KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffCape Air firsthand flight out of Marion

Cape Air firsthand flight out of Marion

By Julia Bruck - bio | email

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) -Cape Air recently took over as the new carrier at both the Williamson County Regional Airport and the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.  It is the third carrier to serve at the airport in Marion in the last decade.

Cape Air is now in its second week flying in and out of Marion.  Each day six round trip flights are made to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and back. 

Wednesday, Heartland News Reporter Julia Bruck and Photojournalist Mike Mohundro went along to get a firsthand look at this new air service.

Upon arrival at the Williamson County Regional Airport we walked right up to the Cape Air counter. Surprisingly each of us was asked our weight.  Something, we were not expecting.

The Cape Air Station Manager said those who do not want to say that number aloud can write it on a piece of paper.  By the time I found that out, it was too late.

Even with lots of camera gear, we moved through security quickly and walked into the waiting room.

That is where we met others on our flight.  There were not many, as the plane only sits ten including the captain. 

Unlike on a major airline we did not get our seat assignments until the station manager arrived.  That is because your weight determines your seat.  Mike and I were seated in the back of the Cessna 402.  

“This is itty bitty,” I said while boarding.

Some of passengers on the plane were Sherry and Ernie Crain.  They along with Sharon Wunderle and Vickie Bagley are all headed to New York City.  Wunderle says she called her friends soon after she heard of this new air service.

“When we flew Great Lakes Air we paid $147 dollars round trip,” Wunderle said.  “This one was $98 for round trip,” she added.  

In total nine passengers boarded the plane with their luggage stuffed in compartments in the wing and at the front of the plane.

“Welcome abroad this Cape Air Flight to St. Louis.  My name is Don,” Captain Don Tucker said.  

Tucker greeted us then shared the safety regulations of the plane.

At this point, Vickie Bagley and I are like long lost friends, as we are nearly sitting on top of each other in the very back of the plane.

Meanwhile Ernie was flying in the co-pilot sit.  Apparently, he got that seat due to his weight.

However, before we take off more than just Heartland News had a few questions for Captain Tucker.

“How many years have you been flying,“ asked passenger Brenda Ferguson.

“I’ve been flying totally for 12 years,” Captain Tucker answered.

Once in the air we settle into our cloudy flight in the non-pressurized cabin.  On this day, Captain Tucker said our flying altitude was some five thousand feet. 

As we flew toward St. Louis, many looked out the window to see glimpses of southern Illinois. 

Meanwhile others chatted over the sounds of the engines. “This flight is very comfortable.  I am not jiggling around.  Other than being close, it's a great flight,” Bagley said during the fight.

We landed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport nearly 45 minutes after leaving Marion.

Moments later the folks headed to New York walked into the American Airlines terminal and up to their gate.

“We didn't have to go through check in again, which was awesome,” Sherry Crain said.  

“The new service appears they've got all there ducks in a row about trying to be committed to Marion, Cape Girardeau, to markets like Quincy and other markets.  That’s good for those communities and its good for Lambert as we try to get more air service here,” Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Spokesperson Jeff Lea said.

On the return flight to Marion, there were only eight of us, including Captain Tucker.  With less people, there was a little more room but clouds still blocked our view.  However, the size of the plane was still surprising for passenger Suzanne Legevere.

“It was a little smaller than I expected.  But not that bad, no it was fine once I settled down,” Legevere said.

Heartland News crunched some travel numbers.

From Marion to Saint Louis and back is 266 miles.  The average price of gas in Illinois is $2.69.  Assuming your car gets 25 miles to the gallon, it will cost about $28.62 round trip to drive.  You should also consider parking fees range anywhere from $7.00 to $20.00 a day.

Another option is BART Shuttle Service.  According to their website, it costs $65.00 one-way.  If you would like to be picked up at home, that costs another $5.00.  Therefore, assuming you are picked up at home, dropped off, and picked up from the airport and brought back home; it will cost you $140 dollars round trip.

Most passengers we spoke with on Cape Air said they got a round trip ticket for just a little less than one hundred dollars.

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