Avelo Airlines, a low-cost carrier launched in 2021, has been making waves in the travel industry by offering affordable flights to over 50 destinations, primarily from smaller, more convenient airports. But what do passengers really think about their experience with Avelo? In this article, we dive into Avelo Airlines reviews from various sources, including travelers on Reddit, Yelp, Tripadvisor, and travel blogs, to provide a comprehensive look at the airline’s performance, customer service, and overall travel experience.
Overview of Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines positions itself as a budget-friendly option, focusing on underserved routes and smaller airports like Tweed New Haven (HVN), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Burbank (BUR). With a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Avelo emphasizes affordability, convenience, and simplicity. However, as with any low-cost carrier, passenger experiences vary widely based on expectations, airport operations, and specific flight circumstances. Let’s explore what travelers are saying about Avelo Airlines, highlighting both the positives and negatives.
Positive Avelo Airlines Reviews
Many passengers appreciate Avelo’s low fares and convenient airport choices. Here are some common themes from positive reviews:
Affordable Fares
Travelers frequently highlight Avelo’s competitive pricing. On platforms like Reddit, users have noted that tickets can be significantly cheaper than those of major carriers. For example, a Reddit user in the r/triangle community mentioned considering Avelo for a trip from RDU to Fort Lauderdale because “tickets are soooo cheap”. This affordability makes Avelo an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Convenient Airports
Avelo’s focus on smaller airports is a major draw. Passengers appreciate the ease of navigating airports like Tweed New Haven or Santa Rosa, which often have shorter security lines and less congestion than major hubs like LAX. A Yelp reviewer flying from Santa Rosa to Burbank described the ground staff as “attentive and pleasant” and noted that the plane was clean and comfortable for a short flight.
Smooth Check-In and Boarding
Some travelers report a hassle-free check-in and boarding process. A Yelp review from Burbank praised the ease of check-in and friendly phone support, noting that the flight was only $39 after taxes. Additionally, Avelo’s policy of automatically assigning seats for free if passengers don’t pay for seat selection is seen as a plus for those looking to save money.
On-Time Performance
Avelo generally performs well in terms of punctuality, according to some reviews. A Reddit post in the r/Avelo community noted that “Avelo is pretty good with being on time,” although delays can be challenging due to the airline’s small fleet and limited flight schedules. Travel blogs like The Travel Bite also reported smooth flights with no major issues during their experience.
Negative Avelo Airlines Reviews
Despite the positives, Avelo has faced criticism, particularly around customer service, baggage policies, and handling of delays. Here’s what some passengers have reported:
Delays and Communication Issues
One of the most common complaints is about flight delays and poor communication. A Trustpilot reviewer described a total of over 13 hours of delays across two flights, with “barely any communication from the airline” and no compensation offered. This sentiment is echoed on Reddit, where a user in the r/Wilmington community asked for experiences from ILM airport, and responses highlighted occasional delays due to Avelo’s limited fleet and crew availability.
Baggage Policy Enforcement
Avelo’s strict baggage policies have frustrated some travelers. The airline allows one free personal item (14 x 9 x 9.5 inches), but anything larger incurs a fee, and enforcement can be inconsistent. A Reddit post noted that some gate agents are lenient, while others are strict, leading to unexpected charges. A Trustpilot review complained about being charged for baggage at the airport despite paying upfront, highlighting issues with the booking system. Additionally, a Yelp reviewer reported a damaged laptop in their checked bag, suspecting rough handling by baggage staff.
Customer Service Challenges
Customer service experiences vary widely. Some passengers, like a Trustpilot reviewer, praised specific agents for resolving booking issues, while others described the staff as “shockingly rude” and lacking empathy, particularly for medical or family seating requests. A FlyerTalk user called their Avelo experience “best avoided” due to poor customer service and operational issues.
Limited Amenities
As a budget airline, Avelo offers minimal in-flight amenities. Passengers receive only complimentary bottled water, with no food or other beverages available due to limited catering facilities at smaller airports. Some reviewers, like one on Yelp, described the plane’s interior as “very plain in a Soviet apartment way,” with basic black seats and white walls.
Mixed Experiences from Travel Blogs
Travel blogs provide a more detailed perspective, often balancing the pros and cons. The Sterling Traveler reviewed a flight with Avelo and described it as an “interesting experience,” noting the low cost but also operational quirks like limited gate availability at smaller airports. The Travel Bite’s review emphasized the convenience of Avelo’s routes but cautioned travelers to be prepared for strict baggage rules and minimal in-flight services. Similarly, Being Christina Jane highlighted Avelo’s affordability but pointed out that policies for passengers requiring extra seating could be more accommodating.
Avelo’s Official Stance
Avelo Airlines’ website emphasizes its commitment to “customer satisfaction and reliability” through performance metrics and a focus on affordable, convenient travel. The airline highlights its no-fee policy for changes or cancellations, although passengers must cover any fare differences. Avelo also provides guidance for passengers with special needs, such as seatbelt extenders, though some reviewers feel these policies fall short.
Tips for Flying with Avelo Airlines
Based on Avelo Airlines reviews, here are some tips to enhance your travel experience:
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Arrive Early: Small airports may have limited TSA screening capacity, leading to longer lines. A Reddit user advised arriving two hours early to avoid missing flights, as Avelo’s policy may not always allow rebooking for free.
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Pack Light: Stick to the personal item size (14 x 9 x 9.5 inches) to avoid baggage fees. Double-check your bag dimensions, as enforcement varies by gate agent.
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Book Directly: To avoid third-party fees or issues, book through Avelo’s official website. Reviewers have reported problems with third-party booking agencies.
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Check Flight Schedules: Avelo’s flights may not operate daily, so plan for potential delays or limited rebooking options.
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Contact Customer Service Directly: For issues, use Avelo’s official phone number (346-616-9500) or email ([email protected]) rather than social media like Reddit.
What Flyers Are Saying: Real Avelo Airlines Reviews
1. Reddit: Honest Community Feedback
Reddit threads like this one from Wilmington show a consensus: Avelo is ideal if you’re looking for cheap, direct flights and pack light.
“It’s no-frills, but it got me to Florida for under $100 roundtrip. Worth it if you manage expectations.” – Redditor on r/Wilmington
However, some Reddit users caution that flight cancellations or schedule changes can be abrupt, and rebooking options are limited compared to legacy carriers.
2. Yelp: Mixed But Leaning Positive
On Avelo’s Yelp page, reviewers generally appreciate the value.
“For the price, I wasn't expecting luxury, but the crew was super friendly and the plane was clean. I’d definitely fly again.”
That said, several reviews mention poor communication during delays.
3. TripAdvisor: Budget Travel with Caveats
In this TripAdvisor forum thread, travelers offer similar sentiments—highlighting affordability while warning about minimal customer support in irregular operations.
“If your flight goes as planned, you’ll love Avelo. But if there’s a hiccup, be ready to wait for help.”
Expert Review: Travel Blogger Impressions
Travel experts such as The Sterling Traveler and The Travel Bite gave Avelo high marks for price and punctuality but noted the absence of amenities.
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Sterling Traveler: Praised the check-in efficiency and cabin cleanliness, but emphasized that bring-your-own-snacks is a must.
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The Travel Bite: Described Avelo as ideal for short weekend getaways or quick family visits—not long-haul comfort.
Conclusion
Avelo Airlines reviews paint a picture of a budget airline with significant strengths and notable drawbacks. Passengers love the low fares and convenient airports, but inconsistent customer service, strict baggage policies, and occasional delays can detract from the experience. For those prioritizing cost over amenities, Avelo can be a great choice, but it’s essential to set realistic expectations and prepare for potential hiccups. Always check recent reviews on platforms like Reddit, Yelp, or Tripadvisor before booking, and consider reaching out to Avelo’s customer service for specific needs.
If you’ve flown with Avelo Airlines, share your experience in the comments below to help other travelers make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avelo Airlines safe?
Yes, Avelo operates under FAA regulations and uses modern aircraft like the Boeing 737-800 series.
Does Avelo have hidden fees?
Not hidden, but expect charges for everything beyond your seat and a small personal item.
Where does Avelo fly?
As of 2025, Avelo serves over 45 destinations in the U.S., primarily smaller cities and regional airports.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reviews and information from sources like Reddit, Yelp, Tripadvisor, and travel blogs. Experiences may vary, and we recommend verifying details directly with Avelo Airlines.
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