Direct flights under $100 between PBIA and Grand Rapids start in November
Anyone interested in beer, skiing or America's 38th president will soon get to fly to the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area in just over three hours from West Palm Beach for less than $100.
Allegiant Air is offering nonstop flights from Palm Beach International Airport to Gerald Ford International, with fares as low as $69 each way. Would-be passengers can book flights online at AllegiantAir.com, with departures starting Nov. 14. Travel time is just over three hours each way.
Passengers can bring one bag-sized personal item on board without incurring added fees. Carry-on luggage, checked bags and seat selection will cost extra.
More: Palm Beach International Airport ranked in Top 10 U.S. airports by Travel + Leisure readers
The in-flight amenities are on a budget.
Flights lack WiFi. Food and drink sold onboard consists mostly of chips and other salty snacks, and canned soft drinks. Backs of seats have no screens for TVs, movies or videos.
“We are pleased to add service between PBI and Grand Rapids (GRR), Michigan’s second largest city,” said Director of Airports Laura Beebe. “The route will provide convenient, affordable service when travelers are seeking budget-friendly flights to one of America’s top 10 Best Towns to Visit in 2024.”
More: Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways offers new service from PBIA to Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
CNN ranked Grand Rapids 8th best city to visit
Nicknamed "Beer City, USA," CNN Travel ranked Grand Rapids this year as America's eighth-best town to visit, citing its 100+ breweries, distilleries and cideries, along with its sculpture park and public art. The Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival takes place there in February.
Daytime temperatures in Michigan's second-biggest city can reach only freezing in the winter. So anyone cool with cold weather can hit the slopes in ski resorts outside town to the northeast.
Grand Rapids is the hometown of the late former President Gerald Ford and is home to his presidential museum. Exhibits include his pardon of his predecessor, fellow Republican Richard Nixon, who was accused of covering up his reelection campaign's efforts to spy on Democrats. There is also a list of dinner menus showing what the first family was served each night of Ford's presidency.
Chris Persaud is The Palm Beach Post's transportation reporter. You can reach him at cpersaud@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Flights from West Palm Beach to Grand Rapids, Michigan under $100
