Avelo, the ultra-low-cost carrier, is touching down at Cleveland Hopkins this Friday with new twice-weekly nonstop flights to New Haven, Conn., and Concord, N.C. The airline is splashing around one-way fares starting at $39, but almost everything beyond a basic seat will cost you extra.
New Nonstop Routes And The Launch
The new service was first announced in March, according to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Avelo says the routes kick off this Friday with flights on Mondays and Fridays, operating from Gate A-7 with a ticket counter next to Delta. The airline and airport are planning to roll out the welcome mat with a gate celebration and a water-cannon salute for the inaugural arrivals, according to Avelo.
Cheap Base Fares, Pricey Add-ons
That $39 teaser fare covers your seat and not much else. As Cleveland.com reports, a carry-on bag runs about $39 each way if you pay at booking, the first checked bag is about $34, and advance seat assignments range from roughly $12 up to $84. There is no onboard food and no in-flight entertainment, though complimentary water is available if you ask, the outlet notes.
Pack Light - The Carry-on Rules
Every traveler gets one free personal item that has to fit under the seat in front of them. Avelo caps that at 17 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches, which usually means a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag, and not much more. The airline recommends buying carry-ons and checked bags during your initial booking because prices go up later, and it offers an online bag-price checker so passengers can estimate their fees in advance, according to Avelo.
Why This Matters For Cleveland
Avelo is sliding into the local market just as Spirit is heading for the exits. News5 Cleveland reported earlier this year that Spirit will cease operations at Hopkins, creating a low-cost void. Flight-listing sites now show roughly 10 carriers serving CLE, with Avelo joining the roster, according to flight data.
A Travel Pro's Take
Industry watchers say Avelo is built for short hops and travelers who care more about price than perks, especially if they can pack light. "They're basic transportation," travel blogger Brett Snyder wrote on Cranky Flier. In the airline's March announcement, founder and CEO Andrew Levy framed Avelo's expansion as a response to customer demand.
Should You Book It?
For a quick weekend run to visit Yale or catch a Charlotte game, Avelo can be a solid bargain if you travel ultralight and lock in any bags or seat selections when you buy. Cleveland Hopkins says it will celebrate the airline's arrival this week, and the airport also cautions that travelers should add needed extras at booking and total up all the fees before assuming that the $39 headline fare is really the cheapest option.
