Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (2024)

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New low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines just celebrated its one-year anniversary, having flown its maiden flight on April 28, 2021. The startup launched its operation out of Burbank, California, as an alternative to the busy Los Angeles International Airport, and has continued to strengthen its business model that is focused on simplicity and convenience. Here's what passengers can expect on each Avelo flight, including bag fees, inflight amenities, and everything in between. Avelo's business model is flying point-to-point to connect small and medium-sized markets, meaning no layovers. The carrier flies mostly short-haul, with its longest route being about three hours from Connecticut to Florida. The airline has two current bases — New Haven, Connecticut, on the East Coast, and Burbank, California, on the West Coast. From its hubs, Avelo has created a network of 26 leisure routes to places like Las Vegas, Boise, Orlando, Sonoma County, Nashville, and Savannah. However, the carrier will open a third base at Orlando International Airport in June. Three new routes will begin this summer, including Charleston, Baltimore, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Because of the leisure focus, Avelo CEO Andrew Levy told Insider that the company is dedicated to maintaining a simple and convenient business model. He explained the booking process is designed to be straightforward, allowing passengers to book, change, and check-in for flights on Avelo's website or mobile app. Boarding passes can be added directly from the app to a mobile wallet. Moreover, there are no change or cancellation fees. So, if a traveler needs to cancel, they will get a voucher for future use. Passengers can take advantage of this policy if a flight they booked goes down in price after. Meanwhile, changes will incur a fare difference. Levy told Insider that since its launch last year, the company has made efforts to improve its website. Specifically, travelers can make changes online without contacting the call center, as well as add hotels and cars to their trip. Avelo has also made TSA PreCheck available in its systems, so those with the expedited security screening can add their Known Traveler Number to their reservation and have it show on their boarding pass. Each Avelo fare includes an unassigned seat and a personal item, but unlike Spirit or Frontier, you cannot bundle amenities for a reduced cost, only add-on at a fixed rate. Extra costs, which are all charged one-way, include $15 for priority boarding, up to $50 for an assigned seat, $125 for a pet in the cabin, $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second checked bag, and $40 for carry-on luggage. Levy said that carry-ons and checked bags are the same prices regardless of the route, but in time the rate will vary depending on the destination. Personal items and carry-on bags have maximum dimensions allowed, which are 14″L x 9"W x 9.5″H (35 cm x 23 cm x 24 cm) and 22"L x 9"W x 14"H (56 cm x 22 cm x 35 cm), respectively. Meanwhile, checked bags have a maximum allowed weight of 50 pounds and the overall dimensions can be up to 62 inches. Passengers will pay $50 extra for overweight luggage and an additional $50 for oversized bags. He also explained that checked bags will cost less than carry-ons, encouraging people to check their luggage. This helps prevent any delays that could happen if overhead space fills and the agents are forced to gate-check carry-ons. Levy noted that while many people prefer not to have to wait on their luggage at their destination, most of the airports the carrier flies to are small, and moving luggage to bag claim is a quicker process. However, passengers should expect a longer wait at bigger airports like Orlando or Las Vegas. In regards to the fleet, the carrier currently operates six all-economy Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, with the -800 model on the West Coast and the -700 model on the East Coast. Avelo will have 15 planes by the end of the year. The 737-700 has less capacity than the 737-800 and the seats do not recline, though some -800 aircraft on the West Coast do recline. However, it is possible the airline will change the seats in the future to eliminate recline altogether, similar to other low-cost carriers. The -700 cabin has 147 seats while the -800 has 189 seats, each offering 29 inches of pitch and about 17 inches of width. Also available are extra legroom seats that offer up to 38 inches of pitch, which can be reserved for an added fee. After flying on the inaugural flight last year, the seats have minimal padding and the comfort is similar to low-cost competitors. However, they are bearable for short flights, in my opinion, though taller passengers may feel a little tight with the reduced pitch. For reference, I'm 5'4" but I did not feel cramped for the short hop from Burbank to Sonoma County. Onboard, passengers will experience a bare-bones product, meaning just seats, small tray tables, and seatback pockets. There is no inflight entertainment, power outlets, or a-la-carte menus. Avelo does not offer any buy-on-board snacks or beverages like Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier do. Instead, water is provided for free and, on some routes, passengers will receive a complimentary cookie. Levy said the company has shied away from buy-on-board menus because they do not see a lot of demand for it. For boarding and deplaning, passengers will use airstairs or airramps in many locations, including Burbank and New Haven. The company avoids using jet bridges to save on costs. For passengers worried about the company's reliability, Levy told Insider that Avelo's on-time performance is sound, with about 85% of its flights leaving on schedule over the past year, minus those that had uncontrollable disruptions caused by factors like weather or air traffic control. Moreover, he explained that Avelo's flight schedules ensure the aircraft are back in a base every night, which is beneficial for a number of reasons, like allowing flight crews to be better rested because they can sleep at home rather than in a hotel. Moreover, any maintenance issues that arise can be taken care of overnight rather than a plane ending its day in a non-base city where the airline does not have mechanics, reducing the likelihood of maintenance-related delays or cancellations. FAQs References

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Taylor Rains

2022-05-02T12:40:00Z

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (1)

Avelo Airlines launched its inaugural flight from Burbank on April 28, 2021, using a bare-bones Boeing 737.
The carrier offers 29 to 38 inches of pitch onboard with no amenities, like inflight entertainment or power ports.
Over the past year, the company has improved its website and customer experience to offer things like TSA PreCheck.

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New low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines just celebrated its one-year anniversary, having flown its maiden flight on April 28, 2021.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (2)

I flew on America's newest airline, Avelo, for $19 and the friendly service more than made up for the complete lack of frills

The startup launched its operation out of Burbank, California, as an alternative to the busy Los Angeles International Airport, and has continued to strengthen its business model that is focused on simplicity and convenience.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (3)

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Here's what passengers can expect on each Avelo flight, including bag fees, inflight amenities, and everything in between.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (4)

Avelo's business model is flying point-to-point to connect small and medium-sized markets, meaning no layovers. The carrier flies mostly short-haul, with its longest route being about three hours from Connecticut to Florida.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (5)

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The airline has two current bases — New Haven, Connecticut, on the East Coast, and Burbank, California, on the West Coast. From its hubs, Avelo has created a network of 26 leisure routes to places like Las Vegas, Boise, Orlando, Sonoma County, Nashville, and Savannah.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (6)

However, the carrier will open a third base at Orlando International Airport in June. Three new routes will begin this summer, including Charleston, Baltimore, and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (7)

Because of the leisure focus, Avelo CEO Andrew Levy told Insider that the company is dedicated to maintaining a simple and convenient business model.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (8)

He explained the booking process is designed to be straightforward, allowing passengers to book, change, and check-in for flights on Avelo's website or mobile app. Boarding passes can be added directly from the app to a mobile wallet.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (9)

Advertisem*nt

Moreover, there are no change or cancellation fees. So, if a traveler needs to cancel, they will get a voucher for future use. Passengers can take advantage of this policy if a flight they booked goes down in price after. Meanwhile, changes will incur a fare difference.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (10)

Levy told Insider that since its launch last year, the company has made efforts to improve its website. Specifically, travelers can make changes online without contacting the call center, as well as add hotels and cars to their trip.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (11)

Advertisem*nt

Avelo has also made TSA PreCheck available in its systems, so those with the expedited security screening can add their Known Traveler Number to their reservation and have it show on their boarding pass.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (12)

Each Avelo fare includes an unassigned seat and a personal item, but unlike Spirit or Frontier, you cannot bundle amenities for a reduced cost, only add-on at a fixed rate.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (13)

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Extra costs, which are all charged one-way, include $15 for priority boarding, up to $50 for an assigned seat, $125 for a pet in the cabin, $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second checked bag, and $40 for carry-on luggage.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (14)

Source: Avelo Airlines

Levy said that carry-ons and checked bags are the same prices regardless of the route, but in time the rate will vary depending on the destination.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (15)

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Personal items and carry-on bags have maximum dimensions allowed, which are 14″L x 9"W x 9.5″H (35 cm x 23 cm x 24 cm) and 22"L x 9"W x 14"H (56 cm x 22 cm x 35 cm), respectively.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (16)

Source: Avelo Airlines

Meanwhile, checked bags have a maximum allowed weight of 50 pounds and the overall dimensions can be up to 62 inches. Passengers will pay $50 extra for overweight luggage and an additional $50 for oversized bags.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (17)

Source: Avelo Airlines

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He also explained that checked bags will cost less than carry-ons, encouraging people to check their luggage. This helps prevent any delays that could happen if overhead space fills and the agents are forced to gate-check carry-ons.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (18)

Levy noted that while many people prefer not to have to wait on their luggage at their destination, most of the airports the carrier flies to are small, and moving luggage to bag claim is a quicker process.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (19)

Advertisem*nt

However, passengers should expect a longer wait at bigger airports like Orlando or Las Vegas.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (20)

In regards to the fleet, the carrier currently operates six all-economy Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, with the -800 model on the West Coast and the -700 model on the East Coast. Avelo will have 15 planes by the end of the year.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (21)

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The 737-700 has less capacity than the 737-800 and the seats do not recline, though some -800 aircraft on the West Coast do recline. However, it is possible the airline will change the seats in the future to eliminate recline altogether, similar to other low-cost carriers.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (22)

The -700 cabin has 147 seats while the -800 has 189 seats, each offering 29 inches of pitch and about 17 inches of width. Also available are extra legroom seats that offer up to 38 inches of pitch, which can be reserved for an added fee.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (23)

Advertisem*nt

After flying on the inaugural flight last year, the seats have minimal padding and the comfort is similar to low-cost competitors. However, they are bearable for short flights, in my opinion, though taller passengers may feel a little tight with the reduced pitch.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (24)

For reference, I'm 5'4" but I did not feel cramped for the short hop from Burbank to Sonoma County.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (25)

Advertisem*nt

Onboard, passengers will experience a bare-bones product, meaning just seats, small tray tables, and seatback pockets. There is no inflight entertainment, power outlets, or a-la-carte menus.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (26)

Avelo does not offer any buy-on-board snacks or beverages like Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier do. Instead, water is provided for free and, on some routes, passengers will receive a complimentary cookie.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (27)

Advertisem*nt

Levy said the company has shied away from buy-on-board menus because they do not see a lot of demand for it.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (28)

For boarding and deplaning, passengers will use airstairs or airramps in many locations, including Burbank and New Haven. The company avoids using jet bridges to save on costs.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (29)

Advertisem*nt

For passengers worried about the company's reliability, Levy told Insider that Avelo's on-time performance is sound, with about 85% of its flights leaving on schedule over the past year, minus those that had uncontrollable disruptions caused by factors like weather or air traffic control.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (30)

Moreover, he explained that Avelo's flight schedules ensure the aircraft are back in a base every night, which is beneficial for a number of reasons, like allowing flight crews to be better rested because they can sleep at home rather than in a hotel.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (31)

Advertisem*nt

Moreover, any maintenance issues that arise can be taken care of overnight rather than a plane ending its day in a non-base city where the airline does not have mechanics, reducing the likelihood of maintenance-related delays or cancellations.

Low-cost startup Avelo just celebrated its one-year anniversary — here's what passengers can expect onboard the no-frills airline (32)

FAQs

Does Avelo give snacks? ›

A variety of snacks may be served on board flights, including products that may contain peanuts or other nuts and Avelo does not attempt to prevent other Customers from bringing similar snacks with them. A “peanut-free” or “chemical-free” environment cannot be provided to Customers on board the aircraft.

Learn More Now ›

Why is Avelo so cheap? ›

One of the reasons behind Avelo's affordability is its focus on efficient operations. By streamlining processes and minimizing overhead costs, Avelo can offer competitive fares without compromising on quality or safety standards.

Find Out More ›

Is Avelo making money? ›

While Breeze has had a nearly $300 million operating loss on over $500 million of revenue, Avelo has had a roughly $80 million operating loss on over $500 million of revenue. Most importantly, Avelo basically broke even in Q4 2023, so will hopefully turn a profit in 2024.

Find Out More ›

What are the boeing planes to avoid? ›

“KAYAK makes it easy for concerned travelers to avoid 737 Max flights,” Steve Hafner, KAYAK CEO, said in a statement, though he cautions that “airlines do often substitute equipment — so travelers should double check before departure.”

Show Me More ›

What bags are free on Avelo? ›

Optional services

Personal item. One free personal item not larger than 17″L x 13″H x 9″W (43 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm) that must be capable of safely stowing under a seat. ...
Carry-on bag. One carry-on bag is permitted in the aircraft cabin for a fee. ...
Checked bags. ...
Oversized and overweight bags.

View Details ›

How strict is Avelo with carry-on? ›

One carry-on bag is permitted in the aircraft cabin for a fee. The carry-on bag must fit into an overhead bin and be no larger than 22”L x 14″H x 9”W (55 cm x 35 cm x 22 cm).

Find Out More ›

Who owns Avelo? ›

Founded by aviation industry veteran Andrew Levy has rapidly grown from three Boeing 737-800s to a fleet of ten 737s in just over a year, with plans to expand further.

Find Out More ›

Is Avelo like spirit? ›

Nominally, Avelo has a strict carry-on bag policy similar to other ultra-low cost carriers like Spirit or Frontier Airlines. Everyone gets a free personal item up to 14 x 9 x 9.5 inches, essentially a small backpack or purse. Anything larger incurs a fee starting from $40 each way if you book in advance.

Know More ›

Is Avelo doing well? ›

Last week, Avelo reported $265 million in revenue from 2.3 million customers boarding flights in 2023, its first public reveal of revenue totals as it nears its three-year anniversary in business. Avelo stated it made an unspecified profit for the final three months of 2023, as calculated on a pre-tax basis.

Read The Full Story ›

Does Avelo have TSA? ›

Avelo Airlines TSA PreCheck® Guide | Expedited Security Screening for Smooth Travel.

Find Out More ›

Where is Avelo headquarters? ›

Avelo's corporate headquarters is in Houston, a relic of the previous Xtra Airways. NEW: Avelo Airlines is adding 3 new destinations: • Houston, TX (HOU) • St. Louis, MO (STL) • Traverse City, MI (TVC) All will be served from New Haven (HVN).

How many planes does Avelo own? ›

Avelo Airlines operates 16 Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft – distinguished by their superior fuel efficiency, reliability, safety and comfort.

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What is the crappiest plane? ›

The Christmas Bullet, later known as the Cantilever Aero Bullet (sometimes referred to as the Christmas Strutless Biplane), was an American single-seat cantilever wing biplane. It is considered by many to be among the worst aircraft ever constructed for its time.

Get More Info ›

Have any Boeing 737-800 crashed? ›

BEIJING (AP) — Two years after a Boeing 737-800 passenger jet crashed on a domestic flight in China, killing all 132 people on board, accident investigators indicated Wednesday that they have not yet determined the cause.

Discover More ›

Why does Boeing always use 7? ›

Starting with 7 is to reference that this is a jet-powered aircraft at Boeing. 4 represents the fourth jet-powered aircraft released in the 7X7 naming sequence. While the last 7 came about as it just sounded better when the naming convention was decided upon for the 707.

Learn More ›

Does Avelo give water? ›

Pick up your favorite non-alcoholic drink after security in the airport or ask our flight attendants for a bottle of water.

Show Me More ›

Are snacks on a plane free? ›

“Most airlines still have free snacks available in the main cabin,” Laurie explains. “Whether it be pretzels, chips, cookies or stroopwafels, those on an economy ticket on a major airline will receive a free snack with their complimentary beverage.”

Keep Reading ›

How to get free food at airport? ›

Airport lounges provide free snacks and other food items to passengers. You can even choose from different drinks, including alcoholic beverages. There are no extra charges for these food and drinks. So, airport lounge access ensures you are not getting on the flight with an empty stomach.

Can you buy snacks on flight? ›

Buy on board

You can buy alcoholic beverages including beer, wine and liquor on domestic flights over 250 miles. Snacks are available on flights over 1,300 miles, about 3 hours or more.