As someone who’s always on the lookout for affordable travel options, I recently had the opportunity to fly with Avelo Airlines on a direct flight from Orlando to Wilmington. They’re still a relatively new airline, having been founded in 2021. And since this was my first experience with Avelo, and I was curious to see how this budget airline stacks up against the bigger names. Here’s how it went!
Avelo Airlines Review
My flight was scheduled for 7 AM—definitely an early start to the day! There are both pros and cons to flying this early. On the plus side, the airport is generally quieter, with shorter lines at security and less crowded terminals. It also meant I’d be arriving in Wilmington with plenty of daylight to spare. However, the downside is obvious: getting up at the crack of dawn isn’t exactly my idea of fun, and by the time I landed, I was ready for a nap.
Efficient Boarding Process
One thing that stood out to me was Avelo’s boarding process. Instead of the usual chaotic rush, boarding was organized based on whether you had paid for a carry-on bag. I had two bags, so I opted to pay for a carry-on. This turned out to be a great decision because it not only ensured I boarded early, but it also made the whole process feel smoother and more efficient. I also noticed Avelo was quite generous with the size of the one allowed personal item. I saw plenty of people bringing large backpacks that would have been considered carry-ons on other airlines.
Friendly Staff and Comfortable Seating
From check-in to landing, the Avelo Airlines staff were genuinely friendly and seemed happy to be there. It was refreshing to see smiles and hear friendly chatter from the crew, which set a positive tone for the entire flight. The seats were surprisingly comfortable for a budget airline. (I did pay about $10 for my seat for extra legroom to ensure my bag would fit under the seat.) While I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by the legroom and the overall comfort of the seating. It made the flight, which lasted just under two hours, feel quite pleasant.
The Trade-Offs: Add-Ons and No-Frills Service
One thing to keep in mind with Avelo is that while the base fare is low, you do pay extra for pretty much everything. Need to bring a carry-on? That’s extra. Want to select your seat in advance? There’s a fee for that too. This could be a downside for some, but for me, it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Even after paying for my carry-on and seat selection, the total cost was still about 50% cheaper than flying Delta. Plus, the flight was direct, which saved me time and the hassle of a layover.
Another thing to note is that Avelo doesn’t provide any food or drinks onboard. I’m glad I noticed this when I read previous Avelo Airlines reviews. Knowing this ahead of time, I packed myself a breakfast and grabbed a coffee at the airport. It worked out perfectly for the early flight, and I didn’t mind at all since it kept my ticket price low.
Avelo Airlines Routes Are Limited
One thing I noticed with Avelo Airlines is that their routes are pretty limited—like my Orlando to Wilmington flight, which only runs one day a week. I’m guessing this is part of their strategy to keep costs down and be a bit more environmentally friendly. By sticking to fewer, well-chosen routes, they can fly fuller planes, which saves on fuel and reduces emissions. It’s a smart move, but it does mean you need to be a bit more flexible with your travel plans. If you’re curious about where Avelo might be flying next, I’d recommend checking their website or signing up for email alerts.
Final Thoughts: A Budget-Friendly Option Worth Considering
Overall, I had a great experience flying with Avelo Airlines. The early flight, efficient boarding process, friendly staff, and comfortable seats all contributed to a positive experience. Sure, there are trade-offs, like paying extra for add-ons and the no-frills service, but even with those costs, Avelo was still significantly cheaper than other airlines. The direct flight was a major plus, saving me both time and money.
Would I fly with Avelo again? Absolutely. As long as you know what to expect and plan accordingly (like bringing your own snacks), Avelo offers a great value, especially for those looking to save on travel costs. Just be prepared for that early morning wake-up call if you’re catching a 7 AM flight like I did!
Hope you found our Avelo Airlines Review helpful! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of more travel tips and reviews. Here’s an an overview of pros and cons of flying with Avelo:
Avelo Airlines Review: Pros and Cons
Pros of Flying with Avelo Airlines:
1. Affordable Fares: Avelo offers some of the lowest base fares in the industry, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Direct Flights to Underserved Markets: Avelo focuses on direct flights to smaller cities and secondary airports, which can save time and reduce the hassle of flying through larger, more congested hubs.
3. Friendly Staff: Many passengers, including myself, have noted the genuinely friendly and helpful attitude of Avelo’s staff, which enhances the overall travel experience.
4. Comfortable Seating: Despite being a budget airline, Avelo provides comfortable seating with reasonable legroom, making for a pleasant flight experience.
5. Flexible Booking Options: With a la carte pricing, you only pay for the services you want, allowing you to customize your travel experience based on your needs and budget. There’s also no change or cancellation fees, which is a bonus in today’s flight fee culture!
Cons of Flying with Avelo Airlines:
1. Limited Routes and Flight Schedules: Avelo’s route network is still growing, so they offer fewer flights and destinations compared to larger airlines. Some routes, like Orlando to Wilmington, only operate once a week, which may limit your travel flexibility.
2. Additional Fees: While the base fares are low, you’ll need to pay extra for things like carry-on bags, checked luggage, and seat selection. These add-ons can increase the total cost of your flight.
3. No In-Flight Food or Drink Service: Avelo doesn’t provide complimentary snacks or beverages on board, so you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks, especially on longer flights.
4. No In-Flight Entertainment: There’s no in-flight entertainment system, so you’ll need to bring your own devices and content to stay entertained during the flight.
5. Smaller Airports: While flying into smaller airports can be a pro for some, it may also mean fewer ground transportation options or amenities compared to larger hubs.
If you fly Avelo…do not rent a car through their site. We flew into West Palm on Nov.8, 2024, shuttled to the car rental (advertised on Avelo) the company wascalled Easirent. We presented our license and credit card. The customer service rep insisted we show a copy of our insurance card (never asked before at car rental counters) We had to call our insurance agent late in the evening to please email our card to us. The representative then put a $500.00 hold on our credit card. Then the manager came over and told us…they had no cars. They made us go through all of that for nothing. We then had to shuttle back to the airport. There were no cars available at any rental agency. We were stranded in the airport for 3 hours. We had prepaid the car and asked Easirent for our money back and we were told, sorry you need to call corporate, called corporate was told they would open a case file and get back to us in 10 days (unbelievable) We called Avelo who replied we have nothing to do with any of that, we just put the car rental on our site. So, basically they washed their hands of it, and were not even nice about it.