New Direct Flights between Orlando and Asheville

The Asheville Regional Airport and Allegiant Air are celebrating the inaugural direct flight from Asheville to Orlando by giving away a free vacation!
Those who plan to enter the contest must arrive at Asheville Regional Airport on Friday, November 18 by 3pm to register.  The winner of the three-day trip will be able to bring up to three friends or family members with them for the long-weekend getaway, and all must arrive together at the airport, packed and ready to board a plane for a three night stay in the sunshine state.

The inaugural flight will depart at 6:45pm on Friday, November 18, and the winner of the “Pack Your Bags” trip will receive round-trip airline tickets for four, a three-night stay at the World Center Marriott, Orlando (one room), as well as four tickets to LEGOLAND®.  The return flight will arrive in Asheville on Monday, November 21 at 7:40pm.

Double you chances to win: Iarrive wearing your best tacky tourist attire ann get a second registration.

Entries into the contest will be accepted between 3pm and 4:30pm on Friday, November 18 at Asheville Regional Airport’s main lobby near the art gallery.  Those entering the contest must be at least 21 years old (travel guests of the winner may be under 21 years old).  The winner will be drawn at 4:45pm, following a brief inaugural flight celebration, and then the winner and travel guests will immediately check-in to board the plane bound for sunny Orlando. Get additional details HERE.

New Non-stop fight between Orlando and Asheville Announced

Florida's Carolina Connection just got a little easier with the announcement by Allegiant Air of a new, nonstop flight between Asheville NC  (AVL) and Orlando FL (SFB).  Flights begin on November 18, just in time for Floridians to shop for handmade in the mountains holiday gifts and Tar Heels to enjoy Orlando attractions with moderate temperatures and lessor crowds.

The low-cost service begins with an introductory rate of $48.98*, one way.  The new flights will operate two times weekly between Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) with service Monday and Friday. Flights will depart Asheville at 8:20 p.m. arriving in Orlando-Sanford at 9:50 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando-Sanford will depart at 6:10 p.m. arriving in Asheville at 7:40 p.m. . The carrier will utilize a full-size, 150-seat MD-80 jet aircraft for the route.

*Allegiant’s $49.98 one-way introductory fare is limited, must be purchased by Oct. 3, 2011, and is valid for travel between Nov. 29, 2011, and Feb. 14, 2012. Introductory fares are not available on all flights.

Reservations can be made on the airline’s website at www.allegiantair.com or by calling the company’s travel experts at 702-505-8888.

Florida's Carolina Connection gets new Wings

Vision Airlines has announced a new direct flight that connects Asheville, NC to the Fort Walton Beach/ Destin area. Flights are currently scheduled on Thursdays and Sunday with affordable rates and online booking. Vision Airlines currently flies to 21 cities in 12 states including Florida cities Destin, Ft Lauderdale, Ft Myers, Miami, Orlando and St Petersburg.They  also offer an email newsletter with specials, travel tips, etc.