For its Orlando service, Allegiant has been using Orlando Sanford (SFB) as its base, but yesterday the carrier announced it would base five MD-80 aircraft at Orlando International (MCO), and move service to ten cities from the former to the latter airport. Why? Allegiant VP of Planning Robert Ashcroft said that “it improves our position relative to competitors with service to Orlando International.” Bingo – one disadvantage of Sanford is that it’s less convenient than Orlando International, so that might make a passenger choose to fly a competitor instead of Allegiant.
And in most cases, the competitor is AirTran. Here’s a list. If there’s no direct competitor on the route, I found the closest airport with a nonstop to Orlando:
Many of these AirTran markets are coming soon or are recent additions, so it seems clear that this move is a response from Allegiant. This will be fun to watch, for sure. Of course, it will be interesting to see what happens to Sanford, though Allegiant is maintaining service to 21 cities there.
Hey, you mean SFB for Orlando Sanford….
Wow, duh. Thank you, Mike!
“The disadvantage of Sanford is that it’s less convenient than Orlando International”
MCO has longer lines for everything (security, food, restrooms) where you’re treated like cattle, you have to wait for a shuttle for parking, there is more traffic for pick ups and drop offs. You have to arrive 2 hours early for a domestic flight. oh, and don’t forget the increased liklihood of delays due to additional aircraft traffic. How is that more convenient?
Arriving and departing SFB is a lot faster and less stressful. Even if you have to drive a few extra minutes to get to the tourist traps.