Andrew Levy disagrees, though.
“Honestly, there could not be a better time for us to launch,” said Levy.
“People are ready to reconnect with family and friends andexplore new places.”
Credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
And we went along for the ride.
But Levy thinks they will revert to traditional hub-and-spoke networks and focus on high-paying business travelerspost-COVID.
Just beware of incidental fees.
Avelo Airlines takes off with first flight between Burbank and Santa Rosa at Hollywood Burbank Airport on April 28, 2021 in Burbank, California.Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
Pre-reserved aisle or window seat selections will start at $5 apiece.
Priority boarding will be $10, while the charge to bring along a pet will be $95.
Plus, it won’t charge extra for making reservations through its call center rather than online.
CEO & Founder of Avelo Airlines Andrew Levy attends as Avelo Airlines takes off with first flight between Burbank and Santa Rosa at Hollywood Burbank Airport on April 28, 2021 in Burbank, California.Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
First Flight Festivities
As for Avelo’s first public flight, it was all clear skies.
Levy thanked everyone for coming and cut a ceremonial ribbon.
Though these are not new planes, their interiors have been completely redone.
Don’t expect power ports or entertainment screens, though.
The airline will eventually offer in-flight Wi-Fi, but it was not yet functional.
And we give them the power to take care of our customers."
He added, “We’re trying to build a very purposeful culture.”
Around 15 minutes later, we landed in Santa Rosa.
Plus, if Avelo’s operations succeed, more established carriers might weigh new routes of their own.
All that might mean even more choices for travelers, and hopefully even lower fares for the foreseeable future.
Eric Rosen is a freelance writer in Los Angeles and hosts theConscious Travelerpodcast.
it’s possible for you to follow him on Instagram@EricRosenLA.
