Ah, Allegiant Air, the Louis Vuitton of budget airlines. Because who doesn't want to feel like they're traveling in the lap of luxury, without having to actually, well, pay for luxury? When you're hurtling through the stratosphere in a metal tube, what else could you ask for than the unique blend of bare-bones frugality and occasional unexpected perks Allegiant Air so graciously provides?
Prepare yourself to be whisked away, from the bustling crabs-and-football loving city of Baltimore to the blooming agricultural powerhouse that is Fresno, California. A land overflowing with raisin grape vineyards and a surprisingly charming, albeit slightly more than scented agricultural backdrop, wonderful indeed. Charming enough to be worth the occasional waft of cow aroma. Truly, no other aroma quite articulates the ‘rustic countryside’ better than a good ol' whiff of bovine air.
Allegiant Air is a cornucopia of amenities, if your definition of amenities includes slightly cramped seating and the best still-in-the-bag pretzels money can buy. But the modern traveler needs not concern themselves with such petty issues like legroom or food quality. Why, who amongst us doesn't appreciate, nay, relish the opportunity to channel our inner contortionist for a few short hours? Or feast upon pretzels so fine, they lacerate the roof of your mouth to allow for a more "progressive" taste experience.
But let's not forget the exquisite in-flight entertainment available aboard Allegiant Air. High-speed internet? A wonderful vision indeed, but just a vision. Consider this; looking out of the window for that horizon view or deep into the mesmerizing void of the armrest in front of you can be a deeply meditative experience. Who needs YouTube when you have a window seat view of clouds, or even better, the aircraft wing. Surely, the flight from Baltimore to Fresno is a transformative path to becoming more in tune with oneself and the world.
But of course, the crème de la crème of this delightfully rustic flying experience can only be the tires touching down on the sun-baked tarmac of Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Yes, you heard it right, an international airport named after one of the most majestic natural wonders in the world that is located about a mere 60 miles away. Please don't get too excited, though. The international aspect of the airport mainly refers to flights to and from Mexico. But, let's not ruin the glamorous illusion quite yet.
Aclaimed for its punctual, lightweight nature, Allegiant Air is a budget-minded traveler’s best chance to embrace the beautiful quirks that come with minimalistic flying, paired with a hint of throwback charm. The desire for untamed adventure, fused with getting from point A to B in an aircraft that is an excellent example of aviation economy, is a tough call to resist.