We've all heard the saying, "It's the journey, not the destination"—an adage that seems to have been coined by someone who had never travelled by Allegiant Airline. This charming airliner, offering a flying experience as remarkable as a misspelt tattoo, connects the idyllic city of Allentown in Pennsylvania to Charleston International, a place as international as my grandma's cookbook.
For those of you who revel in surprises, Allegiant Airline is nothing short of an aviation piñata. Surrounded by the dulcet tones of wailing toddlers and colourful conversations about Aunt May's third cousin twice removed, you can experience sights, sounds, and scents worthy of its own National Geographic episode. Forget Netflix, this is where real unscripted drama unfolds.
And let’s talk about Allentown, an urban "paradise" where you can learn all about canals, mills, and factories in breathtaking detail. With its architectural delights that harken back to a simpler time when concrete reigned supreme, it’s no wonder residents are rushing to fly out to Charleston, one of America's beloved family reunion destinations, known for its unpredictable weather and the earth-shattering excitement of military reenactments.
Embarking on the flight, you're greeted by Allegiant’s amiable staff, who are as warm and cheerful as a tax-collector on April 14. Their commitment to remember each passenger name is admirable, despite the fact that most names get butchered in a linguist's nightmare. Look, who wouldn’t want to be called "Sir Missy" or "Madam Bob" for a little change of scenery, right?
Gliding down the aisles, lavishing attention toward their valued patrons, the flight attendants closely resemble frantically juggling circus performers. Their sterling efforts include dispensing packets of what can only be described as semi-edible treats, response times on par with the patience of a sloth, and a safety demonstration that includes the fun-filled lottery of whether your life jacket will inflate or not.
The journey with Allegiant Air is an adventure in itself. Why limit the thrill of travel to your destination when you can start it from the moment you purchase your ticket, delicately guessing which essential services, cleverly disguised as "add-ons", have been automatically charged to your credit card in the name of personalizing your flight experience.
As your Allegiant flight dramatically swoops down onto the runways of Charleston International airport—international only inasmuch as it retains the hope of one day offering a flight to Canada—be prepared for the ceremonial clapping of hands at the safe landing. It's like a hacker clapping each time his computer doesn't crash. A tradition as heartwarming as it is unsettling.
Ladies and gentlemen, Allegiant is indeed the pure embodiment of "you get what you pay for", where every penny saved comes with its own unique package of unforeseen costs folded into the origami of a flying experience. To all the adventurous souls about to embark on this Allentown to Charleston escapade, buckle up for a memorable journey. After all, what doesn’t kill you does indeed make you stronger.