Taking Flight to Asheville: Your Guide to Airlines Serving AVL

So, you’re planning a trip to the vibrant, art-filled city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Excellent choice! Asheville, North Carolina, is a destination that captivates with its eclectic culture, stunning scenery, and award-winning breweries. But before you can soak in the beauty, you need to get there. The first question on your mind is likely: Which airlines fly to Asheville?

Currently, the airlines that operate from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Each airline provides service to different destinations, and the routes can fluctuate based on seasonal demand and other factors. Knowing which airlines serve AVL is only the beginning. Let’s dive deeper into maximizing your travel plans to this mountain paradise.

Unpacking Asheville’s Airline Options

Understanding which airlines serve Asheville is just the starting point. Let’s delve into a more detailed look at the airlines currently operating at AVL:

• Allegiant Air: Known for its focus on leisure travel, Allegiant Air often provides direct flights to Asheville from various smaller and mid-sized cities, particularly those with strong vacation markets. Allegiant can be a budget-friendly choice, but be mindful of their fees for baggage and seat selection.
• American Airlines: As a major carrier, American Airlines offers connections to Asheville primarily through its hubs, such as Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). This provides access to a much wider network of destinations both domestically and internationally.
• Delta Air Lines: Similar to American, Delta Air Lines connects Asheville to the world via its major hubs, typically Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK). Delta is often recognized for its customer service and extensive route network.
• United Airlines: United Airlines usually flies to Asheville via its hub at Washington, D.C. (IAD) and Newark (EWR), offering travelers connectivity to destinations across the United States and beyond.

Finding the Best Flights

Finding the best flights to Asheville involves considering factors like price, convenience, and layover duration. Here are a few tips:

• Be Flexible with Dates: Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can often yield lower fares.
• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Sites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies.
• Consider Nearby Airports: While Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the most convenient, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina is within driving distance and might offer more flight options or lower prices.
• Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is usually a few months in advance. However, keep an eye on fares, as they can fluctuate.
• Sign Up for Email Alerts: Many airlines and travel sites offer email alerts that notify you of price drops on specific routes.

Asheville Airport (AVL): What to Expect

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a modern, expanding airport that provides a relatively stress-free travel experience. Keep these points in mind:

• Size: AVL is a smaller airport, making it easy to navigate.
• Amenities: The airport offers restaurants, gift shops, and free Wi-Fi.
• Parking: Several parking options are available, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots.
• Ground Transportation: Options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and hotel shuttles.

Getting Around Asheville

Once you arrive in Asheville, you’ll need to consider transportation options.

• Rental Cars: Many major rental car companies operate at AVL, offering a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available in Asheville.
• Taxis: Taxi services are also an option, though they may be less readily available than ride-sharing.
• Public Transportation: Asheville’s public transportation system, the Asheville Transit System (ATS), offers bus service throughout the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flights to Asheville

To help you plan your trip even more smoothly, here are some frequently asked questions:

1. Are there direct flights to Asheville? Yes! Allegiant Air is your best bet for direct flights to Asheville, offering routes from select cities. American, Delta and United offer direct flights from their hub airports, such as CLT, ATL, IAD, and EWR.
2. What is the closest major airport to Asheville? While Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the closest, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina is a larger airport about an hour and a half drive away, potentially offering more flight options.
3. How far in advance should I book my flight to Asheville? For the best deals, try booking about 2-3 months in advance. Keep an eye on prices using flight comparison websites and sign up for alerts.
4. Which airlines offer the cheapest flights to Asheville? Allegiant Air is often the most budget-friendly, particularly if you are flying from a city they serve directly. However, prices can vary widely, so compare all options.
5. Does Asheville Airport have TSA PreCheck? Yes, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) does have TSA PreCheck lanes to expedite your security screening.
6. What are the parking options at Asheville Airport? AVL offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking options. The rates vary depending on the lot and the duration of your stay.
7. Are rental cars available at Asheville Airport? Yes, all major rental car companies have a presence at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). It is recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season.
8. Is there public transportation from Asheville Airport to downtown? Yes, the Asheville Transit System (ATS) Route S3 provides bus service from the airport to downtown Asheville. Check the ATS website for schedules and routes.
9. What time does Asheville Airport open? Asheville Airport’s hours of operation are determined by the flight schedule. Generally, the terminal is open several hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. It’s best to check the AVL website for specific daily hours.
10. Are there any hotels near Asheville Airport? Yes, there are several hotels located within a short drive of Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), offering a range of amenities and price points.
11. What is there to do in Asheville? Asheville boasts a vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving culinary scene. Popular attractions include the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the River Arts District.
12. Is Asheville a walkable city? Downtown Asheville is very walkable, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance. However, to explore areas outside of downtown, a car is recommended.

With these insights and tips, you’re well-equipped to plan your trip to Asheville with confidence. Now, book those flights, pack your bags, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains!