Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Allegiant Air is charting a bold course for U.S. leisure travel in 2025. With five new nonstop routes launching this fall and one-way fares starting as low as $39, the airline is once again bringing its signature low-cost service to travelers in underserved markets—connecting them directly to popular vacation hubs.
The Las Vegas-based carrier announced that these new routes will serve eight U.S. cities, enhancing regional tourism and economic development by expanding access to nonstop air travel from small-to-medium airports. The expansion continues Allegiant’s strategy of offering point-to-point flights that make vacation travel simpler, faster, and more affordable.
New route highlights include:
To Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida:
From South Bend International Airport (SBN), Indiana
Launching August 29, 2025 | One-way fares from $59
To McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Tennessee:
From Memphis International Airport (MEM), Tennessee
Launching September 4, 2025 | One-way fares from $39
From Key West International Airport (EYW), Florida
Launching October 3, 2025 | One-way fares from $49
To Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), Alabama:
From Appleton International Airport (ATW), Wisconsin
Launching October 2, 2025 | One-way fares from $59
From Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Iowa
Launching October 3, 2025 | One-way fares from $59
These additions will be the only nonstop flights between the respective city pairs, making Allegiant the exclusive carrier on each route.
Why This Matters to Travelers and Tourism
Allegiant’s point-to-point, nonstop-only flight model drastically reduces layovers and airport congestion—something modern leisure travelers increasingly prioritize. These new routes allow travelers in less-connected cities to access beach vacations, outdoor adventures, and cultural getaways without the hassle of major hubs.
By enhancing direct connectivity, Allegiant strengthens the tourism supply chain:
- Boosts hotel stays and attractions in Fort Lauderdale, Key West, and Gulf Shores
- Drives economic activity in regional airports like Des Moines and South Bend
- Encourages year-round leisure travel with low fares and reliable scheduling
Additionally, intrastate travel options in Tennessee open up quicker getaways between Memphis and the Knoxville region, appealing to both locals and visiting tourists looking to explore the state.
Allegiant’s Seasonal Sports Travel: Game Day Flights to Las Vegas
In a creative twist for sports and tourism marketing, Allegiant is also rolling out limited-time NFL-themed flights to Las Vegas, home to the Raiders and a rising destination for sports tourism.
These special flights provide football fans with a dedicated travel experience for game weekends and are expected to sell out quickly.
NFL Game Weekend Flights to Las Vegas (LAS):
Chicago (MDW): For the Bears vs. Raiders game
Departure: September 26 | Return: September 29
Nashville (BNA): For the Titans vs. Raiders matchup
Departure: October 10 | Return: October 13
Akron-Canton (CAK): For Browns fans visiting Raider Nation
Departure: November 21 | Return: November 24
These flights offer a tourism boost for both Las Vegas and the fans’ hometowns, creating a microburst of visitor spending around sporting events that benefit hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and local transportation services.
Tourism Meets Affordability: $39 Fares Driving Demand
The promotional one-way fares, starting at just $39, are a key feature of Allegiant’s approach to air travel—removing price barriers for budget-conscious travelers and encouraging spontaneous vacations.
While terms apply (limited availability, blackout dates, etc.), the base prices include taxes and fees and offer an opportunity for early-bird tourists to secure low-cost travel through February 2026.
Promo Fare Fine Print:
Book by May 21, 2025
Travel by February 9, 2026
Prices include taxes and government fees
Optional services, baggage, and seat selection fees apply
Economic Impact and Marketing Strategy
Allegiant’s network strategy doesn’t just impact travelers—it’s a strategic marketing and economic move for smaller airports and cities aiming to grow their tourism sectors.
Air service is a proven driver of regional economic development. By introducing nonstop flights and national marketing support, Allegiant:
- Increases regional airport activity and revenue
- Supports destination marketing organizations (DMOs) by making cities easier to promote
- Brings travel spending into smaller communities that may lack tourism infrastructure
For cities like Appleton, South Bend, and Des Moines, this means a fresh stream of incoming visitors. For beach getaways like Fort Lauderdale and Gulf Shores, it’s a chance to attract Midwestern travelers during peak seasonal demand.
Allegiant’s Broader Tourism Strategy
As an airline built around vacation travel, Allegiant’s model differs from legacy carriers. It doesn’t rely on major hub airports. Instead, it builds direct leisure routes between underserved cities and top travel destinations.
- No connecting flights = faster, stress-free travel
- All-leisure, no-frills service = low base fares, optional add-ons
- Efficient aircraft use = keeps costs low, enabling competitive ticket pricing
Its growing fleet, marketing tie-ins with sports and events, and nationwide reach position Allegiant as a leader in budget-friendly air tourism.
A Travel Win for Budget Flyers and Tourism Leaders
Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to watch your favorite NFL team live or a family planning a low-cost Florida escape, Allegiant’s newest routes offer more choices, more value, and more direct access to fun.
For tourism professionals and destination marketers, the airline’s continued expansion into smaller cities is a clear signal: air connectivity is no longer reserved for the biggest airports. With Allegiant, even the smallest cities can become big-time travel gateways.