Biloxi’s back in play at $69 O/W

You can get back to Mississippi’s lovely Gulf Coast region on a budget once again with new, non-stop flight service from Atlanta.

Since AirTran eliminated its non-stop flights to Gulfport-Biloxi back in January, Delta saw a chance to increase airfares considerably. For instance, today Delta’s lowest one-way rate is $289. Yes, the carrier does have a round-trip rate of $218, but it requires a 21-day advance notice of travel and a weekend stay.

What about those cheapo flights? They’re back with Southern Skyways. Flights are scheduled public charters.

One-way sale rates are $69 and valid on departures and returns on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays through next June. The one-way rate inclusive of all extras is $84.60.

The carrier also offers bundled vacation packages to Gulfport-Biloxi with per person rates from $229, including round-trip airfares, a two-night hotel stay in either the Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa or the IP Casino Resort & Spa, and airport transfers (valid Wednesday-Friday). Per person rates are from $319 for Friday-Sunday packages.

Even if you’re not a gambler, go to enjoy the Gulf beaches (try Ocean Springs between New Orleans and Mobile and 10 minutes from Biloxi’s Casino Row (www.nps.gov/guis/miss.htm); and play golf along the “Golf Coast”.

Go south this summer!