LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Allegiant Airlines started flights to the Orlando Sanford International Airport Thursday.
The nonstop service is the latest addition in La Crosse Regional Airport’s continued expansion.
“We’re feeling very excited. This has been a long time coming for us. We’ve had a great success with our Phoenix-Mesa route and we’re extremely excited to start Sanford-Orlando,” said Lauren Koss, La Crosse Regional Airport director.
The inaugural flight departed Thursday evening with roughly 130 passengers aboard.
The new service offers travelers two distinct advantages: easier access to Florida vacation destinations and an alternative to connecting through Chicago’s busy O’Hare International Airport.
“It has been very difficult to fly to La Crosse because you have to go through Chicago,” said passenger Bill Bauman. “Now we’ve got a direct flight from where I live, which is central Florida, and it’s really made this much nicer and much easier.”
Allegiant will offer the flight two days a week. They plan to extend their service to Florida in October, offering routine flights to Punta Gorda.
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