How would it feel to check in for a flight, get on the plane, and meet your bags at the hotel?  Yes, the hotel!  It sounds like a fantasy, but it’s one that National Airlines is making a reality. 

The airline’s inaugural flight was on May 27, 1999, from Las Vegas to both Los Angeles, and Chicago’s Midway airport.  Its routes cover much of the United States, and its hub is in Vegas, making it the Flagship carrier for a city just as extraordinary as the airline. 

In an industry short on service, long on lines, and lacking in gumption, National Airlines is breaking all the rules.  Many carriers make promises, but this newcomer has added loads of innovations, and what it promises, it delivers. 

Among some of my favorite offerings: stopovers in Vegas that are virtually unlimited.  Say you are flying to New York, but you really have the gambling bug, and you don’t want to spend a weekend in Vegas, a few hours would satisfy you.  What to do?  Simple:

Fly National Airlines.  They offer stopovers in Vegas where you can stay a few hours or a few days at no additional cost. 

Another wonderful invention, is the above-mentioned baggage check-in ending at the hotel desk, not the baggage terminal.  National works with Harrah’s Las Vegas and the Rio All-Suite hotel, so if you are staying with one of these hotels you simply check in at the airport, and meet your bags at the hotel.  

The frequent flier program also has some unusual twists.  As a member of National Comps, rather than earning miles when you fly, you earn points.  Not only can points be used for free travel and First Class upgrades, but they can also be converted into the Play Rio or Harrah’s Total Rewards player card programs and redeemed for hotel stays, meals, show tickets, and even cash in Las Vegas. 

On a recent flight I took from San Francisco to Las Vegas I was introduced first hand to National’s legendary service.  Seated in First Class, my tray was lowered for me, a crisp white linen table cloth was quickly laid down to cover the table, and the food and drinks kept on coming.  I have to admit it was the best meal I have ever had on a short flight.   A lovely fresh salad, followed by a delicious quiche. 

My seatmate told me she swore by National, using them above all other airlines for her business travel.  With 22 seats in first class, she felt she had a better chance of getting upgraded.  When the airline has open seats in First Class, passengers can purchase an upgrade by calling within 24hours of the flight.  Rates are extremely reasonable, for example an upgrade between San Francisco and Las Vegas is only $60, San Francisco to New York only $180.  If you want to make sure you get a First Class seat, you will find the National is a bargain compared to other airlines. 

Landing in Vegas I was surprised to hear my name called from the middle of the plane.  Two women I also knew were on the flight in coach.  When I questioned them about the service in coach they were more than satisfied.  It turns out that coach flights on National’s 757’s are configured with 153 seats, far less than other airlines. Having previously taken “shuttle” flights to Vegas my friends were happy to report that this airline was different.  Not only did they have more legroom, but also they had a real meal! 

It’s no wonder that National Airlines is partnering its frequent flier program with the best foreign carrier in the business: Virgin Atlantic.  Constantly ranked in the top of all carriers in the world, and being voted the “Best Transatlantic Airline” by Conde Nast Traveler’s it’s no surprise to me that these two service hounds would find each other.  After all, Virgin Atlantic is to Europe what National Airlines is to the United States.  Keep up the good work National!

By Shannon Willitts Falk    April,  2001

LINKS WITH ATTITUDE

 Make your reservation on National Airlines.

 The Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Bureau, these guys have it all!

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