If you're anything like me and you've ever lived in a smaller city (looking at you Dayton), you've probably looked at flight options and thought: why are all the affordable, direct flights only from big hubs?!
I can't tell you how many times I've made connections in Charlotte, Chicago, or Miami…
Well, Allegiant Air is finally throwing us a bone.
They just rolled out 5 brand-new nonstop routes launching this fall, linking 8 cities to sunny, warm-weather destinations. And the best part? One-way fares start super low! We're talking under $100 here.
I’ve always loved how Allegiant skips the usual hub drama and goes straight for nonstop, point-to-point flights.
No dragging your suitcase across terminals during a layover or sprinting to catch a connection. You just hop on, zone out, and zoom off to paradise.
Here’s what’s launching, where you can go, and why I think this is one of the best fall travel updates yet:
🌴 These New Routes Are Your Shortcut To The Sun
Starting August 29, 2025, people from South Bend, Indiana can catch a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Imagine hitting the beach in under 3 hours, all for less than a big meal out. Yes, please.
Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about sunshine and good beaches (although they certainly have those!).
It’s got a great food scene, miles of canals (they call it the Venice of America), and easy access to Miami.
Check out Las Olas Boulevard for shops and restaurants, or take a water taxi tour through the waterways. And if you're looking for a super cool place to stay, the W Fort Lauderdale was one of my favorites in the area.
Then there’s Tennessee:
- Memphis to Knoxville – Launches September 4. Knoxville’s the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, so it’s perfect for a scenic fall escape. Don’t miss the Market Square area for local food and live music, or head to Ijams Nature Center for hiking and paddling.
- Key West to Knoxville – Starts October 3. Flying out of paradise? Yes. Landing somewhere that gives you hiking, history, and Tennessee BBQ? Also yes.
Now here’s the one I’m really excited about—Gulf Shores, Alabama. It’s one of those places that’s always been a local favorite, but kind of a pain to get to… until now:
- Appleton, WI to Gulf Shores (GUF) – Flights start October 2
- Des Moines, IA to Gulf Shores (GUF) – Flights start October 3
Gulf Shores just opened its brand-new terminal at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF). It’s the first time ever the city has had regular commercial service. So if you’ve ever done the nine-hour drive to get there, this is a huge upgrade.
Why Gulf Shores? Picture wide, white-sand beaches, Gulf State Park for hiking and biking, The Hangout for beachside eats and live music, and even WildNative dolphin cruises if you're feeling extra adventurous.
I checked it out already—you can book your flight here.
🏈 NFL Fans, This One’s For You
Allegiant didn’t stop at beach escapes. If you’re the kind of person who plans your fall weekends around the NFL schedule, they’re launching limited flights to Las Vegas just in time for game day.
I’m talking:
- Chicago to Vegas for the Bears vs. Raiders in Week 4
- Nashville to Vegas for Titans vs. Raiders in Week 6
- Akron to Vegas for Browns vs. Raiders in Week 12
These are weekend-style flights. Leave before the game, come back after you’ve lost your voice cheering.
It’s such a smart setup, and if you’ve ever tried booking those last-minute NFL weekend flights, you know how chaotic (and expensive) they can get.
While you’re there, Vegas in the fall is actually amazing.
Pool parties are still happening, restaurants aren’t as full, and there’s always something going on. Catch a show like Absinthe or hang out at a rooftop bar like Skyfall Lounge. Even if your team loses, you’re still in Vegas.
✈️ Why I Actually Like Flying Allegiant
Look, Allegiant isn’t trying to be your luxury airline. But if your main goal is to get from Point A to vacation mode fast and cheap? It’s perfect.
They only do nonstop flights, they’re based out of smaller airports (which usually means less TSA drama), and they let you skip all the extras if you don’t need them. I travel light and I’d rather save money for tacos and margaritas when I land, so that works for me.
Heads-up though: baggage and seat selection cost extra, so don’t skip reading the fine print. You can get the full breakdown on their website.
🌍 Why This Is Such A Win
If you’ve been putting off that beach trip or visit to family because of costly fares or weird routes, this could seriously benefit you.
I’m seeing real potential for:
- Last-minute beach trips
- Long weekends away
- NFL game day adventures
And since you’re flying out of smaller airports, the whole process is way less stressful. No crazy parking garages, no getting stuck behind ten TSA lanes.
I know I ragged on Dayton airport at the beginning of this article, but I never saw the TSA line have more than 10 people in it, so there's something to be said for smaller airports!
The new routes are live now!
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.