Allegiant adds 757s for McAllen-to-Vegas route

McALLEN — Allegiant Air will begin flying Boeing 757 jets from McAllen-Miller International Airport to Las Vegas this summer, potentially offering 180 seats on nonstop flights to Sin City.

With summer vacations in mind, Allegiant gradually increased the number of weekly flights to Vegas during June and began offering seasonal flights to Orlando. In July, Allegiant will offer daily flights to Las Vegas and Tuesday-through-Sunday service to Orlando, according to data supplied by McAllen-Miller.

“This market does really well for Orlando, but Vegas, by far, is a top destination,” said Kristi Taylor-Salinas, the airport’s properties and compliance manager.

The 757s are larger and potentially hold more passengers than Allegiant’s familiar MD-80 jets. Allegiant, which offers low-cost flights between smaller markets and Las Vegas and other popular vacation spots, plans to buy six 757s, according to Aviation Week. Those planes could eventually offer service to Hawaii or Mexico.

While McAllen remains one of Allegiant’s top markets, it’s unlikely the larger jets will stick around once those routes are established — unless Allegiant purchases more 757s. The Las Vegas-based company already operates a fleet of 51 MD-80 jets, according to Allegiant’s website. They offer nonstop flights between 45 cities, ranging from Eugene, Ore., to McAllen and Las Vegas.

Allegiant decided to use a 757 for the McAllen-to-Las-Vegas flights based on demand, said Kristine Cooper, public relations manager for Allegiant.

“It’s a strong market for us,” Cooper said, and Las Vegas and Orlando remain major draws for Rio Grande Valley residents.

Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines also offer flights to Las Vegas from McAllen-Miller, but don’t offer non-stop travel.