There’s good news, bad news and potentially more good news for fans of West Virginia University that would like to fly to Orlando for the Mountaineers’ appearance in the Russell Athletic Bowl against the University of Miami on Dec. 28.

 

The good news is that there are actually direct flights on Dec. 27 (day before the bowl game) and Dec. 29 (day after the bowl game) between Bridgeport’s North Central West Virginia Airport and Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The bad news is that the Tuesday flight, which was added as an additional flight even before WVU was announced as the participant in the Orlando-based bowl, is already sold out.

 

There is also a flight on Dec. 25 for those wanting to leave on Christmas Day. NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock said there are still 14 seats left on the Sunday Christmas flight, but they were going fast. He said there were just under 20 seats remaining on the Dec. 29 flight.

 

According to Rock, a formal request has been made to Allegiant to add an additional flight on Dec. 27 and Dec. 29 between the two airports to accommodate WVU fans looking to go to the bowl game. While Rock said it may be a long shot, he knows it’s being considered.

 

“About two hours after I made my request I was talking to one of their representatives and we had a good discussion. They know the flights we have are successful and understand the demand based on the game that will be there and have people reviewing it,” said Rock. “The problem for them is that it’s a very busy week of travel for them regardless of the bowl due to the holiday. The question for them is do they have the equipment to allow us to have the additional flights.”

 

Rock said Allegiant has been favorable to the airport because of the high volume of travelers during its regular Thursday and Sunday flights. Because of that, he said the flight on Dec. 27 and another Tuesday flight on Jan. 3 was already added.

 

“That’s a credit to our traveling public and it just happened to work out that the Dec. 27 was the day before the game. That could not have been a better situation and it’s worked out well as that flight is sold out,” he said. “Now, we just have to wait and see.”

 

Rock said he anticipates hearing back from Allegiant by Thursday of this week at the latest either to the negative or positive. He said he can’t guarantee anything.

 

“It’s a long shot because of the time and because of the lack of (aircraft) they have at this time of the year, but it’s also not a super long shot. The fact that they called and listened lets me know we have a chance and that’s the best you can ask for,” said Rock.

 

Allegiant aircrafts handle 166 passengers. The jets fly non-stop between West Virginia and Florida.

 

Click HERE to go to the Allegiant Airline Web site. Click HERE to go to the NCWV Airport’s Web site.