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Startup airline Avelo adds 3 Florida routes from all-new destinations

Zach Griff
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Zach Griff is a senior reporter at TPG. He writes travel and product reviews, deep dives into loyalty programs, news about the airline industry and more.
July 26, 2022
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3 min read
Avelo jet
Startup airline Avelo adds 3 Florida routes from all-new destinations
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Avelo Airlines, the new startup carrier from seasoned industry executives, is spreading its wings this fall.

On Tuesday the airline announced three new routes from two all-new destinations, with the full details below:

  • Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), beginning Oct. 19.
  • PHF to Orlando International Airport (MCO), beginning Oct. 20.
  • Capital Region International Airport (LAN) to MCO, beginning Oct. 26.

Service from Newport News, Virginia, will operate twice weekly between Oct. 20 and Nov. 9 on Thursdays and Sundays. The airline will add Tuesday service on the two routes beginning Nov. 10. Newport News sits near the end of the Virginia Peninsula, located 30 miles from Norfolk.

Meanwhile, flights to and from Lansing, Michigan, will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

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As an ultra-low-cost carrier focused on leisure travel, Avelo's choice to primarily operate the new routes around a weekend timetable makes sense: Weekends are when the airline can capitalize on families and friends traveling to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

In fact, Orlando is quickly growing as one of Avelo's biggest bases. The airline officially added the home of Mickey Mouse to its list of operating bases earlier this year in April; it joined existing hubs at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN).

Avelo's new routes. (Map from Cirium)

As one of the county's most popular leisure destinations, it seems reasonable for Avelo to start building its service to Orlando. The airline will soon offer five routes to the Florida city, including the two newly announced ones and existing service from HVN, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM).

All of the new routes will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft. Avelo flies both the -700 and -800 variants of the jet, which feature 147 seats and 189 seats, respectively.

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Even though Avelo is a no-frills airline with an a la carte fee model, the communities in Lansing and Newport News are likely celebrating the airline's move to add service there.

To date, getting to Florida has required at least one stop from either airport. Lansing sees service on American Eagle to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), as well as on Delta Connection to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

Meanwhile, Newport News is connected to two of American's hubs: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Now, there will be nonstop service to Florida. Whether it succeeds is anyone's guess, but at least the introductory fares starting at $29 are quite attractive.

Featured image by (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
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  • Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
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  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees