I plan to post this info in my trip report also, so I hope no one minds me posting it here also. Since National airlines is so new, I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about our flights with them without having to read through my trip report. (Which will be written soon...)

We flew National airlines from Chicago Midway to Las Vegas on Friday July 16. Our flight didn't leave until 8:40 AM, but we arrived at the airport at a little after 7, so we could try for the first class upgrade. The staff was great, very friendly and helpful. I asked for the first class upgrade, and was told it would be $60 per person extra. I had my credit card out of my wallet before she finished the sentence. As my husband will tell you, I am very good at pulling my credit card out of my wallet, so this should not come as a surprise to anyone. <vbg> We got seats 2A and B. Went to the gate where we started to talk to one of the other passengers who just happened to be a National Airlines executive returning to Las Vegas. He told me that National is planning to expand their service within the next year to year and one-half. They will be flying from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark. Service from Dallas starts August 25. According to their Flyer magazine they are also going to be adding service from several Florida cities, Boston, Atlanta, San Diego, Kansas and Michigan. Sounds like they have big plans for the future. Since they have great prices to Las Vegas, I wish them much luck and hope they continue to expand their service. I happened to mention to the National executive that I belonged to 5 different LV BB's and that I would be posting my experiences, so I hoped that the flight would be as positive of an experience as check in was. He laughed. He did not have to worry, because the flight was great. There are 22 seats in first class and about 150 in coach. I didn't walk into the coach section, but there did seem to be more room between the seats in coach. There was definately more room between the seats in first class than I saw on Delta. There were only 8 people in first class on the way to Las Vegas, and 2 of them were National executives, so we had alot of attention from the flight attendants. Breakfast was served on china in both classes, and in first class at least it was served in courses, which was nicer than trying to deal with 3 plates balanced on a small tray. We had fresh fruit cup, then the flight attendant took that dish and brought out warm croissants and bagels, and then asked what we would like for breakfast. Michael had eggs benedict and I had cinnamon crepes. Both were good enough to make us forget that we were on a plane. <vbg>
For the trip home we decided to check in at the Rio instead of checking in at the airport. This was a good thing because Michael had to drag me away from a Deuces machine in order to leave for the airport. It's nice to check in at the hotel, because then you can go directly to the gate. Gives you more time in the casino. (Like I didn't spend enough time in casinos for the last 6 days.) It was also nice to not have to drag the bags onto the rental car bus at the airport. You can check in at the Rio or Harrah's up to 12 hours before your flight leaves. You do not have to be staying at the Rio or Harrah's to use this option. If you have luggage to check in, you have to have it to the Rio or Harrah's at least 6 hours before your flight, so they have time to get your luggage to the airport. If you are staying at the Rio or Harrah's, they will deliver your luggage to your room, if you tell them at check-in.
When we checked in at the Rio, I again asked for the first class upgrade, and gladly paid the $60 per person for our red-eye flight. We arrived at the airport just in time to board our flight only to find out that it had been delayed. One of the flight attendants became ill, and they had to find a replacement. We were delayed an hour until another flight attendant arrived. Too bad I didn't know...could have spent more time at that Deuces machine. <vbg> The flight home went smoothly, although the plane on the way home was smaller than the one on the way out and didn't seem to have quite as much let room as the one on the way out. It was still great. I would not hesitate to fly National airlines again, especially for the price. It was $200 round trip from Chicago, so with the first class upgrades, we paid $320 each for first class. Not a bad deal at all for first class and great employees. I was concerned about us leaving an hour late since we were connecting in Chicago with a Continental flight. I mentioned this to the flight attendant when we boarded, and she said that we would probably make up the time with tail winds. We only arrived about 20 minutes late, so there was no problem with our connection. However, when we were getting off the plane, the flight attendant asked if we had enough time to make our connection. I told her yes, and she said if we didn't, National airlines would see to it that we would get where we were going. I thought this was nice. One time we flew with Delta, and we were late arriving for a connecting flight. I asked the flight attendant if we could get a cart to transport us to our connection. She told me I should have asked earlier if I needed assistance. I had an asthma attack running to the connecting flight. National airline employees seemed to have a totally different attitude. They really wanted to make you happy. I hope their good serivce continues.
I look forward to my next trip on National airlines. If anyone has any questions, please ask.
Lee Ann

Lee Ann
Thanks for the info, I wonder how soon till the come to Mich.

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LarryinMich@prodigy.net

I'm not sure Larry. The executive that I met only mentioned Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore within the next year or so. I will try to get more information and let you know. I guess a lot of it depends on how quickly they can get gate approvals at the various airports. He told me that they would love to fly from Chicago O'Hare instead of Midway, but the waitlist for a gate at O'Hare is a mile long and they will probably never be able to fly from there.
Lee Ann

National Airlines adds fourth New York flight

Las Vegas-based National Airlines announced Friday that beginning next month it will add a fourth daily nonstop flight to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport.
The service will begin Aug. 25 and is timed to coincide with the addition of National's third daily nonstop round trip between San Francisco and Las Vegas.

http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jul-24-Sat-1999/business/11620097.html

LEE Ann, Thank you for posting this info.I was looking at National here in NY.It sounds like it may work out fine.I think JohnSr.also flew them?I didn't see a report yet.But I like what I've heard so far.TTYL Bob NY

Bob,
I think John B. is flying them in October. If I could figure out a time and cost effective way to get to JFK from Allentown, I would fly National airlines again on our next trip. I may have to wait until they come to Philadelphia next year.
In my report on National airlines, I forgot to thank John B. for telling me about upgrading to first class. Thanks John. First class sure made the flight even more pleasant. [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Bob, I would definately recommend National airlines. If you have any questions, just ask.
Lee Ann

Lee Ann, it's nice to hear a positive report about an airline today. I hope National makes it. This will keep fares down. I'd like to see them come to Cleveland and give Continental some competition.

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John
Moderator-Dining Forum

Lee Ann,
Thanks for the info. The price out of Philly, would have to be a great one for me to fly them. I've all but given up that airport except for international flights. Also, I am still suspect of how much help they would be if you'd missed a conecting flight on lats say a busy holiday weekend? I'll stick with the regular comerical flights for now. Although, if the price was right, I could be swayed to try them. I certinaly would not be afraid to fly with them.
Lee-PA

I know what you mean Lee. Philadelphia is not my favorite airport, but I like it better than JFK or even Newark. I was concerned about possible cancelled flights, but I figured they have a vested interest in getting you to Las Vegas so you can lose your money. That's why I think they might be even quicker than another airline to offer putting you on another carrier. The amount of money they spend putting you on another plane would probably cost them less than what you'll lose in the casino. They might not be as quick to respond to your needs coming back home, but I figure when you're already in Las Vegas, who cares about going home? As far as their flights from Philadelphia, from what I understand they will be nonstop to Las Vegas, which is great since we always have to change planes. I like the ability to upgrade to first class for a small amount of money. It sure made the trip more pleasant.
Lee Ann

Lee Ann,
IMHO $60 is a correct amount for a First class upgrade. Not the 1000 plus some try to get for a first class ticket at purchase time.
I'll try keeping an open mind on the Philly thing, and take a wait & see aproach.
Lee-PA

Sorry if I missed this, but what are the fares running now out of New York on National?

Veronica,
When I checked for July, it was in the $280-$300 range.
Lee,
I agree that $60 to $100 is a fair rate for an upgrade at the gate. One time we tried to upgrade on Delta at the gate, and for 1 segment, (not the whole trip), it would have cost us $700 per person, so of course we just forgot about it.
Lee Ann

Lee Ann: Those fares out of NY aren't too bad.

One time I asked about upgrading to FC and got the same answer--$700. I was told sometimes it's only about $50 and sometimes it's very expensive, but naturally that time it was out of sight!

V, I called them and FC.confirmed is $1200.RT. I looked at the seating chart on some flts.and they were wide open!So maybe you can do the gate upgrade thing for a lot less?
Bob NY

Thanks Lee Ann for the National info. I am looking forward to our Oct.1st flights on National now that I have read your positive comments.

V, and Bob, I was told the first class upgrade out of JFK is $90.00 cash or credit card. I spoke last May to the National rep. at the Rio. He had the same helpful attitude that Lee Ann noticed from other National employees. Helpfull and caring are not two words I would use to describe the people at America West that I have come in contact with in the past few years.

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John B.
johnsr@prodigy.net

[This message has been edited by JohnSr (edited July 28, 1999).]

National Airlines, along with Harrah's and the Rio, are giving passengers booked for Las Vegas a free scratch card with the possibility of winning the following prizes: two round trip tickets on National and a three-day/two-night stay at Harrah's Las Vegas; or, two round trip tickets on National plus a three-day/two-night stay at the Rio; or, two free tickets to see "Spellbound" at Harrah's; or, $2 off the Rio’s Carnival World Buffet; or, one free drawing ticket to win a 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS at Harrah's; or, a free drink on board National airlines or a 20% discount on National Airlines.

From September 1 - September 30, any guest flying to Las Vegas on National Airlines will be given a scratch card, while supplies last. Players must be 21 years of age or older, and prizes must be redeemed by Oct, 8, 1999. Call (800) HARRAHS for further information.