Allegiant to enter New York City market after flight limits ease

Allegiant Airlines is taking advantage of a regulatory decision lifting some flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, starting service to four destinations in November. It will be Allegiant’s first flights in the New York City market, said Lukas Johnson, a VP for parent Allegiant Travel. The carrier will fly between Newark and Cincinnati; Savannah, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Rival ultra-discounters Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines serve New York’s LaGuardia airport, where flights remain limited. Johnson said Allegiant won’t compete for business travellers with United Continental, which operates a hub for domestic and international flights at Newark Liberty. Ultra-discount carriers have low base fares and charge for extras like an assigned seat, carry-on bags and printing a ticket at the airport. “We are coming from four areas that historically have been high-price markets,” Johnson said. “Introductory fares of $39 and $41 certainly speak to a customer segment not being served at all.” The new service will make Allegiant the only ultra-low-cost airline flying from Newark, the airline said Tuesday.<br/>