Budget-Conscious Southern California Bids Farewell to Contentious, Economical Airline

In a recent announcement, Avelo Airlines' CEO, Andrew Levy, revealed that the airline's service from Burbank, California, will come to an end by December 2, 2025. This decision, Levy stated, is due to the highly competitive environment in the region, which fails to deliver adequate financial returns.

Hollywood Burbank Airport has been a popular choice among Southern California flyers, offering a respite from the bustling Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Avelo Airlines' departure has left a noticeable gap in budget flight offerings, as it was an affordable favorite among local travelers heading to less-served regional destinations.

However, travelers need not despair. Other airlines like Spirit, Alaska, and Southwest continue to offer affordable flights from Burbank. For instance, Southwest runs flights from Burbank to Eugene starting at $110 one-way, while Alaska Airlines connects Burbank to Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle for around the same price. Spirit Airlines currently offers flights from Burbank to Las Vegas, Portland, and San Francisco for typically less than $100 one-way.

Midweek flights for domestic travel on these airlines are usually the cheapest. By staying flexible on dates and signing up for fare alerts, travelers can still enjoy city-hopping from Burbank without breaking the bank.

Online commenters have expressed mixed feelings about Avelo Airlines' decision. Some celebrate the impact of protests against the airline's partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while others lament the loss of affordable travel options. Avelo Airlines denies that the recent controversy surrounding its dealings with ICE has anything to do with their financial woes.

Affected employees can choose to relocate if they wish, as Avelo Airlines is moving its fleet and staff to its East Coast bases. For customers who have already booked tickets with Avelo Airlines, cancellations can be made online for a full refund.

As for the future of Avelo Airlines' routes in California, there is currently no information available regarding which airlines will take over these routes after Avelo's closure at Burbank. However, travelers can rest assured that the competitive nature of the industry will likely result in new offerings to cater to the demand.

Kayak data shows that loyalty programs, such as Southwest's Rapid Rewards and Alaska's Mileage Plan, can offset costs with frequent flyer perks. It is recommended to start searching for options about three months in advance to find the best deals.

In conclusion, while Avelo Airlines' departure from Burbank marks the end of an era for budget travel in Southern California, there are still plenty of affordable options available for those looking to fly from the region.

Budget-Conscious Southern California Bids Farewell to Contentious, Economical Airline