Allegiant Air adds new metropolitan destinations from Knoxville

Travelers in Knoxville and Asheville can get in on the deals.

The Las Vegas-based airline, known for its cheap tickets and lengthy lineup of fees, called it the largest expansion in company history. Allegiant added 15 Airbus jets to its fleet last year and plans to add more this year.

The seasonal flights, which will begin in the spring, are aimed at vacationers, Allegiant's bread and butter. Each will be offered twice a week. Unlike its larger competitors, which offer daily service between cities, Allegiant generally flies each route just a couple times a week.

The airline has reported consistent profits from shuttling vacationers with nonstop flights from smaller towns to warm-weather destinations such as Florida, Arizona and Las Vegas, but has broadened that focus to include other popular metropolitan spots including Nashville. Allegiant began service in Nashville in 2018 and is adding nine new routes from the airport in the expansion announced Tuesday.

The new Chicago, Boston and Houston flights continue that trend.

Allegiant is offering introductory one-way fares online ranging from $33 to $66 on the new routes, but seats and travel dates are limited and tickets must be purchased by Jan. 16. Travel dates vary. Sale fares tend to get scooped up quickly.

McGhee Tyson Airport

Chicago: Flights begin May 21, with one-way fares starting at $33.

Boston: Flights begin May 8, with one-way fares starting at $33.

Houston: Flights begin May 21, with one-way fares starting at $33.

Austin: Flights begin May 22, with one-way fares starting at $55.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, by Dawn Gilbertson

The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville-Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee. Visit www.eteda.org

Published January 17, 2020