Curious about flying with Allegiant at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) but unsure of where to go or what to do when you get there? With five destinations in full operation this upcoming …
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Curious about flying with Allegiant at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) but unsure of where to go or what to do when you get there? With five destinations in full operation this upcoming season, Gulf Coast locals have several opportunities for weekend getaways.
Currently, folks can fly to or from Appleton/Green Bay, Wisconsin (ATW); Belleville, Illinois/St. Louis, Missouri (BLV); Fayetville, Arkansas (XNA); Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG); Des Moines, Iowa (DSM); and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA).
The last flight to and from Arkansas will be Nov. 30, but the location — alongside other current routes — is set to return as a destination for next season, which begins in May. Other current routes will not stop before the next season begins.
Additional destinations recently announced for next season include Springfield, Missouri (SGF); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Huntsville, Alabama (HSV); Omaha, Nebraska (OMA); and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC).
Flights to Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS), which ran this previous summer season, will also be returning next May, and Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) flights return in April, bringing GUF to a total of 13 nonstop routes and 30 total flights each week for next summer.
GUF Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said flights have remained at an average of about 70% occupancy for each flight, though Belleville and Cincinnati "consistently fight to be top performers."
Currently, the airport has seen about 60,000 total passengers. Fosnaugh expects 25-30,000 more by the end of the year.
The introduction of commercial flights into Gulf Shores was a strategy in enhancing ease for tourism, but that doesn't mean locals can't take advantage of the outgoing flights and find a new place to explore. Tickets start as low as $39.
He suggests checking out visitor pages — "similar to Alabama's Beaches here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach" — for each city, as many publish events, things to do and must-see locations.
For those on the fence of where they want to go, Fosnaugh recommends browsing these websites and looking through the options.
"I'd take a look at the route map and just start dreaming, as all of the destinations are worth visiting," he said. "I love making memories with my family and experiencing new things. It holds so much more value than just spending our hard-earned money on 'stuff.' Take a chance and just go!"
While he recommends traveling to any and all locations, Kansas City "holds a special place in our hearts" as Fosnaugh's daughter attends law school there.
"[This] last summer, we had 12 separate trips on Allegiant between sending our son to camp, visiting family and having our daughter visit us here in Gulf Shores," he said. "It's inexpensive and convenient. You can't beat it."
Thinking about becoming one of the inaugural-year GUF travelers? The airport's website at www.flyjka.com has information and recommendations on where to eat, play and stay at each of the five winter destinations.
Flights to and from ATW mostly run on Sundays and Thursdays, though some are shifted to Wednesdays and Saturdays surrounding the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays.
According to GUF's website, Appleton visitors are encouraged to check out the city's history museum where they can learn more about one of its most famous residents, Harry Houdini. Visit Appleton's tourism website at www.foxcities.org for other places to go and more things to do.
For surrounding Wisconsin cities, Appleton is about a 30-minute drive from Green Bay, a little under two hours from Milwaukee and about two hours from Madison.
Flights to and from BLV run on Mondays and Fridays.
According to the City of Belleville's official tourism website, the "great, big, small town" offers a year-round county fairground constantly hosting events, historical buildings like a cathedral built in 1866, and during winter months the city puts on a German Christmas market. An updated calendar for events in the area can be found at explorebelleville.net.
Belleville is located about 30 minutes by car from St. Louis, Missouri.
CVG flights run on Sundays and Thursdays, though some are shifted to Wednesdays and Saturdays surrounding the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays.
GUF's website says the city is the perfect blend of Midwestern charm and Southern hospitality, captivating visitors from all walks of life. Alongside a vibrant artistic and culinary scene, Cincinnati also showcases its history in various landmarks and museums such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center or the Cincinnati Art Museum. Check out www.visitcincy.com for updated details on upcoming events.
Cincinnati is about a two-hour car ride away from both Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Routes for DSM fly on Mondays and Fridays typically, though some flights for upcoming weeks have shifted to Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The City of Des Moines' tourism website at www.catchdesmoines.com, lists all "Des best" things to do in the city. From Christmas tree farms to selfie-friendly murals, there are plenty of places to go in the area. For arts and culture, visitors can check out a variety of sculptures across the city or check out a touring Broadway show at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Cities and districts surrounding Des Moines include Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
BNA flights run on Sundays and Thursdays though, some have shifted to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays. The month of January has a few weeks of full flights, so be sure to check the flight schedule on the GUF website before planning trips.
Nashville, AKA "Music City," hardly needs a description for activities. GUF's website states this city is the "undisputed epicenter of country music," and with plenty of spots for live music and entertainment, visitors are sure to hear some good tunes throughout the city. More information about upcoming events and shows can be found at www.visitmusiccity.com.
This city is about a two-hour drive from Chattanooga and about a three-hour drive from Knoxville.
