I never heard of Tunica and didn’t even know what it was until Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas, Corporate Communications Manager for Air Tran Airways invited me onboard the inaugural flight from Atlanta to Tunica, MS.
Tunica is the Las Vegas of the Mississippi Delta and is the third largest gaming area in our nation ranking right behind Atlantic City. Cynthia explained that Tunica was once a major cotton growing area on the Historic Blues Highway 61; now the South’s Casino Capital and Atlanta’s playground. Where cotton was once king, casinos are now king. Who knew?
This was my first inaugural flight and I was anxious to see what all the hoopla was about. I just knew I didn’t want to miss out on any of the fun on the party plane. Plus I heard some former NFL players were coming.
Just to be on the safe side since I am not a morning person and my internal clock is challenged by a 6:00 a.m. flight, I flew to Atlanta the night before and had a good night’s sleep at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport/Millennium Center conveniently located only a 2-minute shuttle ride away from the Atlanta Airport.
I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I have any clue what a big shindig was in store for me and the other VIP guests. I was instructed to arrive at Gate 4 by 8:30 a.m. sharp for the festivities. Banners were unfurled, hundreds of custom cookies decorated with AirTran’s logo were passed out along with beverages.
Air Tran went all out for this bash; balloons, flowers, and excitement filled the air….we were on a roll. By 9:00 a.m. things were hopping; the Wheel of Fortune was spinning and passengers were standing in line to take a shot at winning some prizes. Everyone was happy and walked away from Lady Luck a winner.
Themed inaugural flights are the norm for AirTran according to Quinnie Jenkins on hand supervising the festivities from the corporate office. Cynthia told me I should have seen the celebration for the inaugural flight to Jamaica: island food, steel drums playing island music and passengers forming a conga line. Even the Jamaican Minister of Tourism was onboard greeting passengers. Another memorable event was the Atlantic City inaugural flight festivities with Earth Wind and Fire.
AirTran knows how to do it right and I sure hope they keep my name on the VIP invitation list. I don’t want to miss out on any of these parties in the sky.
While other airlines are cutting back, skimping on services, and charging passengers all kinds of add-on fees, AirTran is going in the opposite direction and taking a different approach. AirTran offers low fares and provides excellent service to their passengers. Watch out Southwest!
As we boarded flight #1578 we were handed gift bags and more monogrammed cookies.Captain Dale Longmire and First Officer Bill Ulm were in a good mood warmly welcoming passengers onboard our Boeing 717. The flight was packed with travel agents, meeting planners, celebs, and former NFL players. William Andrews (Atlanta Falcons), Fred Banks (Miami Dolphins), and Michael R. Harris (Dallas Cowboys) were approachable, friendly, and were happy to sign autographs for passengers. While I was impressed with Michael’s gigantic Super Bowl ring, I was more impressed that after retirment he earned a masters degree in education and works with special ed kids.
T-Mobile provided complimentary Gogo Inflight Internet service as a promotion enabling passengers to go online. I call Gogo my “Flying Office” since I can easily get work done, communicate, and keep in touch with my friends and family at 35,000 feet. Last minute upgrades are available starting at $49.00 giving passengers oversized comfy leather seats in Business Class.
Before we knew it our short 55 minute flight landed at the Tunica Airport and after our royal VIP welcome, we were escorted to yet another party with a live blues band and tons of food compliments of Harrah’s. Fresh fruit and gorgeous designer pastries were beautifully displayed. I was in awe of the intricately carved watermelon with the Air Tran logo…truly a culinary work of art.
It’s all about good old “Southern Hospitality” down here were guests are made to feel welcome and are pampered. Harrah’s and AirTran went all out to assure we had a grand time…..spa treatments, lavish eating orgies, and first class entertainment made for a high rolling 24 hours.
Photos and text by Michelle Newman