"We are pleased to provide even more low-cost and convenient travel options to the Whatcom County and Vancouver communities," Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant Air president and CEO, said. "This again recognizes the growing importance of the Bellingham market to Allegiant. We are confident these new California destinations will have great appeal."
This announcement comes after Allegiant’s recent launch of a new base in Bellingham March 1. The airline now bases two 150-seat, MD-80 series jet aircraft at the airport and employs more than 80 team members to support the operation. With the addition of service to both San Diego and San Francisco, the carrier now provides nonstop service to a total of six destinations including Phoenix-Mesa, Reno-Tahoe, Nev., Palm Springs, Calif. and Las Vegas. Allegiant began service to Bellingham with low-cost flights to Las Vegas Aug. 5, 2004.
"The Port of Bellingham is pleased with the announcement that Allegiant Air continues to increase our community’s direct transportation connections," Port of Bellingham Commission President Doug Smith said. "Allegiant’s recent business decision to make Bellingham an operations base has made a favorable contribution to our local economy."
The new flights to San Francisco will operate three times weekly between San Francisco International Airport and Bellingham International Airport, with service Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights leaving Bellingham will depart at 2:10 p.m. arriving in San Francisco at 4:30 p.m. Flights will depart San Francisco at 5:20 p.m. arriving in Bellingham at 7:40 p.m. (all flight times are local.)
Flights to San Diego will operate three times weekly with service Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between San Diego International Airport and Bellingham International Airport. Flights leaving Bellingham will depart at 2:40 p.m. arriving in San Diego at 5:45 p.m. Flights will depart San Diego at 6:35 p.m. arriving in Bellingham at 9:25 p.m. (all flight times are local.)
"For years our community has been asking for direct flights to California and this is exactly what they had in mind," Port Aviation Director Art Choat said. "The Port is very pleased to see Allegiant Air offer these new destinations."
As a full-service travel company, Allegiant provides even greater savings to customers by offering complete, low-cost vacation packages. As it currently offers with its service to Las Vegas, Reno-Tahoe, Palm Springs and Phoenix, Allegiant will partner with several premier hotel and resorts in the San Francisco and San Diego areas. The company provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car. The carrier will utilize full-size, 150-seat, MD-80 series jet aircraft on both routes.
Known as the "City by the Bay," San Francisco is famous for scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities and world-class cuisine. San Francisco’s landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach, the Castro district and Mission Dolores.
From family fun to romantic experiences, San Diego offers a broad variety of things to see and do. The second largest city in the state of California, visitors can enjoy 70 miles of sun-drenched coastline, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California. In addition, the area’s award-winning restaurants, museums, art galleries, luxury spas and 92 golf courses make San Diego an ideal getaway destination.
Allegiant’s $59* and $69* one-way introductory fares are limited, must be purchased by May 10, 2008 and is valid for travel through Aug. 31, 2008. Introductory fares are not available on all flights.
Reservations can be made on the airline’s website at www.allegiantair.com, through the airline’s Reservations and Information Center at 702-505-8888 or through professional travel agents.