NATIONWIDE – Since its launch in 2021, Avelo Airlines has rapidly expanded its network, offering a starkly different travel proposition built on ultra-low fares and flights from smaller, often overlooked airports.

• The ULCC Model – Avelo operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), where rock-bottom base fares are supplemented by fees for nearly every service, including carry-on bags and seat selection.
• Secondary Airport Strategy – The airline’s core strategy involves flying out of smaller, secondary airports like Hollywood Burbank (BUR) and Tweed New Haven (HVN) to reduce operating costs and congestion.
• Experienced Leadership – Avelo was founded by Andrew Levy, a co-founder and former president of Allegiant Air, another successful ULCC, signaling deep industry experience behind the model.

This model represents a growing segment of the U.S. airline industry, forcing a question for many travelers: what is convenience, and what is it worth?

Understanding the “Unbundled” Approach to Flying

First Flight

Avelo’s inaugural flight took place on April 28, 2021, connecting Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) with Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS).

Avelo Airlines operates on a simple premise: customers should only pay for the services they use. This “unbundled” fare structure is the hallmark of an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). A base ticket with Avelo purchases passage for one person and a small personal item that fits under the seat.

Anything beyond that comes with an additional fee. This includes services that legacy carriers often bundle into their ticket price, such as choosing a specific seat, bringing a full-size carry-on bag, or checking luggage. The strategy is to attract price-sensitive leisure travelers with a low entry price point, allowing them to customize their journey based on their budget and needs. The airline, which began scheduled operations on April 28, 2021, uses a fleet of Boeing 737s to serve its growing list of destinations.

Why Smaller Airports are Central to the Business Plan

Aircraft Fleet

The airline operates a streamlined fleet composed entirely of Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft.

A key component of Avelo’s strategy is its avoidance of large, congested hub airports. Instead, the airline focuses on smaller, secondary airports, such as its first West Coast base at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and its East Coast hub at Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut.

This decision is a calculated financial and operational move. Smaller airports typically have lower landing fees and other operational costs. They also experience less air traffic, which can lead to faster turnarounds on the ground and fewer delays. For passengers, this can translate into a trade-off: a potentially longer drive to a secondary airport in exchange for a less crowded, faster, and more predictable experience once there. This approach allows Avelo to offer unique point-to-point routes that larger airlines may not serve.

The Passenger Calculation: What a Budget Ticket Really Buys

The rise of carriers like Avelo highlights a shift in consumer values. The model directly challenges travelers to assess what they prioritize. Is the comfort of an all-inclusive fare from a major airport worth a higher price, or is the lowest possible cost the ultimate goal?

The final price of an Avelo ticket can increase significantly once ancillary fees are added. A passenger bringing both a carry-on and a checked bag, and who wants to select their seat in advance, will pay a total cost substantially higher than the advertised base fare. The success of Avelo and the broader ULCC market suggests that for a significant number of travelers, the ability to control these costs and forgo traditional amenities is a welcome option, making travel accessible to those who might otherwise be priced out.