Lengthy-time readers know we right here at AirlineReporter LOVE a possibility to check out new airways and AvGeek experiences. Provided that, we remorse it has taken us so lengthy to strive new(ish) airline Avelo which launched in April of 2021. On the West Coast, this airline operates primarily out BURbank airport, only a hop, skip, and a $60 ride-share north from LAX.
We managed to get out to BUR final September to gawk at their fleet, nevertheless it took us a full extra 12 months to be in the proper place on the proper time to lastly get our alternative to fly. Fortunately, following #SpotLAX2022, we had a bit of additional time to offer them a shot for a fast journey as much as Boise.
Lastly, an Avelo Airways Evaluate!
Avelo Airways Evaluate: Reserving
The reserving course of was not environment friendly, however that’s the norm nowadays. And whereas I might like to, I can’t fault Avelo for it. Even legacy carriers gum up the works pushing up-sells and numerous add-ons. Not way back we used to joke “ULCCs (ultra-low-cost-carriers) are gonna ULCC”, nevertheless it’s arduous to criticize when even the outdated guard is doing it. That candy ancillary income is simply too arduous to move up, so why not observe the trail ULCCs have lengthy since pioneered and normalized?
Avelo’s web site was contemporary, easy-to-read, and usually intuitive. Our two $29 one-way teaser fares ballooned to $94.99 every after splitting a pre-purchased checked bag and snagging +5-inch legroom seats. We determined in opposition to an additional $15 every for precedence boarding since shopping for most well-liked seats (or a carry-on) with ULCCs tends to yield first rate boarding teams. (It did- we ended up in boarding group 2.)
BONUS: Throwback to that point I did a $16 Spirit Naked Fare… For Science!
Shortly after reserving we obtained a affirmation electronic mail disturbingly gentle on element. Basically a “thanks for reserving” be aware with no actual substance to it. Two full days later a full reserving affirmation, full with PNR, receipt, and line-item breakdown arrived. The formal reserving affirmation appeared nearly like an afterthought or one thing that wanted to be manually generated. Odd…
Examine-in
Checking in was one other oddity. As soon as checked in, the positioning supplied a number of boarding move supply channels: E-pass era (Apple/Google Pockets), electronic mail, or textual content. I opted for Apple Pockets however whereas on VPN this function merely wouldn’t work. On the suggestion of my AvGeek Spouse I disabled VPN and magically it labored. I additionally requested electronic mail and textual content supply. Persevering with the theme, neither have been immediate and took about an hour to reach.
Expertise at Avelo’s West Coast Residence
Bag test was fast and simple. The Avelo workers have been pleased and perky regardless of the ungodly early hour of our BOI-bound flight.
As for the airport expertise, let’s be honest. BUR, recognized since 2017 as Hollywood Burbank Airport, is doing nice provided that it’s lower than a decade away from unlocking centenarian standing. However the outdated terminal – mixed with main development lately – has made issues a bit cramped. We have been impressed to search out that full PreCheck (albeit commingled with common safety) was provided. The road merge appeared honest, given comparatively low quantity and house coming at a premium.
The Avelo space is shared with different carriers, and it’s tight. There may be, nevertheless, adequate seating in the event you’re prepared to enterprise away out of your gate. A Man Fieri’s Kitchen is simply previous safety prepared to thrill or set off of us, relying on how they really feel concerning the surprisingly polarizing Meals Community star. (Greatest embrace him and head to Flavortown, as there’s not a lot else within the space!)
Avelo Airways Evaluate: Boarding and in-flight expertise.
Boarding was fast and our guess in opposition to shopping for precedence boarding paid off. We snagged Boarding Group 2, which for some purpose boarded concurrently group 1. A typical perk of flying into or out of a so-called secondary airport is the prospect at air aspect entry between the airplane and terminal. Who wants jet bridges (particularly in Southern California) when you possibly can expertise the ramp in a much less managed, and extra AvGeek method?
We discovered Avelo’s slimline seats to be as barely extra snug than one would anticipate from this trade’s new seating commonplace. They weren’t dangerous, nevertheless it probably helped that as “American Sized” vacationers, we each have ample padding constructed proper in. Shout out Avelo’s seat vendor for the consolation function which we are able to solely assume to explain because the Butt Notch™. It actually helped.
Whereas I’m being controversial, I would as effectively point out the seats are pre-reclined, which we quite appreciated. That is one other ULCC commonplace that I’d like to see adopted throughout the trade. With a pre-reclined seat there’s no undesirable seat again thrust in my face, no squabbles over private house incursions, and no annoying (and customary) damaged reclining mechanisms.
ALSO SEE: I don’t recline, and neither must you.
The small premium for five+ additional inches of legroom actually paid off, although I think if we had opted to save lots of ~$15 every by deciding on simply the two+ inches of legroom we might have finished so with solely a minor hit to consolation. You do you, however we select to pay the nervousness or discomfort away.
In-flight service
As for in-flight service, there was none, not even for a payment. Bizarre! For a two-hour flight this wasn’t a difficulty, however I’d begin deducting factors for any flights longer than that.
Avelo additionally doesn’t provide in-flight leisure or connectivity. So, you’ll should stare on the numerous distraction-rectangles you have been going to convey onboard anyway. Or you possibly can at all times look out the window…
Avelo Airways Evaluate: Abstract
Avelo exceeded expectations. Like with different ULCCs we have been in a position to customise our expertise to satisfy our wants. Even with added charges, our flight was nonetheless low-cost. The prospect to expertise a smaller, extra handy (for some) airport was a plus and total issues have been usually constructive.
Of us are certain to opine within the feedback that flying with a ULCC has inherent dangers. Cancellations with low-frequency airways can actually break a visit, and small airports don’t provide “tremendous unique” (albeit at all times packed) elite lounges. All legitimate factors. And whereas we get pleasure from a lavish expertise from-time-to-time, a little bit of threat, selection, and pleasure is at all times extra our fashion.
Ought to Avelo resolve to ultimately convey service to Kansas Metropolis we’ll fortunately be on the primary flight out. Both method, we’d gladly take into account them for future low-fuss leisure journey.
