- Allegiant Air is expanding its network to spring break destinations with nine new routes across the US.
- The company is focusing on leisure hotspots like Arizona, Florida, and Colorado.
- Allegiant will face competition on just one of the new routes, with United competing on service to Denver.
Allegiant Air is adding more options for spring breakers with its latest network expansion to leisure destinations in places like Arizona and Florida.
On Tuesday, Allegiant announced nine new routes from its bases across the US, offering more options for leisure travelers. The new service will begin next spring with fares starting at $39 one-way. The move comes as the Las Vegas-based carrier prepares for a busy spring season, particularly as the boom in domestic travel continues into the new year despite the looming threat of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
"These routes will connect our customers to premier destinations in Arizona and Florida just in time for Spring break," Allegiant's senior vice president of revenue and planning, Drew Wells, said. "Whether travelers are looking to explore the desert southwest or take in the beaches of Florida, we've got the flights for them – free from the hassle of stops and layovers – at a price they can afford."
While Allegiant has historically focused on secondary airports in major cities, one of its new routes is heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, expanding its presence to three destinations out of the busy capital. Currently, the airline has a robust network out of the city's smaller airport, Phoenix-Mesa, offering dozens of route options.
The expansion will also increase traffic in Sarasota, Florida, which has seen a major uptick in passengers compared to 2019 and 2020. Allegiant has been a significant player in the airport's boom, becoming the airport's biggest operator and bringing in hundreds of thousands of passengers. In October alone, the airport saw 275,329 passengers, which is 72% and 148% more than October 2019 and 2020, respectively, according to airport data.
Airport statistics also revealed 2021 has also been Sarasota's busiest year to date with nearly 2.5 million travelers passing through the airport from January to October. Its previous record stood at 2.01 million passengers in 1990, according to the Herald-Tribune.
Allegiant's route announcement is targeting leisure destinations across the US, but it hopes to expand beyond that with a new venture with Mexico-based Viva Aerobus in early 2023. Last Thursday, the pair announced they applied to the Department of Transportation to create a "fully-integrated Commercial Alliance Agreement," pending approval from government authorities. The partnership would bring more options and connectivity for passengers in both countries via codeshares.
Here's a closer look at Allegiant's 9 new routes.
Between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Phoenix Sky Harbor
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Knoxville and Phoenix Sky Harbor on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning February 16. The airline will face no competition on the route. The seasonal service will run through June 26 and one-way fares start at $59.
Between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Minneapolis, Minnesota
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Knoxville and Minneapolis on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning March 9. The airline will be the route's sole operator. The seasonal route will run through June 1 and one-way fares start at $49.
Between Toledo, Ohio, and Phoenix-Mesa
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Toledo and Phoenix-Mesa on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning March 9. The airline will be the route's only competitor. The seasonal route will run through May 7 and one-way fares start at $59.
Between St. Petersburg, Florida, and Clarksburg, West Virginia
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between St. Petersburg and Clarksburg on Mondays and Fridays beginning March 11. The airline will be the route's only operator. The seasonal route will run through May 20 and one-way fares start at $49.
Between Appleton, Wisconsin, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Appleton and Fort Lauderdale on Sundays and Thursdays beginning March 10. The airline will face no competition. The seasonal route will run through June 26 and one-way fares start at $49.
Between Appleton, Wisconsin, and Sarasota, Florida
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Appleton and Sarasota on Mondays and Fridays beginning March 11. The airline will be the route's only operator. The seasonal route will run through June 17 and one-way fares start at $59.
Between Appleton, Wisconsin, and Denver, Colorado
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Appleton and Denver on Mondays and Fridays beginning March 11. The airline will compete with United Airlines. The seasonal route will run through June 19 and one-way fares start at $39.
Between Flint, Michigan, and Boston, Massachusetts
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Flint and Boston on Sundays and Thursdays beginning March 10. The airline will face no competition. The seasonal route will run through June 16 and one-way fares start at $49.
Between Flint, Michigan, and Jacksonville, Florida
Allegiant will start twice-weekly service between Flint and Jacksonville on Mondays and Fridays beginning March 11. The airline will face no competition. The seasonal route will run through June 17 and one-way fares start at $39.