LV-Chicago service planned

Friday, Nov. 8, 2002 | 11:14 a.m.

Hoping to capitalize on National Airlines' closure, Florida-based low-fare air carrier will begin flights between Las Vegas and Chicago in December.

Spirit Airlines, which already offers daily service between Las Vegas and Detroit, will offer red-eye service between O'Hare and McCarran International airports beginning Dec. 19.

A spokeswoman for Miramar-based Spirit said Spirit, which has 98 daily departures primarily on the East Coast and in the Midwest, would have a flight leaving Chicago at 9:30 p.m., arriving in Las Vegas at 11:30 p.m. The return flight would leave McCarran at 12:40 a.m., arriving in Chicago at 6:10 a.m.

"We're pleased to be expanding our service to and from Las Vegas," said Tom Anderson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer in a release announcing the service. "In light of National Airlines' cessation of service, we are hopeful that we can be of assistance to passengers looking to book for the holidays and beyond."

The airline said it would offer introductory fares of $79 one way to Chicago for travel between Dec. 19 and Feb. 11.

Spirit, which has a daily flight to Detroit and will add a second next week, has connecting service to Atlantic City, New York's La Guardia Airport and the Florida cities of Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, For Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The company also serves Myrtle Beach, S.C., and San Juan, Puerto Rico.