BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. - Tri-Cities residents will soon arrive closer to the magic of Orlando, as low-cost airline, Allegiant Air, LLC, today announces it will move its low-cost, nonstop, jet service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning Feb. 15, 2010. Previously, the carrier provided nonstop service from Tri-Cities to Orlando via the Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Reservations can be made on the airline's website at www.allegiantair.com, through the airline's Reservations and Information Center at 702-505-8888 or through professional travel agents.

The flights will operate two times weekly between Tri-Cities Regional Airport and Orlando International Airport with service Monday and Friday. Beginning Feb. 15, flights will depart Tri-Cities at 6:30 p.m. arriving in Orlando at 8:05 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando will depart at 4:10 p.m. arriving in Tri-Cities at 5:50 p.m. (all flight times are local). Allegiant Air also provides nonstop service from Tri-Cities to the Tampa Bay, Fla. area.

Robert Ashcroft, vice president of planning for Allegiant Air, said, "Moving service from Orlando-Sanford to Orlando International accomplishes two things for Allegiant. First, it allows us to be responsive to the many Tri-Cities travelers who prefer the proximity of Orlando International to the most prominent attractions in the Orlando area, including, most obviously, Walt Disney World. Second, it improves our position relative to competitors with service to Orlando International."

"We are excited about the change coming for Allegiant's Orlando service," Patrick Wilson, executive director of Tri-Cities Regional Airport, said.  "We think Tri-Cities passengers will enjoy the enhanced convenience of flying into MCO, especially for those who are visiting Disney World." 

With plenty of shopping, dining, outdoor activities and entertainment, Orlando offers vacationers the perfect getaway. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is home to the world's most exciting theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. Orlando's famous International Drive is more than 10 miles long and features more than 100 hotels, 450 stores, several attractions and two major outlet malls. Orlando is also home to more than 175 golf courses, many of which were designed by pro golfers such as Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. 

More than an airline, Allegiant offers low-cost hotel packages with more than 60 resorts in the greater Orlando area, including properties located within minutes of popular theme parks. Partner properties include:  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney Resort, Regal Sun Resort, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, Holiday Inn Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, Renaissance Orlando Resort and SeaWorld and Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld. Air/hotel packages are available for as low as $179.98**. (Price is per person, based on a three-night hotel stay at the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, double occupancy and reflects a Friday arrival and Monday departure.) The company also provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

About the Company:

Las Vegas based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla. and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the Company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services.

###