Ever take a step back and think how crazy it is we can fly just about anywhere?
Somehow we’ve normalized and taken for granted the power of flight and simply how amazing it is to zoom above clouds without a hitch.
Well, most of the time…
A rare occurrence happened this week. Not only will there be 44 new flight routes launched by popular budget airline, Allegiant, but one of which is a newly opened airport serving the public for the first time ever.
This popular beach getaway in the South has been behind the times for far too long, where travelers have had to Ask Jeeves or Siri how to get here for decades.
But now Gulf Shores, Alabama is starting fresh with a bang, serving 6 new flight routes out of Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) right out of the gate.
Say Goodbye To Long Road Trips
Road trips are fun and all, but they cut into so much take of your actual vacation time. Wouldn’t it be more convenient to fly, especially knowing it’s on a budget airline with low fares?
Allegiant took notice and is proud to be a ‘game-changer’ for both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two Southern staples for paradisal beach vacations.
According to Gulf Shores News, this has been a long-time coming and it’s a bright future ahead for Allegiant’s latest dot on their route map.
“We are thrilled to announce Allegiant as the first carrier to bring scheduled air service to Gulf Shores International Airport.”
“Their business model, low-fares, and expertise in leisure travel aligns perfectly with our community’s long-time vision to bring air service to this community. This announcement is a game-changer.”– GUF Airport Director, Jesse Fosnaugh
As someone who grew up in Texas, Gulf Shores was put on a pedestal as the top beach within reach. Unfortunately, said reach was typically 8 hours minimum depending where you lived.
But it’s not just sweltering Texas residents that love flocking to Gulf Shores beautiful beaches to cool off in the summer or find warmth in the winter; you could argue it’s most of the South.
Allegiant has also factored this in with some calculated additions to their flight network making it easy to swap popular road trip routes for convenient, affordable flights.
What’s So Great About Gulf Shores?
When you say the name “Alabama” you might get some funny looks mentioning it as a vacation destination, but those who side-eye you have apparently never been to Gulf Shores, the state’s golden child.
This stunning beach town has grown from a local secret to southern stardom over the years with soft, white sand, warm emerald waters, and upscale beachfront stays (often with great rates!) like the
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel.
This goes for neighboring Orange Beach too, an excellent alternative when Gulf Shores crowds are overwhelming in summer.
Home to divine seafood, ample water activities like snorkeling, jet skiing and kayaking, and even a deep dive into history with such sites as Fort Morgan, there’s something for everyone here.
Despite playfully nicknamed as the ‘Redneck Riviera’, this region is the place to visit where southern hospitality meets coastal paradise, which you might think of the same for Florida.
Well, if that’s the case, check out the new show It’s Florida, Man streaming on Max and that will surely change your perspective.
Gulf Shore’s First-Ever Commercial Flights
As stated, Gulf Shores plays a small part in Allegiant’s big expansion, but this popular beach haven will surely be on the receiving end of having the biggest impact.
Allegiant will serve as the first-ever carrier to GUF with the following 6 routes set to launch May 2025:
- Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS) – beginning May 21, 2025
- Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG) – beginning May 22, 2025
- Fayetteville/Bentonville, Arkansas (XNA) – beginning May 22, 2025
- Houston, Texas (HOU) – beginning May 22, 2025
- Belleville, Illinois (BLV) – beginning May 23, 2025
- Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) – beginning May 24, 2025
Both Uber and Lyft both operate in Gulf Shores but no word yet on the implementation of rideshare services at GUF.
Tickets can be booked on Allegiant’s app or website for all new routes.
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