Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces the addition of a new Allegiant Air nonstop flight connecting the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport to Sarasota in Southwest Florida

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County travelers will soon have another convenient option for escaping the winter chill, as a new nonstop connection to Florida’s Gulf Coast is set to launch from Rochester. County Executive Adam Bello announced that Allegiant Air will introduce direct flights between the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport beginning February 13, 2026.

The new route is designed to serve both leisure and business passengers looking for quick, affordable access to Southwest Florida. Flights will operate twice a week, departing on Fridays and Mondays, giving travelers the flexibility to plan extended getaways or short weekend trips. The seasonal service is scheduled to run through May 2026.

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“Whether it’s a family beach day on Siesta Key or an eco-tour of the mangrove tunnel, Sarasota is now a low-cost non-stop flight from home,” said County Executive Bello. “Allegiant Air’s new non-stop service from Rochester to Sarasota expands access to Florida’s Gulf Coast for our residents for less than the cost of a dinner and movie. Thank you to Allegiant for adding to their investment at our airport and providing more options for both business and leisure travelers.”

This expansion marks another chapter in Allegiant Air’s growing presence at ROC. Over recent years, the airline has steadily added new destinations, catering to travelers seeking warm-weather escapes without the hassle of connecting flights. Sarasota’s mix of pristine beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures makes it a particularly appealing addition to the route map.

Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the airline’s approach to meeting passenger demand in underserved regions. “We are excited to continue our growth trajectory with our new route from Rochester, New York to Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida,” Wells said. “As a leisure focused airline, our unique business model allows us to quickly respond to consumer demand and connect underserved markets to top vacation destinations.”

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The fares, starting at just $59 one-way, position the service as an affordable option for travelers who want to trade upstate New York’s winter weather for Florida’s sunshine. The Friday and Monday schedule also aligns with Allegiant’s strategy of appealing to both weeklong vacationers and quick-trip travelers, offering the convenience of a nonstop flight in just a few hours.

For Monroe County officials, the announcement underscores ongoing efforts to boost the airport’s role as a regional travel hub. Additional direct flights not only benefit local residents but also strengthen the region’s economic ties by encouraging tourism and business connections between upstate New York and Florida’s Gulf Coast.

With tickets already generating buzz among residents eager for a winter getaway, the new route reflects a growing trend of regional airports offering targeted, high-demand leisure destinations. When the first Allegiant flight to Sarasota departs in February 2026, it will mark another step in making warm-weather escapes more accessible to the Rochester community.