Allegiant Air and Breeze expand low‑cost options for Tampa Bay and Savannah travelers
Breeze Airways is adding new nonstop summer service at Tampa International Airport and allegiant air has launched three nonstop routes from St. Pete‑Clearwater, increasing low‑cost choices for travelers in the region.
Three new Tampa routes, plus Allegiant Air’s recent additions
Breeze announced three new nonstop flights out of Tampa International Airport (TPA) that will begin service this summer, offering more budget options for passengers flying from the region. Allegiant Air recently launched three nonstop routes connecting St. Pete‑Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Atlantic City, NJ (started Feb. 13); Trenton, NJ (started Feb. 20); and Huntsville, AL (starting March 5), expanding short‑haul network choices along the Gulf Coast.
Breeze’s Savannah moves: two new destinations and more frequency
Breeze Airways executives also announced new service from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport starting July 1. The carrier will begin a nonstop route from Savannah to Columbus, Ohio, and a BreezeThru one‑stop service to Portland, Maine that requires no plane change, both effective July 1. Breeze said it will increase frequencies between Savannah and Fort Lauderdale beginning July 1 as well, and bookings are available for Savannah travelers.
What travelers and an analyst said about the low‑cost model
Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group highlighted airport choice and operating costs as drivers of where budget airlines fly, saying, "Airlines have their own strategies when it comes to picking out airports, and some prefer to be at a major airport. They find that those major airports may attract more travelers. " He added that smaller airports tend to be "less crowded" and "much less expensive to operate from. "
On fares and fees, Harteveldt warned that budget carriers use an à la carte approach: "The base fare is essentially your seat and your seat belt. Everything else — whether it' s a carry‑on bag, a checked bag, something to eat or drink on the plane, a better boarding priority seat assignment — all those things you' re going to pay extra for. " Breeze passenger Dave Scanlon echoed that view, saying, "You got to know what you’ re looking at on the website and read it carefully. " Traveler Inez Denice, flying Breeze for the first time, said the process felt simple and the cost "wasn’ t too bad, " and that she chooses budget fares so she can allocate travel funds elsewhere for her mentoring work.
Combined, the announced additions give Tampa Bay and Savannah travelers more nonstop and one‑stop options: Breeze’s three new TPA nonstops starting this summer and the Savannah to Columbus nonstop plus BreezeThru to Portland, Maine beginning July 1, alongside Allegiant Air’s three PIE launches on Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and March 5.
The next confirmed schedule changes are Breeze’s service and frequency increases that begin July 1 and the summer start date for Breeze flights out of Tampa International Airport; travelers can book the Savannah flights now and should watch airline booking channels for specific TPA start dates.
