Allegiant Air to link Salisbury and Orlando
Quickly getting to warmer weather and theme park excitement will be as close as a drive to Salisbury starting this winter when Allegiant Air begins providing nonstop service to Orlando, Fla.
On Dec. 14, the airline announced flights would begin Thursday, Feb. 16, flying twice a week between Salisbury and Orlando.
“Allegiant primarily provides service for people living in smaller communities to get to vacation destinations,” said Robert Bryant, Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Airport manager.
Bryant said Alliance joins US Airways, the only other carrier flying out of Salisbury. He said Piedmont Airlines, which is based in and provides service from Salisbury, is wholly owned by US Airways.
Allegiant flights will depart Salisbury for Orlando Sanford International Airport on Thursday and Sunday. Bryant said travel time aboard the company’s 166 passenger, McDonnell Douglas MD-82 jets, would be about two hours – roughly the same time it takes to drive from the Eastern Shore to major airports in Baltimore or Philadelphia.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant is classified as a low-cost carrier. The airline started operating in 1987 under the name WesJet Express.
Allegiant Travel Co., an Allegiant Air affiliate, can also book entire vacation packages including hotel rooms, car rentals, other travel-related services and easy access to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
“For people in this area, Allegiant opens up the entire mid-section of Florida. From Orlando you can rent a car and go to Tampa or go to the coast,” Bryant said.
An Allegiant ticket agent will be at the airport from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Bryant said.
Allegiant is offering limited, one-way, introductory fares starting at $59.99. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Dec. 28, and are valid through Tuesday, May 15.
Bryant recommended purchasing tickets at the airport or on-line. For reservations and additional information, phone Allegiant Air at 702-505-8888, or go to www.allegiant.com.
