Taking Flight to the Blue Ridge: Airlines Serving Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

So, you’re dreaming of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, craft breweries, and the vibrant arts scene of Asheville, North Carolina? Excellent choice! But first, you need to get there. Let’s cut to the chase: What airlines fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)? Currently, you’ll find these airlines connecting you to this mountain paradise: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Navigating AVL: A Deeper Dive into Asheville’s Air Connections

While knowing the airlines is a good start, understanding the nuances of their service can significantly impact your travel plans. Let’s break down what each airline offers at AVL.

Allegiant Air: Budget-Friendly Escapes

Allegiant Air is your go-to for budget-friendly, no-frills travel. They typically focus on direct routes to select cities, often catering to leisure travelers. Be aware that Allegiant frequently offers seasonal routes, so their availability can fluctuate depending on the time of year. It’s always wise to check their current flight schedule directly on their website. Their appeal lies in offering lower base fares, but remember to factor in additional charges for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. If flexibility isn’t a huge concern and you’re looking to save, Allegiant might be a perfect fit.

American Airlines: Broad Network Access

American Airlines provides a much more extensive network through its hubs. Flying American from AVL typically involves connecting through a hub like Charlotte (CLT) or Washington D.C. (DCA), providing access to destinations across the United States and internationally. American Airlines often caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering a range of fare classes and amenities. As a full-service carrier, you can generally expect included baggage allowances (within limits), complimentary snacks and beverages (depending on the route and fare class), and the opportunity to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles. This is a solid option for those needing access to many destinations and preferring a more traditional airline experience.

Delta Air Lines: A Reliable Connection

Delta Air Lines connects AVL primarily through its hub in Atlanta (ATL). This hub offers convenient connections to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Delta is known for its reliability, customer service, and robust network. Like American, Delta provides a range of fare classes, and passengers can earn and redeem SkyMiles. Delta is often favored for its consistent service quality and wide selection of flights from Atlanta. If you appreciate reliability and access to Delta’s global network, this is a great option to consider.

United Airlines: Expanding Your Horizons

United Airlines connects AVL mainly through its hub in Chicago (ORD) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). United offers travelers a comprehensive network with both domestic and international flight options. They also feature a variety of classes and provide their passengers with the opportunity to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles. United’s reach makes it easier to visit a wide range of locations, and their flights are often favored for their diverse range of destination options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying into Asheville (AVL)

Here are some common questions travelers have about flying into Asheville Regional Airport.

H3: 1. Does Southwest Airlines fly into Asheville?

No, Southwest Airlines does not currently fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). While many people wish they did due to Southwest’s popular reputation and baggage policies, for now, you’ll need to consider other airlines to reach Asheville.

H3: 2. What are the most common connecting airports when flying to Asheville?

The most common connecting airports are Charlotte (CLT) for American Airlines, Atlanta (ATL) for Delta Air Lines, and Washington D.C. (IAD) and Chicago (ORD) for United Airlines. These hubs provide the primary access points to AVL.

H3: 3. How far is Asheville Airport from downtown Asheville?

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is conveniently located about 18 miles south of downtown Asheville. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

H3: 4. Are there rental car services available at Asheville Airport?

Yes, all major rental car companies operate at Asheville Regional Airport. You’ll find counters for companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National located in the Ground Transportation Center within the airport.

H3: 5. Is there public transportation from Asheville Airport to downtown?

While there isn’t a direct public bus route, there is a shared ride van service called “Asheville Rides” that provides transportation from the airport to various locations in the Asheville area. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, or take a traditional taxi.

H3: 6. What are some tips for finding the cheapest flights to Asheville?

• Be flexible with your travel dates: Mid-week travel and flying during the off-season (spring or fall) can often yield lower fares.
• Book in advance: Aim to book your flights several weeks or even months ahead of your travel date, especially during peak season.
• Consider nearby airports: Although less convenient, flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina could provide cheaper flight options. You could then rent a car and drive to Asheville (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
• Set fare alerts: Utilize websites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to track flight prices and receive notifications when fares drop.
• Check budget airlines: Don’t overlook Allegiant Air for potentially lower fares, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates and routes.

H3: 7. What is the best time of year to visit Asheville?

The best time to visit Asheville depends on your preferences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, stunning foliage, and fewer crowds. Summer is popular for outdoor activities but can be hot and crowded. Winter offers a quieter experience with opportunities for winter sports in the surrounding mountains, but some attractions may have limited hours.

H3: 8. Are there hotels near Asheville Airport?

Yes, there are several hotels located within a short distance of Asheville Regional Airport. These include options like the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Airport, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Airport, and Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Airport.

H3: 9. Does Asheville Airport have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) does have TSA PreCheck lanes. This can significantly speed up your security screening process if you are enrolled in the program.

H3: 10. Can I fly direct from [My City] to Asheville?

This depends on your originating city and the airline. Use flight search engines like Google Flights, Kayak, or directly check the airline websites to see if there are any direct flights offered between your origin and AVL. Remember that Allegiant Air often offers direct flights from select cities, but their routes can be seasonal.

H3: 11. Are there any international flights into Asheville?

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) does not currently offer any direct international flights. You will need to connect through a larger hub airport, such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Washington, D.C. (IAD), to reach Asheville from international destinations.

H3: 12. What amenities are available at Asheville Regional Airport?

Asheville Regional Airport provides travelers with a range of amenities to enhance their travel experience. These include:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• A variety of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and snack bars.
• Gift shops and newsstands for souvenirs, books, and travel essentials.
• Charging stations for electronic devices.
• Nursing mother’s room.
• Pet relief area outside the terminal.
• Art displays showcasing local artists, reflecting Asheville’s vibrant arts scene.
• Information desk staffed with friendly volunteers to assist with travel inquiries.

By understanding which airlines serve AVL and utilizing these helpful tips, you’ll be well-prepared to plan your trip to Asheville and experience all that this amazing destination has to offer. Enjoy your flight!