HANOVER TWP., LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. – Lehigh Valley International Airport is taking passengers as close as they can get to Orlando.
Five months after announcing direct flights to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority and Lehigh Valley International Airport said Allegiant Airlines will begin nonstop flights from LVIA to Orlando International Airport on May 16.
The two airports are about an hour apart by car in Florida, but Orlando International is closer to the city’s center and major top attractions.
“While Allegiant has provided many years of strong service into the Orlando area, direct connectivity to Orlando International Airport (MCO) remained on our target list. This is exciting news for ABE,” Thomas R. Stoudt, LNAA’s executive director, said in a release early Thursday.
“We’ve consistently heard requests from Lehigh Valley air travelers regarding nonstop flights to MCO, and there’s always interest in more capacity for vacationers headed to Orlando theme parks."
Three flights to Orlando
The addition of the new route means travelers from the Lehigh Valley now have options to fly into all three of Orlando’s main airports and choose the one closest to their travel destination.
LVIA also offers flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is 27 miles from the city, while Orlando Melbourne is 73 miles away.
The addition of direct connectivity to Orlando International also gives the Lehigh Valley its seventh direct route to Florida on Allegiant Air. It also flies to St. Pete/Clearwater, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.
Stoudt said overall, it helps deliver more options.
“When Allegiant chose ABE as their 18th crew base, we spoke about the potential for increased air service," he said.
"Since the start of 2023, Allegiant has launched service to Denver and Melbourne, and they continue to demonstrate their outstanding partnership in serving this region.”
Introductory fares offered
Allegiant announced 12 new nonstop routes on Thursday, including the LVIA (ABE) to MCO connection.
The new flights will expand Allegiant’s network options in 22 cities around the country. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $49 from some airports — and as low as $59 for the Lehigh Valley's newest route to Orlando.
The introductory one-way fares mean seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights.
Flights must be purchased by Nov. 17 for travel by Aug. 12, 2024. The price includes taxes, carrier charges and government fees. Optional baggage charges are not included.
For more details, visit Allegiantair.com.
