How to get cheap flights out of Concord, NC

Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

As Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the region as a whole continue to grow both in traffic and in size, some travelers prefer a smaller option like Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.

Why it matters: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) is roughly 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, and several new flight options have recently been added.

Driving the news: Low-cost airline Avelo Airlines recently opened a new base of operations at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. The base will create up to 50 new jobs, additional destinations, and two stationed planes, according to a company spokesperson.

Between the lines: Avelo, which began flying out of Concord last May, targets secondary airports in major metro areas, says Trevor Yealy, the airline’s head of commercial. He added that people tend to find smaller airports more approachable.

What to expect: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport’s commercial terminal is at 7435 Zephyr Place NW Concord. The terminal includes airline ticket counters, Avis, Budget and Enterprise car rental options near the terminal entrance (across from the information desk).

There is one security checkpoint, two gates once you get through security, plus a concession area with drinks and snacks for purchase.
Parking is available in the deck next to the terminal. Your first hour is free and $14 after that. Card payments are accepted in the deck. You may pay with cash inside the terminal.
Airline options are Avelo and Allegiant, plus charter flights by Sun Country Airlines to Caesars Entertainment resorts and casinos.

Avelo now has 10 nonstop destinations from Concord:

Albany, N.Y. (ALB)
Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
Daytona Beach, Fla. (DAB) — beginning April 3
Detroit, Mich. (DTW) — beginning June 13
Lakeland/Orlando, Fla. (LAL)
Nashville, Tenn. (BNA) — beginning April 3
New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
New York / Long Island (ISP) — beginning May 22
Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
Washington, D.C. – Dulles (IAD) — beginning May 23

Allegiant flight options include:

Clearwater / St. Pete / Tampa Bay, Fla. (PIE)
Daytona Beach / Orlando /Sanford, Fla. (SFB)
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, Fla. (FLL)
Fort Myers / Punta Gorda, Fla. (PGD)

What they’re saying: “Avelo’s presence at USA increases their positive impact on the economy for the City of Concord and Cabarrus County,” City of Concord Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest said in a statement.

Take a look around.

Baggage claim. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios