If you’re looking for affordable flights to U.S. destinations, Allegiant Air is likely to appear on your radar. Known for its ultra-low-cost fares, Allegiant Air offers budget-friendly flights to smaller cities and popular vacation destinations. However, with low-cost carriers, there are often trade-offs—such as added fees and fewer amenities. Flying with Allegiant Air is a bit different from flying with larger airlines, but for many travelers, the savings are worth it.

This guide will provide a detailed look at what to expect when flying with Allegiant Air, including how to book, what fees to anticipate, and how to make your experience as smooth as possible. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, understanding the ins and outs of Allegiant Airlines travel will help you prepare for a successful trip.

An Overview of Allegiant Air

Founded in 1997, Allegiant Air is one of the most popular ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCC) in the United States. With its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, Allegiant serves over 100 destinations, primarily flying to smaller regional airports instead of major hubs. Allegiant focuses heavily on providing affordable flights to vacation spots, including Florida, Arizona, and popular spots in California. The airline’s model allows travelers to visit leisure destinations at a fraction of the cost of traditional airlines.

Allegiant differs from full-service carriers in several ways:

Point-to-point service: Allegiant does not operate from hub airports like many major airlines. Instead, it flies directly between smaller cities and popular tourist destinations.
Ultra-low fares: The base fare is kept as low as possible, with additional fees for seat selection, carry-ons, and in-flight services.
A la carte pricing: Travelers can choose which extras to pay for, such as checked luggage, seat assignments, and priority boarding.

For budget-conscious travelers, Allegiant Air flights are often the cheapest option available, especially for non-stop service to smaller cities.

Booking a Flight on Allegiant Air

When booking a flight with Allegiant, it’s important to understand that their base fares are stripped down to the essentials. To secure the lowest possible price, you need to be aware of the add-ons and extras that may be necessary depending on your travel preferences.

Booking Directly with Allegiant

The best way to book an Allegiant Air flight is directly through the airline’s website. Allegiant does not list its flights on third-party booking sites like Expedia or Kayak, so you’ll need to go to allegiantair.com to search for available flights.

Allegiant often runs seasonal promotions and sales, so signing up for their email alerts or checking their “Deals” section can help you find the lowest fares.

Choosing Your Extras

Since Allegiant follows an a la carte pricing model, the fare you see is the base price, and most extras come with additional costs. When booking, you’ll be given the option to select:

Seat selection: Choose your seat for an additional fee, or you’ll be assigned one at random for free.
Carry-on and checked baggage: Allegiant charges for both carry-on and checked bags, with fees varying based on your destination and when you pay (it’s cheaper to pre-pay during booking).
Trip Flex: This is Allegiant’s optional flexible travel add-on, which allows you to make changes to your reservation without fees.

To get the best deal on an Allegiant flight, it’s wise to decide in advance which add-ons you’ll need. For travelers who don’t mind packing light and aren’t particular about seating, skipping these extras can lead to significant savings.

Understanding Allegiant Air’s Fees

One of the most common complaints about ultra-low-cost airlines is the added fees. Allegiant Air is no different—while the base fare is incredibly low, you can expect additional fees for almost everything beyond a basic seat.

1. Baggage Fees

Allegiant charges for both carry-on bags and checked luggage. The cost varies depending on your destination and when you pay for your bags. It’s cheaper to prepay for baggage during the booking process, with fees increasing if you wait until check-in or arrival at the airport.

Carry-on bags: Fees typically range from $15 to $45.
Checked bags: The cost for checked luggage starts at around $20 per bag and can go up depending on the weight of the bag and the length of the flight.
Overweight baggage: If your bag exceeds 40 pounds, expect to pay an additional fee of $50 to $75.

2. Seat Selection Fees

If you want to choose your seat in advance, Allegiant offers assigned seating for a fee. The cost of selecting a seat depends on its location in the aircraft, with standard seats starting at around $10 and more desirable options (like extra-legroom seats) priced higher. If you choose not to pay for seat selection, Allegiant will assign you a seat randomly at no charge.

3. Boarding Pass Printing

If you forget to check in online and need to print your boarding pass at the airport, Allegiant charges a fee of $5 per boarding pass. To avoid this, it’s best to check in via the Allegiant mobile app or website and bring a printed pass or save it to your phone.

4. Priority Boarding and Other Extras

Allegiant offers priority boarding for a fee, which allows you to board the plane earlier and secure overhead bin space. Other paid services include Trip Flex (which allows for flexible changes to your itinerary) and in-flight refreshments.

By understanding these fees and planning accordingly, you can avoid surprises and better estimate the total cost of your trip with Allegiant Airlines.

Allegiant Air’s In-Flight Experience

The in-flight experience on Allegiant Air is designed to be basic but functional. Don’t expect the luxury or amenities of larger carriers—Allegiant’s focus is on providing a no-frills service at the lowest possible price. However, for most budget travelers, the trade-off is worth it.

1. Seating and Comfort

Allegiant operates a fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, all equipped with standard economy seats. These seats are fairly basic, with 28-30 inches of seat pitch (legroom), which is a little tighter than what you’d find on major airlines. For those who want a bit more space, Allegiant offers “Legroom+” seats with extra inches of legroom for an additional fee.

One downside for some travelers is that Allegiant seats do not recline. This feature, or lack thereof, can make long flights less comfortable, but for shorter domestic routes, it’s usually not a dealbreaker.

2. In-Flight Entertainment

Allegiant does not provide seatback entertainment screens or free Wi-Fi on its flights, so passengers are encouraged to bring their own devices for entertainment. There is no in-flight internet access, but Allegiant flights are generally shorter, making this less of a concern for many.

3. Food and Beverages

Onboard, Allegiant offers a range of snacks and beverages, but none are complimentary. You can purchase snacks like chips, cookies, and candy, as well as soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. It’s important to note that Allegiant does not accept cash, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card if you plan to buy anything onboard.

4. Cabin Crew and Service

While the in-flight experience on Allegiant is minimal, the airline has built a reputation for friendly and helpful flight attendants. The cabin crew is known for being professional and attentive, even if the in-flight service itself is more limited compared to full-service airlines.

Allegiant’s Unique Travel Model: Direct Flights to Smaller Airports

One of Allegiant Air’s key differentiators is its focus on point-to-point flights rather than using large hub airports like most major airlines. This means that Allegiant flies directly between smaller, regional airports and popular vacation destinations. For travelers who live near these smaller airports, Allegiant offers the convenience of non-stop flights without the hassle of a busy international airport.

Why Allegiant Avoids Major Hubs

By avoiding major hub airports, Allegiant can keep its operating costs lower. Regional airports often have lower fees and less congestion, which allows Allegiant to pass on the savings to its passengers. Additionally, smaller airports offer a more relaxed and convenient travel experience, with shorter security lines and easier parking.

Popular destinations on Allegiant’s route map include Las Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and Phoenix, making it a top choice for travelers heading to vacation spots.

TrueBlue Travel: Allegiant’s Frequent Flyer Program

While Allegiant does not have a traditional frequent flyer program like larger airlines, it offers a TrueBlue program that provides travel benefits and rewards for frequent travelers. By signing up for TrueBlue, you can earn points for every flight you book with Allegiant, which can be redeemed for discounts on future travel.

Earning Points with Allegiant

Allegiant allows travelers to earn points in several ways:

Flying with Allegiant: Every flight earns points based on the fare paid.
Credit Card: Allegiant offers a co-branded Allegiant World Mastercard that earns points on everyday purchases and Allegiant bookings.
Hotel and Rental Car Partners: You can earn additional points by booking hotels and rental cars through Allegiant’s travel partners.

Redeeming Points

Points can be redeemed for flight discounts, making it a simple way for loyal customers to save on future travel. While the rewards structure is not as robust as programs like Delta’s SkyMiles or Southwest’s Rapid Rewards, it offers a straightforward way to earn and use points for budget travelers.

Pros and Cons of Flying with Allegiant Air

As with any low-cost carrier, flying with Allegiant has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect when booking a flight with Allegiant:

Pros

Low fares: Allegiant’s base fares are among the lowest in the industry, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Direct flights to vacation destinations: Allegiant offers non-stop flights to popular tourist destinations, often from smaller, more convenient regional airports.
Customizable travel: Allegiant’s a la carte pricing model lets you pay only for the extras you need, whether it’s baggage, seat selection, or in-flight services.

Cons

Fees for nearly everything: While the base fare is low, you’ll need to budget for extras like baggage, seat selection, and even refreshments.
No in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi: Allegiant doesn’t offer many in-flight amenities, so you’ll need to bring your own entertainment for the flight.
Seats don’t recline: Comfort can be an issue on longer flights, as the seats are fixed in place and don’t offer much legroom.

Tips for Flying with Allegiant Air

To make your experience flying Allegiant Airlines as smooth as possible, here are a few tips:

Check in online: Avoid paying a fee to print your boarding pass by checking in via Allegiant’s app or website. You can either print your pass at home or use a mobile boarding pass.
Prepay for bags: Save money by prepaying for your baggage during the booking process. Waiting until you get to the airport will result in higher fees.
Bring your own snacks: Since Allegiant doesn’t offer free refreshments, pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay comfortable during the flight.
Be prepared for no Wi-Fi: Allegiant doesn’t offer in-flight Wi-Fi, so download movies, books, or podcasts ahead of time to keep yourself entertained.
Use smaller airports: If you live near one of Allegiant’s regional airport options, take advantage of the convenience and avoid the stress of larger hubs.

Conclusion: Is Allegiant Air Worth It?

For travelers looking for a no-frills, low-cost way to fly, Allegiant Air offers unbeatable prices to popular vacation destinations. While you’ll need to factor in the added fees for things like bags and seat selection, the airline provides incredible value, especially for those who pack light and don’t need many extras.

Flying with Allegiant might not offer the same level of comfort or amenities as full-service airlines, but it delivers on its promise of low-cost travel, making it a solid option for budget-conscious flyers.