Writer: Steve Dinnen
Des Moines clearly has a thing for Palm Springs. That shouldn’t be too surprising: Why tolerate average January daytime highs of 27 degrees, and snow/ice/wind on an all-too-regular basis, when you can swap it out for 70s, and sun, and golf, and a lounge chair at a pool?
Allegiant Air has figured this out. Starting today, it’s offering twice-weekly nonstop service between Des Moines and Palm Springs International Airport. At three and a half hours westbound (Thursdays and Sundays), or a bit over three hours eastbound (same days), this new seasonal service will shave at least two to three hours off a trip that with other carriers necessitates a stopover and change of planes in an interim city.
Allegiant is a no-frills carrier that lacks first-class seating or even a cup of free water (a bottle of Dasani is $3). You can bring a small purse or briefcase on board. A carry-on will cost extra, as will checked baggage.
In exchange, you’ll see fares that start out rock bottom – as low as $32 one way. A Dec. 9-12 roundtrip with a carry-on quickly climbed to $180. Still cheaper than competitors. But a quicker trip to the warming sun.
