ILM adds cheap flights to Orlando

WILMINGTON — Need a vacation? ILM has a new destination.

Airport officials announced this morning that there will soon be a non-stop flight from Wilmington to the Orlando area.

Allegiant Airlines will sell one way tickets from ILM to Orlando for $39 until March 8. After that the price goes up to $59.

There will be two flights a week, Friday and Monday.

ILM Director Jon Rosborough said, "It gets down to the more people use ILM, the better their service is going to be which is better for them."

Allegiant also has package deals as low as $144 dollars for roundtrip tickets to Orlando and three-night stay at a hotel.

Flights will start April 4.

A spokesperson for Allegiant Airlines says the company is waiting to see how successful the Orlando flight is. If it's a big hit the company will consider adding a nonstop flight from here to Tampa and St. Petersburg as well.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said it best earlier Thursday: the MVP of the Super Bowl always gets to go to Disney World, but now Wilmington residents will be able to as well — and for a pretty good price.

John Fenyes with Allegiant Airlines said, "Our research tells us that the number one market here is Orlando, Mickey Mouse. We know that the $39 dollar fare is going to create demand."

Pam Ardell works as a travel agent in Wilmington. Birgit Allen is a local mom. Both women predict the Orlando flight will be a huge hit.

Allen said, "Absolutely, and we'd probably take the kids friends too. That's a phenomenal price and Orlando is a great place. Sea World, cruises."

Ardell said, "There are a lot of families moving into Wilmington and there are a lot of families already in Wilmington. And flying into Orlando will be excellent because it'll be a great jump off point to go to cruise ships and other parts of Florida."

For more info visit http://www.allegiantair.com/