Allegiant Air, the American ultra-low-cost carrier, is expanding its route map with the addition of 12 new routes and one new airport. These new routes, set to begin in May 2024, will strengthen Allegiant’s presence at 22 airports across the United States, from Los Angeles to Newark. However, the most notable addition is the inclusion of Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida, which expands Allegiant’s reach in the state by a mere 30 miles. This move is surprising considering that Allegiant already operates a busy base at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is just 30 miles away.
While flights from MCO may not come as a surprise for an ultra-low-cost carrier like Allegiant, it is interesting to see the airline expand its presence in the Orlando area despite already having a significant presence at SFB. Allegiant currently operates flights from SFB to over 70 cities on either a seasonal or year-round basis. However, beginning in May, this will be complemented by three new routes from MCO.
MCO is the busier of the two airports and is the primary airport used by most passengers traveling to Disney World and other theme parks and tourist attractions in Central Florida. MCO is much closer to these attractions compared to SFB, where Allegiant is one of only two carriers serving the airport. The other carrier is Canadian discounter Flair Airlines.
Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Senior Vice President of Revenue and Planning and Chief Revenue Officer, expressed excitement about the new service and the airline’s commitment to accessible travel. Wells said, “The announcement of new service is a celebration of the success we’ve had in these markets. Also, the addition of a new station makes us a more dynamic airline. We are committed to opening the door to accessible travel in as many markets as possible and know our customers appreciate the low-cost, nonstop options offered by Allegiant.”
In addition to the new MCO routes, Allegiant’s latest update includes several other interesting additions. One notable addition is a new cross-country flight that will provide Chattanooga, Tennessee with a nonstop flight to Las Vegas. The Oregon city of Eugene will also get its longest nonstop flight when Allegiant begins service to Austin. This route will overtake American Airlines’ route to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) by 88 miles. Furthermore, Montana’s largest city, Billings, will receive nonstop service to Los Angeles starting in May.
Allegiant is known for its low base fares, but it charges extra for additional services beyond boarding the plane. The introductory fares for the new routes range from $49 to $79 one-way, depending on the route. Travelers should keep this in mind when considering Allegiant for their travel plans.
Overall, Allegiant’s expansion of its route map and the addition of Orlando International Airport (MCO) demonstrate the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options to passengers across the United States. As Allegiant continues to grow its network, passengers can expect more choices and potentially lower fares when planning their travels.