Budget Airline Expands at RSW: New Cities, New Access for Naples-Area Travelers

In a strategic move that benefits both travelers and the Naples area’s tourism infrastructure, Allegiant Air commenced service out of Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers on November 13, connecting RSW with Allentown, Pennsylvania. The low-cost carrier plans to add two more nonstop destinations — Appleton, Wisconsin and Des Moines, Iowa — starting November 21.

Allegiant’s entrance into the RSW market widens options for Naples-area residents and seasonal visitors alike. The inaugural flight to Allentown marked the airline’s expansion into this gateway region, offering one‐way fares as low as $47 if booked by mid-November.

Lee County’s airport authority welcomed the move, noting that the new nonstop routes represent fresh links between the Gulf Coast and underserved cities.

For Naples and Collier-County residents, Allegiant’s arrival brings several potential advantages. Nonstop flights to mid-western and northeastern markets unlock new travel corridors for both leisure and second-home owners. Vacationers in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin or Iowa might now consider Southwest Florida as a simpler destination. For local real-estate agents or hospitality services, the improved connectivity could spur higher seasonal demand, especially in shoulder months when travel becomes more flexible.

RSW serves over 11 million passengers annually and ranks among the 50 busiest U.S. airports. With Southwest Florida’s boom in population, tourism and seasonal residency, airlines are increasingly seeking to expand route options. Allegiant’s business model — linking smaller cities to vacation hubs with affordable fares — fits neatly with Naples’s market profile.

While the initial routes are to Allentown, Appleton and Des Moines, future expansion into other cities aligned with Midwestern and northeastern markets would further enhance regional connectivity.