Allegiant Beefs up Service at Niagara Falls

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com, a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Allegiant is making a big push at the Niagara Falls, New York, airport. It has already added twice-weekly flights to St. Petersburg-Clearwater and will add four additional weekly flights to Orlando/Sanford in February. Although Canadians from Ontario are probably the primary target market, travelers from western New York State will certainly benefit from this big jump in low-cost service to major tourist destinations.

Allegiant offers some of the lowest fares you’re likely to find, but it is pretty cold-blooded about the cities it serves. If a schedule of flights doesn’t generate enough total revenue—airfare plus hotel packages—it’s ruthless about cutting schedules or even moving out completely. In all probability, the Florida schedules will be reduced come summer. Meanwhile, enjoy while you can.

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