Asheville Airport announces new Allegiant Air nonstop service to 'magic' destination

Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read

ASHEVILLE - The warmth of Disney World just got a little closer to Western North Carolina.

The Asheville Regional Airport has announced the addition of nonstop service to the Orlando International Airport through Allegiant Air, where flights will start in May 2024, landing in the home port for global attractions including Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Universal Orlando.

"We are thrilled to offer Allegiant travelers new destination options taking off this Spring. The announcement of new service is a celebration of the success we've had in these markets," Allegiant Air spokesperson Drew Wells said in a news release.

"Also, the addition of a new station makes us a more dynamic airline. We are committed to opening the door to accessible travel in as many markets as possible and know our customers appreciate the low-cost, nonstop options offered by Allegiant."

A worker loads bags onto an Allegiant Air jet at Asheville Regional Airport in this file photo.
A worker loads bags onto an Allegiant Air jet at Asheville Regional Airport in this file photo.

The new nonstop service will make a total of 27 nonstop locations provided at the Asheville Regional Airport. Other nonstop service options include options to Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, and to Newark, New Jersey. The airport also features other nonstop flights to Florida airports in Sanford, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West.

One-way rates begin at $49 for the Asheville Regional Airport, according to the Allegiant Air website.

In total, 717,140 passengers have boarded a plane from the Asheville Regional Airport through August of this year, according to monthly traffic reports. The airport served over 1.8 million passengers in 2022, making it the third busiest airport in North Carolina.

More: Asheville Regional Airport is getting a nonstop flight to Key West with Allegiant Air

More: July was Asheville Airport's busiest month on record; 24% increase in passengers from 2022

Shuttle Lot South at the Asheville Regional Airport.
Shuttle Lot South at the Asheville Regional Airport.

New Asheville Airport parking

And finding parking while taking that flight to Orlando should be a little easier. The Asheville Regional Airport just recently opened Shuttle Lot South, a new 600-space parking lot served by airport shuttles just in time for the holiday season.

The lot has 500 spots currently available, with another 100 coming within the first quarter of 2024, along with an entrance on Terminal Drive, according to a Asheville Regional Airport news release.

The lot is located just next to the Marathon gas station off of Terminal Drive and across from the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. Drivers can enter the lot through Rental Car Drive.

Travelers wait in line to check bags with Allegiant Air at the Asheville Airport July 14, 2023.
Travelers wait in line to check bags with Allegiant Air at the Asheville Airport July 14, 2023.

Parking options?

Parking options for the Asheville Airport vary, and, depending if you are picking someone up or getting on a flight you may want to park at a specific location. Here are your options:

  • The Daily Lot is available directly next to the terminal, along with a 1,305-space parking deck.

  • An Hourly Lot is available for those visiting the airport and is adjacent to the airport terminal.

  • Two shuttle lots will be available for parking. One is off Airport Park Road, while the new shuttle lot will be available off of Rental Car Drive.

  • If you are parking at a shuttle lot, arrive early. The average shuttle wait time is 10-20 minutes, and the airport recommends arriving two hours early.

  • For any trip over 30 days, you must call 828-209-2125 to make arrangements to leave your car.

  • To access the Cell Phone Lot, you can pull into Airport Park Road, and then take an immediate left into the Cell Phone Lot.

How much does parking cost?

  • All parking at the airport begins at a standard rate of $2 for the first hour and $2 for every additional hour.

  • Parking for over four hours will cost a flat $12 for daily or shuttle lots and $15 for the parking garage.

  • Shuttle and daily lots will run a maximum of $72, with the seventh day free.

  • The parking garage will cost $90 for a week of parking, with the seventh day free.

  • All lots are credit card only.

More: Asheville Airport's $400 million expansion breaks ground amid record-breaking summer

More: Ground transportation pickup areas relocated at Asheville Regional Airport

Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him atWHofmann@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville Airport gets new nonstop flight to magical Florida city