Experience the sandy white beaches of Ft. Lauderdale even before you get on an airplane today at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). We’re celebrating new nonstop service to Ft. Lauderdale and transforming our AirTran Airways’ gates by bringing the beach to our passengers and offering them a reason to celebrate with seaside music, beach-themed cuisine and a chance to win at the CAK prize wheel!

AirTran Airways makes the celebration even better with a $79* one way fare to Ft. Lauderdale available until November 10, 2009. You can get this low fare by booking directly at AirTran.com. The nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are available four days per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. AirTran also flies from CAK nonstop to Orlando, Tampa, and Ft. Myers, Atlanta, Boston and New York (LaGuardia).

“The only thing that covers Florida better is the sun itself,” said Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways vice president of marketing and sales. “There’s nothing like Ft. Lauderdale to defrost the chill of winter and now it’s easier than ever to get there from Akron-Canton.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Ft. Lauderdale, a popular gateway on Florida’s east coast, is back at Akron-Canton Airport,” said Rick McQueen, President & CEO. “And thanks to AirTran Airways, Northeastern Ohio sun seekers can reach their favorite Florida destination, whether it is Ft. Lauderdale/ Miami, Tampa, Orland or Ft. Myers, nonstop and at a price they can afford.”

We’re kicking off Ft. Lauderdale Day festivities at 10 a.m. with a beach party at our AirTran gates complete with beach chairs, palm trees and the relaxing sounds of steel drum music provided by the University of Akron steel drum band. Plus, all passengers can take a spin at the Ft. Lauderdale prize wheel for a chance to win CAK flip-flops and other items to get you ready for your beach trip! One lucky winner may even win AirTran tickets for two to anywhere AirTran flies in the continental USA from CAK. Follow the Ft. Lauderdale Day festivities live at CAK with live updates, photos and video on CAK’s Facebook Fan page and @CAKairport on Twitter.