Why Allegiant Might Be My Unexpected Go-To Airline in 2026
- Kyle Werly
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 21
(And Why It Might Be the Best Move for Michigan Travelers Too)
Between organizing Disney vacations for clients and frequently flying to experience the magic myself, I travel to Florida quite often. Over the past few years, I've realized something crucial:
Living in Michigan, especially northern Michigan, means that having access to smart, convenient flights is just as important as choosing where to stay.
For 2026, one airline is unexpectedly becoming my top choice... Allegiant Air.
Yes, the budget airline known for its à la carte pricing. I typically fly with United or Delta, but hear me out because when you travel frequently and strategically, Allegiant becomes a valuable asset.
Why Michigan Travelers Should Consider Allegiant
In northern Michigan, we don’t have an abundance of nonstop flight options.
Flying out of Traverse City (or even from Grand Rapids, which is a 2-hour drive) has typically involved:
Layovers in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, or Detroit
Additional hours to your travel day
Increased airfare during peak family travel times
Allegiant changes this by offering direct flights from Michigan to some of Florida’s top vacation spots — often at significantly lower prices.
Direct Flights From Traverse City (TVC) - Small Airport, Big Advantage
TVC provides Allegiant flights directly to:
🟦 St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE):
Ideal for:
Tampa vacationers
Clearwater beach enthusiasts
Tampa cruise departures
🟦 Orlando Sanford (SFB)
Ideal for:
Walt Disney World
Universal Orlando
Cruise ports via Port Canaveral
Space Coast beaches
🟦 Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Ideal for:
Miami day trips
Fort Lauderdale beaches
South Florida cruise departures
Driving to the Keys
This means you can be on Main Street U.S.A. or relaxing in a lazy river before lunch, without the need to rush through a hub airport hoping your connecting flight waits for you.
Grand Rapids Expands Travel Options
If you're willing to drive two hours south to GRR, Allegiant offers connections to:
✔ PIE – St. Pete/Clearwater
✔ SFB – Orlando Sanford
✔ FLL – Fort Lauderdale
✔ JAX – Jacksonville
✔ PBI – West Palm Beach
These additional routes are significant. Here’s why:
Jacksonville provides access to northeast Florida and Amelia Island
Palm Beach caters to luxury resort and cruise guests
GRR offers more flight frequency than TVC, providing better flexibility for families.
It's essentially a Florida buffet.
Why Direct Flights Are Crucial for Families
I mentioned this earlier, but it truly deserves its own focus.
If you’ve ever traveled with:
a diaper bag
a 5-year-old on the verge of a meltdown
a toddler who just fell asleep
a stroller and essential snacks
You understand that:
A layover can turn a dream vacation into a daunting challenge.
Direct flights offer:
Less time managing tired kids in airports
Fewer bags to move in and out of planes
Reduced risk of luggage delays
No chance of missing connecting flights
Kids remain excited rather than exhausted
Even adults gain from this. A direct route to sunshine is always preferable to a last-minute gate change.
The Budget Airline Trade-Off — and Why It Works
Allegiant keeps costs down by streamlining its services:
No carry-on bag included
No complimentary water or snacks
Additional charges for seats and extras
However, the benefits are:
You only pay for what you truly need
Weekend and 3-4 day trips remain budget-friendly
Most Disney and Universal visitors spend more on tickets than on flights anyway
Saving on airfare means more nights or dining credits
Essentially, you choose your perks instead of paying for all of them.
Choosing the Ideal Florida Airport for Different Vacation Styles
A handy guide you can save to Pinterest or your website:
Arriving at SFB (Orlando Sanford)
Best for:
Walt Disney World
Universal Orlando
Volcano Bay
Hotels on International Drive
Cruises from Port Canaveral (Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean)
Drive time to Disney: 45-60 minutes
Bonus: Smaller airport = quicker baggage retrieval
Arriving at PIE (St. Pete/Clearwater)
Best for:
Beaches on the Gulf Coast (St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island)
Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay Rays games
Tampa cruise port
Drive to Disney: ~90 minutes
An unexpectedly great Disney combo choice!
Arriving at FLL (Fort Lauderdale)
Best for:
Miami getaways
Cruises from Port Everglades
Road trips to the Florida Keys
Brightline train to Orlando (a game changer!)
Routes exclusive to GRR
JAX — Relaxed beach towns + Amelia Island
PBI — Luxury vacations + Palm Beach County resorts
Expert Tips to Enhance Allegiant Travels
Incorporate these useful tips to make readers feel guided:
Book early — their direct flights are limited
Pay for luggage when purchasing tickets — not later
If you’re tall or traveling with kids, select seats in advance
Always plan a buffer for cruise departures (arrive the night before)
Pre-book shuttle or rental car — SFB has fewer options than MCO
You might turn this into a separate guide in the future!
My 2026 Travel Strategy
Here’s the straightforward truth:
If Allegiant offers a direct flight to my destination, I’m booking it.
Because: ✔ I value my time ✔ I’d rather spend money in Florida, not on getting there ✔ I plan multiple Florida trips ✔ Easier travel means more content and more time assisting clients
Final Thoughts
Allegiant might not be everyone’s preferred airline - but for Michigan travelers eager to reach Florida quickly, it’s providing opportunities no other airline currently offers.
More destinations. Fewer layovers. Less hassle. More sunshine.
And for a magical vacation - that’s a pretty solid exchange.
See you in the skies ✈️
Plan Your Adventure with Kyle Vacations
Ready to make the most of 2026? Let Kyle Vacations help you plan every detail of your magical getaway. From park tickets and event reservations to expert itineraries and insider tips, Kyle Vacations ensures a seamless and stress-free Disney & Universal experience.
Book now and start planning your 2026 vacation with the help of a travel planner who knows the theme parks inside and out.
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