In the grand realm of air travel, you find a myriad of options. There are the cushy, gold-plated luxury airlines that coddle you in the lap of opulence, and then, dear voyagers, we have Allegiant Airlines – the stalwart purveyor of austereness and affordability. A flight on this esteemed conveyance is sure to leave fond annotations in the annals of your travelogue, especially if you are venturing from the vibrant Bangor to the vivacious Harrisburg International Airport.
Allow me to temper your expectations, so as to not startle you with the sumptuous lavishness that Allegiant Airlines tend to camouflage itself in. The airline prides itself on mastering the art of understated elegance, which, for the uninitiated, translates to – no-frills. There are drinks, of course, available for a small ransom, and snacks that also graciously extend the opportunity for you to part with your hard-earned money.
Circling around Bangor, often referred to as "The Queen City," might allow you to catch a glimpse of the historic Bangor Auditorium. Or perhaps the eminent Stephen King's abode, peering from beneath a vampire-bat strewn gate, virtually screaming 'quaint charm'. A wholesome epitome of Down East tradition, before jetting off toward the beckoning arms of sweet Harrisburg.
As our flight descends at the Harrisburg International Airport, you will first marvel at the sprawling expanse of concrete leading to this airport, impressively designated as "International." You may even catch a sight of the world-renowned - wait for it - livestock housing building, radiating all the humble majesty one associates with Pennsylvania. This delightful visual preamble sets the tone for the robust explorations that await you in the Keystone State.
The Thaddeus Stevens Bridge, for instance, rather shyly donning the mantle of a must-visit spot is a sight to behold. This resolute structure, standing in defiance of time and tides, is agelessly elegant in rust and decay. Do spare the time for an obeisance. Who knows when it might decide it had seen it all and joins the annals of structures that 'once were'?
From the labyrinthine corridors of the State Capitol, paying tribute to the regality of Greece, to the famed Harrisburg Midtown Arts Centre, styled in beautifully grungy abstraction, Harrisburg is a feast for the senses. But only if you're into such discordantly harmonious contrasts.
Just a word of advice, my dear jet-setters. Please, do try to adjust your palates to the gourmet wonder that airline sustenance often is. Who knew four peanuts and cuplet-sized soda could be presented with such panache? Or that someone thought a vacuum-sealed sandwich could be this exciting? Ah, the joys of culinary experimentation at 15,000 feet!
Nevertheless, remember that shared penury oftentimes leads to camaraderie. Besides, it's not every day that you are treated to exquisite skyline vistas of Bangor and Harrisburg, on the very same day. Isn't that thought enough to buoy your spirits?
So buckle up, dear friends. Sit back on an ergonomically questionable chair, tighten your grip on a bag of free pretzels, and embrace the journey. Because, as we all know, often, the journey is the true destination. And boy, does Allegiant Airlines know how to make it unforgettable.