Allegiant Air Says It’s Ready to Add Mexico to Its Route Map
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Allegiant Air plans to begin flying to Mexico, a move that would give the airline its first-ever regular international service.
The Las Vegas-based “ultra low-cost carrier” (ULCC) did not reveal specifics, saying only that it has applied to the US Department of Transportation to begin scheduled service between the countries. The company described its application as a “first step in the process,” adding “projected dates and locations for commencement of service will be announced at later dates as the process moves forward.”
Allegiant currently operates some charter flights to Mexico in an arrangement with Apple Vacations, but the scheduled flights to Mexico would be its first-ever regular service to another country.
“We believe that providing scheduled service to Mexico will also be of great economic benefit, by stimulating traffic and providing additional competition in the international leisure market,” Allegiant CEO Maury Gallagher said in a Monday statement.
Allegiant has long had a unique business model among U.S. carriers. It rose to prominence by giving small and medium-sized cities nonstop service to vacation destinations. The airline still flies dozens of such routes, including options like Minot, North Dakota-Las Vegas; St. Cloud, Minnesota-Mesa/Phoenix; and Ogdensburg, New York-Orlando/Sanford.
Bigger cities have joined the network in recent years as Allegiant’s growth has continued. Destinations such as Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Newark, New Jersey; and New Orleans now share space on Allegiant’s route map with Pasco, Washington, and Owensboro, Kentucky.
Like other ULCCs, Allegiant’s business model hinges on offering low base fares with add-on charges for nearly everything beyond boarding the plane. The airline typically offers just two or three flights a week on most of its routes and does not sell itineraries that involve connecting flights. It specializes in selling vacation packages that bundle airfare with hotel and rental car options.
Now, the company appears to believe its model will work on international flights to Mexico.
“Unlike other U.S. carriers, Allegiant has always been laser-focused on leisure travel and providing access to affordable, non-stop flights for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on vacation,” Maury said in the company’s statement. “Offering service to Mexico will provide a whole new array of options for travelers to discover world-class destinations that may have been previously out of reach.”
Even within the U.S., Allegiant’s footprint has been growing.
It will begin flying to Alaska next month, part of a broader expansion that will see it add more than dozen new routes for its summer schedule.
Not all of Allegiant’s gambles have worked, however. Allegiant began flying to Hawaii amid great fanfare back in 2012, flying to Honolulu from cities like Bellingham, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; and Las Vegas. However, Allegiant ended its final Hawaii route in 2017.
As for Mexico, while Allegiant didn’t specify possible routes, resort destinations like Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta would seem to be natural fits for the company’s leisure-oriented network.
Featured image courtesy of Allegiant Air.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,650
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.