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Sentamental Journey pays a visit to TRI

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:50:25 +0000

In the past few weeks, TRI has hosted some very interesting aircraft that span more than 65 years of military service. First it was the modern Harrier Jump Jets and F-16s visiting for a traditional fly-over during Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR races, and now we have a visit from a much older lady, the Sentamental Journey, a fully restored B-17 bomber on tour with the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing. Whether simply touring the aircraft or actually springing for a flight (and it’s pretty pricey to keep these vintage aircraft operational) this is a great chance to experience a bit of military and aviation history. This tour is in honor of our veterans, and you might even be privledged to get to talk with someone who remembers these great aircraft from WWII.

Things are all a buzz during Race Week

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:41:43 +0000

Things get pretty crazy around here in August and March when it’s time for “race week” at Bristol Motor Speedway. The camper parade starts on all highways and by-ways leading to BMS and people dressed to honor their favorite driver start arriving in the terminal, making the Airport restaurant and bar happy as enthusiastic fans toast their way along. By Friday, every spare inch of pavement is covered with private jets owned by VIPs of all sorts, and on race day, helicopters buzz around shuttling many of those VIPs back and forth to the Speedway well into the evening. For three days, folks line the observation deck for a mini air show as military jets fly in and out in preparation for fly-overs to mark the start of each race. NASCAR racing may be the hottest ticket in town those weekends, there’s also plenty of excitement going on out on the airfield at Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Paper or Plastic…

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:32:00 +0000

When you travel, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash along for the taxi driver who won’t accept credit or debit cards. But lately, we’re hearing more about places accepting only plastic. It may seem strange that a company would opt not to sell you a product if you only have cash to pay for it, but it turns out that it is often easier and cheaper for the company to deal in plastic only.

That’s the case with Allegiant Air. Come September 1, to make a purchase, travelers will have to use a credit card, debit card, or other form of prepaid card available at banks and some large retailers. There will no longer be the option of paper or plastic…it’s plastic all the way, so plan accordingly–but you still might want to take some cash for the taxi driver and to tip houskeeping.

Can you hear me now?

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:52:35 +0000

Wow! I am loving the new sound system and acoustic pannels in the terminal. I know this may not seem like a big deal to some people, but as the person who gets to look at all the comment cards when they come in, I can tell you that actually being able to hear boarding and gate announcments is important to most travelers! And guess what? Since the panels and new equipment have been installed, there have been no complaints…zip…nada…not a single comment about not being able to hear announcments.

It took a lot of time and a lot of money (mostly from grants), but I think the problem may finally be solved. And, in the process, we were able to add some color to the terminal as a bonus.

Now, if we could just make everyone happy with the music and news channel choices……We’ll keep trying.

It’s Time for an All American Celebration!

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:22:35 +0000

There’s lots of red, white and blue around, but it isn’t just for Independance Day. July 2, Tri-Cities Regional Airport celebrates the launch of American Eagle’s nonstop service between TRI and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). This service has been a long time in the making, so it’s pretty sweet to see it come to fruition.

American Eagle is starting the service with two round-trips a day on 44-seat regional jet aircraft–just perfect for TRI. And for a limited time, passengers can get bonus AAdvantage miles when they travel between TRI and ORD. There is some really attractive pricing, too, especially if you can travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays before September 29 and book your flight by July 9. For more information on promotions and pricing, go to AA.com.

Now that the flights to Chicago are here, it’s going to be up to the traveling public to use the service. If Chicago is successful, we could stand a good chance of getting another new destination in the future. And growth in air service is truly worth celebrating!

Giftshop Gets Facelift

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:35:36 +0000

Tri-Cities Regional Airport’s giftshop is getting a facelift as part of a management change. What was formerly Jule’s Giftshop will soon be Tailwinds Gifts, now that the Tailwinds Restaurant is taking over management. In addition to some cosmetic improvements and changes in merchandise, Tailwinds Gifts opened a sattelite store in the concourse past security. Passengers can now pick up news and gift items near the gate, which is a welcome convenience for those last minute items. The main gift shop is set to reopen in late June or early July, so if you are traveling this summer, stop by and check it out.

2nd Largest Aircraft Visits TRI

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:45:16 +0000

Check out the photos of the Russian Antonov 124 that visited TRI last Friday to pick up some heavy cargo. Wow! This beast was massive.

Delta to Add a Second Detroit Flight in June

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:25:07 +0000

Some great things are starting to happen for Tri-Cities Regional Airport. We were extremely pleased to see that Delta Air Lines is adding a second daily flight to Detroit starting June 10. This additional service gives TRI passengers more choice, more seats and more convenient connections, especially during the busy summer travel season. Good job, Delta! Your passengers thank you.

The Eagle is Landing

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:47:24 +0000

Great News Tri-Cities! American Eagle is coming to Tri-Cities Regional Airport with nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare! July 2, American Eagle will start flying TRI-ORD with 44-seat Embraer Regional Jets twice a day. Not only will passengers have the advantage of quick, easy, nonstop flights, they’ll be able to access American Airlines’ extensive domestic and international network.

We’ve been working on this service for a long time, and with a little help from the business community, the effort is paying off. When July 2 gets here, lets make sure the service is successful…and it will be here before you know it.

TRI Welcomes Back Nonstop Detroit Service

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:31:45 +0000

Earlier this month, we marked the return of nonstop service between Tri-Cities and Detroit. That’s right, you can now get to Motown easily and quickly on Delta’s daily jet service.

“I thought TRI already had Detroit service,” you might say…and you would be right up until last June when it went away following the merger of Delta and Northwest Airlines. However, Delta has now brought it back and we’re betting the Detroit hub with be very popular with our Delta travelers who are looking for an alternative to connecting in Atlanta.

And remember, the more people use the service, the better the chance that Delta will add in additional daily trips. So, when you are planning your next flight, be sure to check out Delta’s connections through Detroit.