The last decade has seen a true explosion of budget airlines.
They used to be just a way to cheaply hop between European cities, but there's been a surge in new low-cost carriers within the U.S. or even going transatlantic.
DON'T MISS: This Airline Is Quietly Adding More Routes to One of the Most Popular U.S. States
Launched in 2021, Houston-based Avelo Airlines has been on a major expansion plan -- targeting cities and states underserved by big carriers such as Delta (DAL) -) and United Airlines (UAL) -).
This Low-Cost Airline Just Expanded Into a Major Midwestern Market
As first reported by flight industry website The Points Guy, the airline has recently started running flights in and out of Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in the southeastern part of the state.
The flight, which will run twice a week between Wisconsin and Orlando International Airport from October 5 onwards, officially makes the new destination Avelo's 46th city and 25th state.
"Central Wisconsin – say hello to Avelo!" Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in a press statement. "[...] Getting to the Theme Park Capital of the World is now easier and more affordable than ever. With the addition of Wisconsin to Avelo's nationwide route network, Avelo will now serve half the United States."
The CWA-Orlando flight will fly on Thursdays and Sundays and start at a $49 introductory fare. The goal, according to the airline, is to serve a market that has a strong base of customers but increasingly been deprioritized amid a nationwide staff shortage that forces airlines to cut routes to less popular airports.
As mentioned by Levy, Southeastern Wisconsin also attracts tourists looking to visit some of the state's many theme parks.
Here's How Flight Routes Often 'Result in New and Diversified Economic Impacts'
"Avelo's decision to extend air service to Central Wisconsin Airport is a win for residents of Northern and Central Wisconsin," Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes said in a statement. "[...] As we have seen in other regions, we know this expansion will result in new and diversified economic impacts for the local communities as they take advantage of the partnership with Avelo."
By offering lower rates and serving less popular spots, budget airlines have been posing competition for traditional carriers in several aspects. In November, low-cost carrier Breeze Airways will be adding nine new routes to Florida's Fort Myers through the nearby Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
Visitors looking to get to the state's Gulf Coast from Ohio's Akron and Columbus, Louisville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, Syracuse and Virginia's Norfolk and Richmond will now have the low-cost airline as its main and often only option.
While low-cost airlines have a reputation for poor service and charges for things that do not generally come off as "perks" -- like water and baggage -- some have been managing to build a strong reputation with customers.
Analyzing the rates of online complaints from dissatisfied passengers, one survey found that Avelo had the least complaints. Out of budget and non-budget airlines — more than 80% of those writing about Avelo online had positive things to say about the experience.
Even though it does not position itself as a low-cost carrier, Canada's WestJet topped the list in terms of negative reactions.
