 or 150 seats on the new routes.

There's no charge for carry-on bags, but checked luggage costs $15 for the first piece and $20 for the second if prepaid online. At the airport, the fees are $25 and $30 respectively, he said.

In December, Vision began service from Niagara Falls International Airport via Destin to Miami International Airport, to capture the Canadian snowbird market.

Meers said there were no immediate plans for service to Palm Beach International Airport.

The Niagara Falls route continues to attract attention from low-fare carriers.

In October, Miramar-based low-cost operator Spirit Airlines announced plans for three weekly nonstop flights to Niagara Falls from Fort Lauderdale starting Jan. 27.

Vision started in 1994 offering sightseeing tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and later branched into charters. It operates charters to Cuba from New York and Miami and also flies trips for private clients, including celebrities and sports teams.