Viola Daye and her husband, Dwayne, had no idea what they were in for when they boarded AirTran Airways flight #606 from Atlanta to Milwaukee December 29. When Viola’s feet touched the carpet at General Mitchell International Airport later that afternoon, she became part of airport history.

As Mitchell's record-breaking 6,076,629th passenger in 2003, Viola Daye, Neshkoro, Wis., was greeted by Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, and several TV camera crews. 

AirTran Airways representatives treated the Dayes to two free airline tickets for future travel. From left: Terry Sellers, AirTran station manager; Viola Daye and her husband, Dwayne; and David Fox, AirTran assistant station manager.

As the record-breaking 6,076,629th passenger to pass through Mitchell in 2003, Daye was cheerfully greeted by Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, several TV camera crews and a crowd of curious onlookers.

“Rock bottom fares are really making a difference,” Walker told the crowd. “Not only are lower fares drawing in travelers from a wider area throughout the state and northern Illinois, they also are attracting people who may have otherwise driven to their destination or not traveled at all.”

Daye took home two free tickets for a future flight on AirTran Airways, a gift basket filled with Wisconsin-made products, and a great story to share with friends and family!

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