Allegiant's first nonstop flight from Tulsa to Orlando took off just before 3 p.m. today.
Planes will fly between Tulsa and Orlando twice a week. The company is offering one-way fares on the route for $59 until Nov. 1, for travel by April 29.
During the ribbon-cutting event at the gate before passengers boarded, city and airport officials said they're excited to have nonstop service to Tulsans' No. 1 vacation destination.
Tulsa Regional Chamber Senior Vice President of Economic Development Justin McLaughlin said the route will play a role in attracting businesses to the area.
"One thing companies look at whenever they're looking to locate in the Tulsa region is how many nonstop destinations can we serve," he said. "Because it's very important for their operations to be able to move employees back and forth between headquarters and possibly field operations and other places."
Most of the passengers on today's flight were leisure travelers. McLaughlin says besides attracting businesses, the new route should bring tourism dollars into Tulsa.
