Allegiant Air at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: A Legacy of Affordable Travel
In 2017, Allegiant Cleveland made a bold move to shift operations from Akron–Canton Airport to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). This strategic expansion allowed them to offer nonstop, ultra-low-cost flights from Cleveland to popular leisure destinations, transforming travel options for the Northeast Ohio market.
Launch and Route Explosion
Allegiant launched service at CLE on February 15, 2017, with nonstop flights to nine destinations including Orlando-Sanford, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa/St. Pete, Punta Gorda, Savannah, and more. Seasonal additions soon included Myrtle Beach and Destin/Fort Walton Beach, giving Clevelanders affordable direct access to warm-weather destinations.
Doubling Down on Northeast Ohio
Moving operations from Akron–Canton enabled Allegiant to expand service and capacity. They introduced new routes to Austin, Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Phoenix-Mesa—broadening choices for travelers while reinforcing their low-cost model in a larger market with strong regional demand.
Ultra-Low-Cost Style at CLE
True to Allegiant’s business philosophy, the airline offered bare-bones fares and allowed passengers to pay only for extras—like baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding. This à la carte approach appealed to budget-minded travelers and enabled precise cost control over travel expenses.
Easy Access to Vacation Destinations
Allegiant’s presence opened direct travel routes to sought-after vacation spots like Fort Myers, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, and Orlando, significantly improving options for weekend getaways and seasonal family travel.
Aircraft Efficiency & Operational Simplicity
Flying a fleet primarily made up of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, Allegiant focused on operational efficiency. At Cleveland, quick turnarounds and minimal airport congestion supported their model and kept flights on schedule—perfect for travelers looking to maximize balance between cost and convenience.
Airport Collaboration Ranked High
Cleveland Hopkins earned Allegiant’s prestigious “High Flyer” award in 2017 for its seamless support in launching the airline’s operations. The award highlights the airport’s flexibility and responsiveness in helping a low-cost carrier establish a new market.
Perfect Match for Vacationers & Families
CLE passengers quickly embraced Allegiant’s service model—especially families, students, and budget travelers. The flexibility to choose only desired services helped many plan affordable escapes while retaining control over costs.
Seasonal Strategy for Demand Peaks
Allegiant tailored its Cleveland flight schedule for seasonal needs—expanding service during spring break and winter holidays and scaling back in slower months. This smart routing matched traveler demand while managing overhead effectively.
Strategic Exit: Why Allegiant Left Cleveland
Despite high demand and solid ridership, Allegiant announced it would discontinue Cleveland service at the end of 2021. The decision was driven by rising costs tied to airport expansion and construction—factors that conflicted with Allegiant’s low-cost business model and forced the airline to shift operations back to Akron–Canton, where cost structures were more aligned with its objectives.
Legacy and Market Influence
Although Allegiant no longer flies from Cleveland, its presence had a lasting impact:
Proved there was strong demand for point-to-point leisure travel directly from CLE
Pushed competing airlines to reconsider pricing and destination offerings
Shifted community expectations about what low-cost, direct air service can look like
The Takeaway
Allegiant Air’s tenure at Cleveland Hopkins transformed the region’s travel landscape. By introducing efficient, affordable, nonstop service to vacation destinations, the airline brought new possibilities to Northeast Ohio residents—even if that chapter ended in late 2021.
