Well this seems like a good thing:
QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Nonstop flight service to three new cities will be coming to Jacksonville International Airport.
Jacksonville Aviation Authority Board Chairman Ray Alfred will announce the new air service at a news conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Officials did not say which three cities would be serviced, but they are three that are not currently served by JAX.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/3-new-cities-to-have-nonstop-flights-from-jax
Fingers crossed for Vegas, LA and Denver
more likely, mobile, Newark and Shreveport
Quote from: dp8541 on January 11, 2016, 02:58:10 PM
Fingers crossed for Vegas, LA and Denver
Well Denver and Vegas (seasonal) are already served by Southwest. I'm not sure which three "new" cities it could be...LA is a good guess. Memphis, Birmingham and San Juan all come to mind as well, mainly because all of the above used to be available at some point in the past decade. Guess we'll find out tomorrow.
Quote from: dp8541 on January 11, 2016, 03:11:56 PM
more likely, mobile, Newark and Shreveport
Yeah, Pensacola also crossed my mind. Silver Airways briefly launched service there from Jax.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on January 11, 2016, 03:15:01 PM
Quote from: dp8541 on January 11, 2016, 02:58:10 PM
Fingers crossed for Vegas, LA and Denver
Well Denver and Vegas (seasonal) are already served by Southwest. I'm not sure which three "new" cities it could be...LA is a good guess. Memphis, Birmingham and San Juan all come to mind as well, mainly because all of the above used to be available at some point in the past decade. Guess we'll find out tomorrow.
Memphis isn't a hub anymore for Delta, so doubtful
Quote from: fsquid on January 11, 2016, 03:19:17 PM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on January 11, 2016, 03:15:01 PM
Quote from: dp8541 on January 11, 2016, 02:58:10 PM
Fingers crossed for Vegas, LA and Denver
Well Denver and Vegas (seasonal) are already served by Southwest. I'm not sure which three "new" cities it could be...LA is a good guess. Memphis, Birmingham and San Juan all come to mind as well, mainly because all of the above used to be available at some point in the past decade. Guess we'll find out tomorrow.
Memphis isn't a hub anymore for Delta, so doubtful
Memphis to JAX is an old Northwest Airlines route. I used to fly that one. It was run by Pinnacle Air and used Bombadiers.
Silver to Pensacola was actually a busy flight right up to the last day according to the people who actually used it. Still baffled on that one.
Jax to Denver was a Frontier deal, but with them moving to St Augustine, i doubt it.
My wife used to do Jet Blue direct to San Juan for work.
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Well, they recently announced direct service to Toronto on Air Canada - perhaps Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary? (wishful thinking).
Guess I should stop thinking internationally, but man, London..............
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Jax to Denver was a Frontier deal, but with them moving to St Augustine, i doubt it.
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Yeah I was thinking with three new destinations it's probably one of the expanding LCCs. Southwest is still going once daily to/from Denver. I would be happy with directs to STL and KC, but I wasn't sure of the precedence and/or business ties. Did not know it was former ExpressJet.
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Allegiant (G4) has big announcements scheduled for tomorrow according to their facebook page.
Maybe IND-JAX gets restarted. (One of WN's cuts from recession time)
Glad to see the additional service, just disappointed it will be on G4.
My company has a footprint in the Kansas City area & it'd be great to have a direct option. I have a friend/co-worker who is considering relocating to North Florida, in addition to a potential beach rental property. That said, he's actually being influenced farther South towards Palm Coast so that he has the option of flying family in & out of MCO (direct).
Quote from: Gators312 on January 11, 2016, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Allegiant has big announcements scheduled for tomorrow according to their facebook page.
Maybe IND-JAX gets restarted. (One of WN's cuts from recession time)
LOL well there it is. Good sleuthing. That puts a damper on things as I'm still not sold on Allegiant as a passenger needing to get somewhere in a timely manner. But we'll see. This makes it sound even more like BLV and MCI will be options.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on January 11, 2016, 04:14:33 PM
Quote from: Gators312 on January 11, 2016, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Allegiant has big announcements scheduled for tomorrow according to their facebook page.
Maybe IND-JAX gets restarted. (One of WN's cuts from recession time)
LOL well there it is. Good sleuthing. That puts a damper on things as I'm still not sold on Allegiant as a passenger needing to get somewhere in a timely manner. But we'll see. This makes it sound even more like BLV and MCI will be options.
I agree about it being anti-climactic...G4 has some issues even though they are wildly profitable. Their customer service during irrops or mx issues gives me pause as well as some of the rumblings regarding their safety culture.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/allegiant-air-flight-runs-low-on-fuel-over-closed-airport-makes-emergency/2238936 (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/allegiant-air-flight-runs-low-on-fuel-over-closed-airport-makes-emergency/2238936)
Jacksonville to Seattle or Anchorage, I need more direct flights home to visit.
Quote from: Gators312 on January 11, 2016, 04:23:47 PM
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on January 11, 2016, 04:14:33 PM
Quote from: Gators312 on January 11, 2016, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Allegiant has big announcements scheduled for tomorrow according to their facebook page.
Maybe IND-JAX gets restarted. (One of WN's cuts from recession time)
LOL well there it is. Good sleuthing. That puts a damper on things as I'm still not sold on Allegiant as a passenger needing to get somewhere in a timely manner. But we'll see. This makes it sound even more like BLV and MCI will be options.
I agree about it being anti-climactic...G4 has some issues even though they are wildly profitable. Their customer service during irrops or mx issues gives me pause as well as some of the rumblings regarding their safety culture.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/allegiant-air-flight-runs-low-on-fuel-over-closed-airport-makes-emergency/2238936 (http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/allegiant-air-flight-runs-low-on-fuel-over-closed-airport-makes-emergency/2238936)
ExpressJet and Allegiant are not related. ExpressJet used to run those routes years ago.
Allegiant had some maintenance issues with some older MD-80's they acquired. Unfortunately the issues bubbled up into the pilots union because pilots started exercising their rights to maintain flight safety by delaying flights to get things fixed.
One pilot was recently fired from Allegiant because he reported smoke smell in the cockpit and requested an emergency return, which of course he got.
Allegiant maintenance found no smell or any issues at all and filed a grievance against the pilot. The board ruled against him and he was terminated.
But the pilots finally won the day last summer when Allegiant started getting planes fixed when the summer vacation season ended.
Their flight record with the newer Airbus models is pretty good, but some of the really old MD-80's have issues.
They really need to buy up the old MD-88/717 models that Southwest is unloading from Airtran. Way more modern in the flight deck and more reliable.
The fueling problem was traced to ground crew who thought it was a different flight. None the less, the pilot is supposed to put the refuel in his flight computer so to gauge his take off weight. The fact that they waited until the fuel warning came on means they werent paying attention either. That is the swiss cheese effect that can cause problems.
I already posted elsewhere about Allegiant landing in Tulsa when they were supposed to land in Springfield, MO. The problem was the pilots didnt tell the crew or the passengers they had diverted. The Tulsa airport was closed.
The Tampa press hasnt been kind to Allegiant due to the number of aborted take offs this summer.
Lets hope that whoever it is, that the new routes are quality and stick.
Looks like a non-stop to Memphis is one. They are also making an announcement tomorrow at the same time.
meh.
Quote from: fsquid on January 11, 2016, 09:21:18 PM
Looks like a non-stop to Memphis is one. They are also making an announcement tomorrow at the same time.
I have a feeling Allegiant is making many route announcements tomorrow so it doesn't necessarily mean JAX-MEM as a pair. But it's certainly plausible.
Memphis now confirmed: http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/allegiant-adds-jacksonville-flight-april-15-29125f8d-77e6-383f-e053-0100007f66ff-364914841.html (http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/allegiant-adds-jacksonville-flight-april-15-29125f8d-77e6-383f-e053-0100007f66ff-364914841.html)
Edit: Richmond and New Orleans are the other cities:
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/01/12/jacksonville-gets-direct-flight-to-new-orleans.html (http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/01/12/jacksonville-gets-direct-flight-to-new-orleans.html)
http://www.news4jax.com/travel/3-new-cities-to-have-nonstop-flights-from-jax (http://www.news4jax.com/travel/3-new-cities-to-have-nonstop-flights-from-jax)
Allegiant Expands Service in Jacksonville
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Boeing_757-204,_Allegiant_Air_JP7488480.jpg)
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-jan-allegiant-expands-service-in-jacksonville
Allegiant's nonstop service will be to Memphis, New Orleans, and Richmond, featuring flight plans with fuel for Tupelo, Gulfport, and Roanoke Rapids, respectively.
*Only kidding of course... I flew Allegiant out of Sanford once, it wasn't a bad experience overall, for what it is.
Has anyone flown Allegient? Are they decent airline? I did a mock booking for two round trip to New Orleans in April and it came out at $156.00 which is an amazing price.
It's an unbelievable price for that flight. And non-stop too. Loved the old Express Jet route.
Quote from: Dapperdan on January 12, 2016, 09:29:32 AM
Has anyone flown Allegient? Are they decent airline? I did a mock booking for two round trip to New Orleans in April and it came out at $156.00 which is an amazing price.
I have, it was fine. If you are looking for any kind of luxuries/amenities beyond your flight arriving roughly when it's supposed to, you'll be disappointed though.
For that price, you don't get any bags, and you can't pick your seat. Your 2 tickets may not be together. You can fix all that by paying extra.
On bags.. you can bring a "personal item" (7 in. x 15 in. x 16 in) that must fit under the seat in front of you, for free. If it's too big they will make you pay the carry-on rate. The carry on/checked bag rates vary and are lower when paid ahead.
Here are the rates for these routes, you pay this amount each way.
(http://i.imgur.com/K5f7J3n.png)
So, add $60 to bring 2 carry-ons to New Orleans and back. Forget to do it ahead of time and you'll add $200 and hate Allegiant forever.
They make all of their money on "optional" services like these fees, and a substantial portion on selling packages with cars/hotels. For leisure travel it's fine if you know what you're getting into as far as fees go. People who dislike it are usually the ones who didn't know about the fees ahead of time to factor it into their price comparisons. If you can pack light and just pay the fare alone, it's often a steal.
Quote from: jaxdan3 on January 12, 2016, 07:46:43 AM
Memphis now confirmed: http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/allegiant-adds-jacksonville-flight-april-15-29125f8d-77e6-383f-e053-0100007f66ff-364914841.html (http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/allegiant-adds-jacksonville-flight-april-15-29125f8d-77e6-383f-e053-0100007f66ff-364914841.html)
Edit: Richmond and New Orleans are the other cities:
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/01/12/jacksonville-gets-direct-flight-to-new-orleans.html (http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2016/01/12/jacksonville-gets-direct-flight-to-new-orleans.html)
http://www.news4jax.com/travel/3-new-cities-to-have-nonstop-flights-from-jax (http://www.news4jax.com/travel/3-new-cities-to-have-nonstop-flights-from-jax)
Darn. Nothing to Missouri. I do like the New Orleans flight. It's always been a bummer for me that there's no easy route that way via Amtrak or Megabus, so flying non direct was the only decent option. I don't go very much, but I have a trip out there in a couple weeks and have to layover in ATL.
Quote from: Dapperdan on January 12, 2016, 09:29:32 AM
Has anyone flown Allegient? Are they decent airline? I did a mock booking for two round trip to New Orleans in April and it came out at $156.00 which is an amazing price.
I have not but I've heard horror stories. I consider them like Spirit...I will only fly them if I don't HAVE to be somewhere at a certain time. There are plenty of examples of maintenance or other issues and arriving at your destination 12 hours late with no compensation. Also note they operate on a shoestring budget, so when things go wrong there's not much they can do to rectify the situation quickly, to compensate you for the inconvenience, or even to communicate issues. I won't hesitate to fly them when the opportunity arises on a long, leisurely trip. Anything else and I'll pass.
I haven't flown Allegiant but did well with their stock before cashing out last year. I have flown Spirit a lot though. I've never had problems with Spirit and have saved a ton of money taking them out of Orlando over the years.
I'm a no-frills type of guy and I like my flights that way. I have no problem packing light, I don't care where I'm seated, I'm aware of the fee structure, and they can keep their peanuts and soda as far as I'm concerned. For on-flight entertainment, I'll read a book or go to sleep and dream. Just get me from point A to point B, on time and for the cheapest price available!
On the other hand, I can't stand Delta and try to avoid them and Atlanta like the plague. I have lots of horror stories flying with them.
I booked a flight to NOLA for the Food & Wine Experience. Great rate!
Quote from: thelakelander on January 12, 2016, 12:44:57 PM
I haven't flown Allegiant but did well with their stock before cashing out last year. I have flown Spirit a lot though. I've never had problems with Spirit and have saved a ton of money taking them out of Orlando over the years.
I'm a no-frills type of guy and I like my flights that way. I have no problem packing light, I don't care where I'm seated, I'm aware of the fee structure, and they can keep their peanuts and soda as far as I'm concerned. For on-flight entertainment, I'll read a book or go to sleep and dream. Just get me from point A to point B, on time and for the cheapest price available!
On the other hand, I can't stand Delta and try to avoid them and Atlanta like the plague. I have lots of horror stories flying with them.
If you live in Jax, your Delta experience is probably mainly or only on tiny little jets (routes from both Atl and NYC are on smaller planes). My experience is mainly on brand new 737 ERs, 757s, or wide bodies, and is likely radically different.
TLDR
I'm the exact opposite. Delta has been good to me, though now I'm spread thin with so many airlines I lost gold status with them this year. I prefer jets that feel newer or refurbished (theirs are), their staff is among the best, for me they have always been on time, and Atlanta's airport is one of the most efficient for its size I have ever been in (meanwhile LAX airport is one of the worst), Minneapolis might be my favorite airport and I've had 2 good experiences with flight attendants on Minneapolis connecting flights (Detroit's airport is also nice). Their terminal at JFK is the best, by far, as it is the main terminal there (4). Their transcon flights also have the best business class (outside of American's newer 3-class planes) as all seats on all of their SF/LA transcons are lay flats and come with wider screen TVs and amenities.
When I fly, if it's personal travel, maybe 50% of the time I'm asleep by take off and may not wake up until touch down (I don't get enough sleep in my life). If it's business, I must be on my laptop, so I like in-flight entertainment on in the background, COMPLIMENTARY snacks (which Delta does to the max and most other airlines do not), and I don't like flying on cloth seats, which many airlines still retain (Delta's flights, at least all of mine, are all leather now, even in economy). Delta also has WiFi on all of its flights. Even recently I've been on United flights that don't even have WiFi. Delta's flights also all have the in-flight entertainment in the headrest, and often the slightly larger, clearer screens. I prefer the wine on Delta's flights and have been to that vineyard a couple times. I also love the Biscoffs.
For me, it is clear that Delta was the first of the major consolidations and they have had more time to work kinks out and become more profitable. Other airlines are a bit behind. And the only "discount" airline I choose to fly is Virgin, which is great and hubbed out of SFO (doesn't feel "discounty" at all). If I'm forced, I'll fly Southwest (like to San Diego). I did once have a great flight on AirTran from DC to Atlanta, which was on a new plane, satellite radio (novel at the time), etc. But I actually feel uneasy on discount airlines - pilots have less experience, the planes are older and less well maintained on average, and there are more accidents, more people I personally don't wish to be crammed up with, more babies and fat people in my experience...I'm a bit snobby when it comes to flying because there is a lot involved and at the end of the day the costs are sometimes not all that different.
Now talk to Ben Says and I think he's an American fan because he doesn't like Delta's mileage/points redemption program and he likes American's codeshare. I've only used miles once, so I'm not well versed. American also has the fewest destinations of the big airlines out of my main go-to airport, so it's probably a no go. But I was first class once in their transcon (3 class plane) and it was the nicest flight experience I've ever had, but prior to that they misplaced my luggage twice.
I guess long winded way of saying I will NEVER take Allegiant Air anywhere.
Leave you with:
http://kgmi.com/news/007700-allegiant-air-under-tight-scrutiny-after-faa-finds-loose-bolts-in-jets/
http://www.ktnv.com/news/contact-13/allegiant-airworthiness-called-into-question
http://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/faa-to-take-a-long-look-at-allegiant.html
It works for leisure travel, but I wouldnt use it for biz travel if you are on a tight schedule.
Lots of fees.
I see people try to shank the carry on fees all the time. And yes, Allegiant will call you out if you try. I have seen dozens of women get pulled out at the gate for excessive carry ons.
While sitting in the lobby at Sanford, I saw an average of 5 suitcases every 30m get rearranged for being overweight, so they are strict about it.
I once had an 8 hour delay at Sanford. After 4 hours they offer bottled water. After 6 hours we got food vouchers hand typed on the computer and printed out. They said they gave us all $100 off our next flight, but when I tried to use it, there was no record of it.
The android app to display your ticket works about 3 out of 4 times. The one time it didnt, I had to "prove" to the attendant that it was them, not me, otherwise she was going to charge me $15 per tix to have them printed.
Finally after cycling my phone, going through 4G and WiFi right in front of her, she finally printed my tix at no charge.
While its improving at Sanford, most of the gate staff are contractors everywhere else.
Many of the pilots and flight crew are contractors from various charter support firms. I heard Allegiant has been hiring full time crews, but that when they try a new route, they always use contractors.
So the level of service can vary depending on who is working your flight.
Quote from: simms3 on January 12, 2016, 01:54:50 PMIf you live in Jax, your Delta experience is probably mainly or only on tiny little jets (routes from both Atl and NYC are on smaller planes). My experience is mainly on brand new 737 ERs, 757s, or wide bodies, and is likely radically different.
JAX-ATL with DL is larger planes (but JFK/LGA/CVG/MSP/DTW are RJs). I'm on one of their place about every 2-3 weeks for work (just fell from Gold to Silver), and the RJs never serve this route. JAX-ATL is either an MD-88/90, 737, or 757 - every so often a 767-300 (rare)
Quote from: simms3 on January 12, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on January 12, 2016, 12:44:57 PM
I haven't flown Allegiant but did well with their stock before cashing out last year. I have flown Spirit a lot though. I've never had problems with Spirit and have saved a ton of money taking them out of Orlando over the years.
I'm a no-frills type of guy and I like my flights that way. I have no problem packing light, I don't care where I'm seated, I'm aware of the fee structure, and they can keep their peanuts and soda as far as I'm concerned. For on-flight entertainment, I'll read a book or go to sleep and dream. Just get me from point A to point B, on time and for the cheapest price available!
On the other hand, I can't stand Delta and try to avoid them and Atlanta like the plague. I have lots of horror stories flying with them.
If you live in Jax, your Delta experience is probably mainly or only on tiny little jets (routes from both Atl and NYC are on smaller planes). My experience is mainly on brand new 737 ERs, 757s, or wide bodies, and is likely radically different.
I'm from and still visit/work in Central Florida quite often, so most of my past experience with Delta was out of MCO and TPA.
Quote from: Dapperdan on January 12, 2016, 09:29:32 AM
Has anyone flown Allegient? Are they decent airline?
do some research regarding maintenance issues and on-time performance.
Quote from: Gators312 on January 11, 2016, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 11, 2016, 03:44:17 PM
Its probably some new Allegiant destinations.
If Allegiant does JAX to BLV or MCI, I would be jumping on that. Those are old ExpressJet routes that did well before they got out of commercial air.
Allegiant (G4) has big announcements scheduled for tomorrow according to their facebook page.
Maybe IND-JAX gets restarted. (One of WN's cuts from recession time)
Glad to see the additional service, just disappointed it will be on G4.
Looks like Allegiant (G4) has been listening to our suggestions. ;)
New routes released today, and interestingly enough the article lists JAX as a focus city for G4
Jacksonville, Fla.
- Asheville, N.C.: Begins May 27
- Belleville-Mid America/St. Louis (Ill.): Begins May 27
- Columbus, Ohio: Begins May 25
- Indianapolis: Begins June 2
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/03/08/fast-growing-allegiant-adds-3-new-cities-22-new-routes/81459670/
Ha, just as I read this thread I get an email from Allegiant stating the new routes.
Anyway, this is good. I hope they can maintain most, if not all, the routes. Looks like I will get to fly G4 at some point...
direct to Asheville? Yes please
I will be using the JAX -BLV route for St Louis trips.
Still checking on the JAX -IND option in June.
As tufsu noted, they have had some maintenance issues, mostly over in St Pete and Las Vegas. Most was attributed to the fact that their fleet age is high because as they grow they lease older less expensive planes.
The pilots union even complained about it.
But much of it was addressed last fall after the summer travel season ended.
Allegiant is picking up alot of MD-80's that are being retired by AA. Some of them date back to TWA pre merger.
I am not sure where they get their Airbus models from. One that I flew awhile back was brand new as I looked at the manufacturers plate as I walked in. No doubt a lease.
They announced new flights out of Sanford today.
Akron-Canton OH
Evansville IN
Wichita KS
El Paso, TX
I cant use the JAX-IND flight it seems. The frequency during the week is too odd.
They are expanding very quickly, I just hope their operations can keep up. Everytime we get these spurts with Allegiant, they go through a rash of ops problems.
Per the Belleville News-Democrat:
MASCOUTAH
Allegiant Air is adding a new destination in Florida for people to fly to from MidAmerica Airport, the airline said.
Starting May 27, Allegiant will have a MidAmerica to Jacksonville International Airport route twice a week.
"We're excited to give folks in the St. Louis-area another Florida destination to visit this summer," said Jude Bricker, Allegiant chief operating officer. "We're sure that travelers will enjoy taking their vacation to Jacksonville for ultra-low costs."
The low-cost airline said fares for the seasonal route are starting at $39; tickets must be purchased by March 14, for travel by Aug. 15.
Jessica Wheeler, a spokeswoman for Allegiant, said the destination has been popular as people go the beaches in northeast Florida.
Wheeler added there's "a lot of demand (for Jacksonsville) as a vacation destination."
Whether the route becomes year-round has yet to be determined.
"After we run the route for a while, we evaluate to see if its possible, but right now we're committed to it as a summer seasonal," Wheeler said.
The new MidAmerica to Jacksonville route is one of 22 Allegiant is announcing across the country on Tuesday.
Jacksonville would be the fifth route to Florida Allegiant has committed to out of MidAmerica. The airline already flies to Orlando/Sanford, Tampa Bay and Fort Myers. Flights to Destin/Fort Walton Beach are slated to start in June.
"Area residents who want to take the easy way out to Florida now have another terrific destination in the Sunshine State that they can reach via Allegiant's latest non-stop service from MidAmerica," said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. "Just like Destin, this new route represents the region's only direct flight to Jacksonville and brings our total number of Florida destinations to five that local travelers can enjoy, along with the hassle-free flying experience that is unique to MidAmerica Airport."
Allegiant last year brought back flights to Las Vegas from MidAmerica.
As part of the new flight launch, Allegiant is offering refunds to people who book flights early. The first 22 travelers to book their flights on the new route will receive a refund for their round-trip airfare, the airline said. There is a limit of one refund per person.
The airline also plans to refund airfare-related ancillary fees, but not government fees and taxes, according to a news release.
Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article64610952.html#storylink=cpy
Now we just need Visit Jacksonville and the PV/St Augustine Tourism board to do some targeted advertising in the St Louis metro market to raise awareness and see how well it performs.
^That's funny. Cause I was actually thinking about how I'd like to take a vacay up to STL this summer to get out of the heat. I guess summertime is the traditional "vacationing" season but for people with flexibility, we would not want to come to FL during the summer.
Jax to Asheville is great. Many Floridians vacation in the mountains in the summer. I may try it out in June. Virtually any flight with a layover is too long to be worth it.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on March 08, 2016, 10:01:34 PM
^That's funny. Cause I was actually thinking about how I'd like to take a vacay up to STL this summer to get out of the heat. I guess summertime is the traditional "vacationing" season but for people with flexibility, we would not want to come to FL during the summer.
STL can get just as humid as FL in the summertime. But it is a great place to visit. Lots to see and do there.
Some people yesterday remarked that Jacksonville should "adopt" St Louis Rams fans and with Allegiant offer Jaguar package deals to fly fans here for our home games.
Since we were threatened to lose our team to LA for years, but St Louis actually did lose their team, they said we have something in common and should plug into that.
I doubt that would happen, but it would make for some interesting billboards in St Louis metro.
"Lost team to LA?...they tried on us too...come join the Jaguars Nation....fly down to Jacksonville with special deals"
^It's certainly a legitimate idea although it might be a bit edgy for an official govt entity to sponsor that idea. But individuals and sportswriters have taken that torch with perhaps tongue-in-cheek appeals and open letters.
Re: weather, yeah I see it's only about a 5 degree difference in the summer months and a 5% difference in humidity, but still for my psyche it helps. We spent 6 weeks up north between June-Aug last year and even though at times it wasn't any relief (upstairs Minneapolis apt with no AC...) it just felt like the right time to get out of Jax.
The article linked to in the original posts mentions year round service to/from New Orleans, but I tried booking a flight to New Orleans in mid-January and there are none available. I called and the person I spoke with that it is a seasonal route that only operates between May and January. Not sure why the wouldn't fly from January - April and I couldn't find this anywhere on their website. It'a shame because I don't know of any other direct flights to New Orleans.
My dad was looking at the Asheville flight but none were available. I bet it's seasonal too since he took it over the summer.
This is troublesome when it comes to Allegiant. They make a big deal about these routes but will suddenly make them seasonal if they don't meet their demand forecast as the vacation season winds down.
I get spammed pretty regularly by them for their discounts. Seems they are keeping the Belleville (St Louis), Cincy, Cleveland, Columbus, NOLA, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis flights out of JIA. Which is still a lot off coverage, though most of these are only twice a week.