Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Discontinuation of Allegiant's Services from Orlando International Airport
Allegiant Airlines reintroduced services at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in May 2024, after a thirteen-year absence, with new nonstop routes connecting Orlando to popular destinations like Asheville, Allentown, and Knoxville.
This expansion provides travelers with more affordable flight options from MCO, with introductory fares as low as $48.
The return to MCO is part of Allegiant's broader strategy to enhance connectivity in Central Florida, complementing their ongoing operations at Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Allegiant Air is set to significantly enhance its presence at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with the introduction of 12 new nonstop routes, reconnecting various vacation hotspots directly with Orlando.
The discontinuation of Allegiant's services from MCO back in 2011 was seen as a major setback for budget travelers, but its resurgence with fares starting at just $48 one-way promises to restore affordability.
Allegiant Air's approach of consolidating routes at MCO without reducing its operations at nearby Orlando Sanford International Airport provides more travel options—from multiple airports in the region, boosting convenience for passengers.
This move marks Allegiant as the third airline to majorly serve Central Florida from multiple airports, a strategic decision aiming to capture a larger share of the region's rapidly growing passenger market.
By re-entering MCO, Allegiant is not just increasing its flight connectivity but also potentially creating competitive fare pressures, leading to reduced airfare across other airlines operating out of Orlando.
The introduction of low-cost routes to new destinations like Asheville, Allentown, and Knoxville underscores Allegiant’s commitment to offering budget-friendly travel, critical for maintaining affordability amidst rising travel costs.
What else is in this post?
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Discontinuation of Allegiant's Services from Orlando International Airport
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Increased Cost of Parking due to Park Bark And Fly Closure
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Impact of Decreased International Travel
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Challenges with Flight Delays and Cancellations
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Weather-Related Disruptions and Airport Infrastructure Issues
- Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Competitive Alternatives Offered by Orlando Sanford International Airport
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Increased Cost of Parking due to Park Bark And Fly Closure
The permanent closure of the Park Bark and Fly parking lot, which once offered over 3,500 spaces, has led to a notable increase in parking costs at Orlando International Airport.
Daily parking rates have skyrocketed from $11 to as high as $24, with uncovered spots now starting at around $69.89 per day and covered rates beginning at $89.89 per day.
This has exacerbated an already congested situation, forcing travelers to arrive even earlier to secure parking.
With the elimination of Park Bark and Fly, the price of parking has skyrocketed, with some daily rates jumping from $11 to an eye-watering $24, further straining travelers' budgets.
As a consequence of fewer parking spaces and increased rates, travelers are now being advised to arrive at least three hours early to secure parking and navigate the congested airport traffic.
The loss forced many travelers to opt for remaining offsite parking options, where rates now begin at about $89 per day for uncovered parking and $89 per day for covered spots.
Park Bark and Fly's competitive rates of $99 and $99 per day for uncovered and covered parking respectively, were not only economical but also provided a 10% discount to affiliated businesses—an offer that's now missed.
The perpetually busy Orlando International Airport sees over 50 million passengers annually, making the reduction in parking space especially significant for maintaining smooth airport operations.
The increase in parking rates isn't solely due to supply and demand; the airport's higher operational and maintenance costs are also contributing factors, making parking both scarce and pricier for travelers.
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Impact of Decreased International Travel
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has faced significant disruptions due to decreased international travel, greatly impacting its affordability.
This downturn has had severe economic consequences, generating a loss of $848 million for Orlando's tourism industry in 2022 compared to 2019.
The reduction in international tourism has cost Orlando's tourism industry approximately $848 million in revenue in 2022, underscoring the financial impact of decreased international travel on the local economy.
London Gatwick experienced the largest drop in flight frequency from Orlando, with a 7% reduction, showing that even major European routes are not immune to the downturn.
Despite a 65% increase in total passengers in early 2022 compared to 2021, Orlando International's budget was slashed, likely affecting services and passenger experience due to fewer international travelers.
The busiest travel day in December 2023 was projected to see 188,000 travelers at MCO, with delays and disruptions exacerbated by a slashed budget and reduced international flight options, making travel particularly stressful.
The FAA attributed numerous delays at MCO to inclement weather, magnifying the inconvenience for travelers already facing fewer international flight choices.
With 218 Southwest flights delayed in a single instance, it becomes clear that operational consistency is being compromised alongside decreased international travel, affecting domestic connectivity too.
Even as domestic travel rebounds strongly, the 124% increase in total flights in July 2023 compared to 2019 strains resources, already limited by reductions in international carrier operations.
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Challenges with Flight Delays and Cancellations
Flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) has become increasingly frustrating due to significant flight delays and cancellations.
Severe weather conditions and staffing issues have led to an average delay of 60 minutes and the cancellation of hundreds of flights, impacting both schedules and budgets.
Passengers face additional costs due to extended layovers, hotel stays, and rebooking fees, further straining their travel budgets.
The main contributors to these delays include weather conditions, such as severe thunderstorms, and technical issues, leading to substantial travel disruptions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has projected 15-minute gate hold and taxi delays at MCO, further complicating travel schedules.
A shortage of qualified staff for airlines and airport operations is a critical factor behind many delays and cancellations at MCO, worsening the passenger experience.
The airport's increasing popularity has led to congestion, exacerbating delays due to the high volume of air traffic relative to limited runway capacity.
The disruptions caused by delays and cancellations can lead to increased costs for travelers, such as rebooking fees, additional hotel stays, and extended layovers.
Some airlines, like Frontier, have reacted to increased operational costs by adding extra fees for services like seat selection and baggage, passing the financial burden onto passengers.
On instances of severe weather, such as when over 300 flights were canceled in a single day, the resulting disruptions highlight the vulnerability of airport operations to climate conditions.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure times to mitigate the impact of delays and ensure smoother transit through security and gate areas.
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Weather-Related Disruptions and Airport Infrastructure Issues
Recent weather-related disruptions and infrastructure issues at Orlando International Airport (MCO) have significantly impacted air travel costs.
Severe storms have caused flight cancellations and extensive delays, compelling the FAA to implement temporary ground stops, which in turn lead to increased travel expenses.
Passengers are facing longer average delays, with resulting accommodation and rebooking costs, making travel through MCO less affordable.
Storms often force the FAA to implement ground stops at Orlando International Airport (MCO), halting departures and causing a ripple effect of delays averaging 68 minutes.
Weather disruptions in the northeast can have a cascading effect on MCO, where airspace congestion adds to delays and inefficiencies in managing flight schedules.
During inclement weather, the FAA frequently issues ground delay programs for departing flights at MCO, leading to average delays of 116 minutes, which can significantly increase travel costs due to missed connections and rebookings.
Orlando International Airport is particularly vulnerable to severe weather conditions, such as low cloud ceilings, resulting in mandatory ground holds and gate delays, which have been reported to last up to 15 minutes each.
Extended delays due to weather often require passengers to book additional hotel stays or make alternative travel arrangements, directly impacting their wallets.
Severe weather not only delays flights but also affects ground operations like baggage handling, further complicating travel plans and adding to passenger frustrations.
Despite resumed operations after major weather events, flights at MCO remain constrained by residual effects, leading to a less predictable and more expensive travel experience.
Combined with weather disruptions, alleged staffing shortages at MCO exacerbate delays and cancellations, leading to more frequent and longer travel disruptions.
Hurricanes, such as Hurricane Ian, have led to temporary closures of MCO, demonstrating the extent to which severe weather can shut down operations and inflate travel costs through rebooking and extended accommodation needs.
Why Flying Out of Orlando International Airport Is No Longer Affordable - Competitive Alternatives Offered by Orlando Sanford International Airport
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) stands out as an attractive alternative to the increasingly costly Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Despite its smaller scale, SFB has successfully attracted low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air and added new routes, including direct flights to Canada.
With shorter queues and streamlined services, SFB offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers compared to the congested and pricey MCO.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) often reports shorter security lines and quicker processing times compared to Orlando International Airport (MCO), making it a more time-efficient option for travelers.
Allegiant Air is the dominant carrier at SFB, offering numerous low-cost routes to over 50 destinations across the US, making it a prime choice for budget-conscious travelers.
SFB also offers seasonal routes operated by TUI Airways to major UK cities like London and Manchester, providing direct international options that are often less expensive than those from MCO.
Located 30 miles north of Orlando, SFB is close to major attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, providing a convenient alternative to the heavily trafficked MCO.
Parking at SFB is significantly cheaper, with daily rates starting at $12, compared to the steep $24 at MCO, helping travelers save on additional trip expenses.
SFB sees fewer flight delays compared to MCO, which is plagued by weather-related disruptions and congestion, resulting in smoother travel experiences.
Recently, SFB introduced new routes to Canada, broadening its international reach and providing more affordable flight options for North American travelers.
Despite being a smaller airport, SFB has been experiencing rapid passenger growth, now serving around 5 million people annually, a testament to its increasing popularity.
The smaller scale of SFB translates to a more relaxed and less stressful travel environment, with a single terminal layout that simplifies navigation for travelers.
Facility charges and other service fees at SFB are typically lower, reducing the additional costs that passengers would otherwise encounter at a larger airport like MCO.