Allegiant Travel Company: Complete Review - Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

As someone who's spent over a decade analyzing budget airlines and helping travelers make informed decisions, I've flown with Allegiant Air more than 30 times across various routes. Today, I'm sharing my comprehensive review of Allegiant Travel Company to help you decide if this ultra-low-cost carrier is right for your next trip.

Allegiant Travel Company has carved out a unique niche in the aviation industry by focusing on leisure travelers seeking affordable flights to vacation destinations. Unlike traditional airlines that operate hub-and-spoke models, Allegiant specializes in point-to-point routes connecting smaller cities to popular vacation spots like Las Vegas, Florida, and California beaches. This strategy has made them both praised and criticized in equal measure.

Having personally navigated their booking process, experienced their customer service, and sat through numerous flights, I understand the real pros and cons that matter to everyday travelers. My goal is to provide you with an honest, detailed assessment based on actual experience rather than marketing promises or headline complaints.

The airline industry can be confusing, especially when it comes to ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant. Through this review, I'll break down everything from their pricing structure and hidden fees to seat comfort and on-time performance, giving you the complete picture you need to make an informed decision.

Whether you're a budget-conscious family planning a vacation or a solo traveler looking to save money, understanding how Allegiant Travel Company operates will help you maximize value and minimize frustration on your journey.

Summary: Allegiant Travel Company offers ultra-low base fares with extensive add-on fees, serving leisure routes from smaller cities to vacation destinations. While their no-frills approach can result in significant savings for prepared travelers, their à la carte pricing model and limited flight frequency require careful planning and realistic expectations.

Table of Contents

1. What is Allegiant Travel Company?

2. Allegiant Air Routes and Destinations

3. Allegiant Travel Company Pricing Structure

4. Booking Experience with Allegiant

5. Allegiant Air Fleet and Aircraft

6. Seat Comfort and Cabin Experience

7. Allegiant Baggage Fees and Policies

8. Customer Service and Support

9. On-Time Performance and Reliability

10. Allegiant Travel Company Safety Record

11. Pros and Cons of Flying Allegiant

12. Tips for Flying with Allegiant Travel Company

13. Comparing Allegiant to Other Budget Airlines

14. Who Should Fly Allegiant Air?

15. Final Verdict on Allegiant Travel Company

16. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allegiant Travel Company?

Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is a publicly-traded company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, best known for operating Allegiant Air, an ultra-low-cost carrier that has been serving the United States since 1997. What sets Allegiant apart from other airlines is their unique business model focusing exclusively on leisure travel markets.

During my research and personal experiences with the company, I've learned that Allegiant operates on a point-to-point route system rather than the traditional hub-and-spoke model used by major carriers. This means they connect smaller, underserved cities directly to popular vacation destinations without requiring connections through major hubs. For example, you can fly direct from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – a route that would typically require at least one connection on other airlines.

The company's strategy revolves around serving routes with limited competition, often being the only airline providing direct service between certain city pairs. This approach allows them to capture leisure travelers who value convenience and low prices over extensive route networks or premium amenities.

Allegiant Travel Company also operates several subsidiary businesses beyond the airline, including Allegiant Vacations (vacation packages), Allegiant Car Rentals, and hotel partnerships. However, the airline remains their primary revenue source and focus.

From my interactions with Allegiant over the years, I've observed that they target price-sensitive leisure travelers who are willing to sacrifice certain amenities and flexibility for lower base fares. Their typical passenger is planning a vacation or visiting family, rather than business travelers who need frequent flights and premium services.

Allegiant Air Routes and Destinations

One of the most distinctive aspects of Allegiant Travel Company is their route network, which I've found to be both their greatest strength and biggest limitation. After analyzing their route map and personally flying many of their destinations, I can tell you that Allegiant focuses heavily on connecting smaller cities to popular vacation spots.

The airline serves approximately 120 destinations across the United States, with a heavy emphasis on leisure markets. Their most popular destinations include Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Myrtle Beach. What makes these routes particularly attractive is that Allegiant often provides the only nonstop service between these destination pairs.

During my travels, I've noticed that Allegiant strategically chooses departure cities that are typically underserved by major airlines. Cities like Belleville, Illinois; Stockton, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan serve as Allegiant bases, connecting residents directly to vacation destinations without the hassle of connecting through major hubs like Chicago or Atlanta.

However, this route strategy comes with significant limitations. Allegiant typically operates flights only 2-3 times per week on most routes, compared to daily or multiple daily flights offered by major carriers. This means less flexibility in your travel planning – if you miss your flight or need to change dates, your options are limited.

I've also learned that Allegiant focuses heavily on seasonal routes, with many destinations only available during peak travel seasons. For instance, their service to certain beach destinations may be suspended during winter months, while ski destinations might only operate during winter seasons.

The airline's route network is constantly evolving, with new destinations added regularly and some routes discontinued based on demand. This dynamic approach means the route you flew last year might not be available this year, something I always advise travelers to verify when planning repeat trips.

Allegiant Travel Company Pricing Structure

Understanding Allegiant Travel Company's pricing structure is absolutely crucial for anyone considering flying with them. After booking dozens of flights and analyzing their fee structure extensively, I can tell you that their "ultra-low-cost" model is built around unbundling services that are typically included with other airlines.

The base fare you see advertised includes only your seat on the plane and a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Everything else – and I mean everything – costs extra. During my booking experiences, I've learned that carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selections, drinks, snacks, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport all come with additional fees.

Here's what surprised me most about Allegiant's pricing: the fees can sometimes exceed the base fare cost. I've seen situations where a $39 base fare becomes $120 after adding a carry-on bag ($35-75), seat selection ($7-80), and travel insurance. This isn't necessarily bad if you understand it going in, but it can be shocking for unprepared travelers.

One pricing strategy I've observed is that Allegiant's fees vary significantly based on when you purchase them. Carry-on bag fees, for example, are cheapest when purchased during initial booking, more expensive when added online later, and most expensive when purchased at the airport. The same dynamic pricing applies to seat selections and other add-ons.

What I appreciate about Allegiant's approach is that it allows truly budget-conscious travelers to fly for very low prices if they're willing to bring only a small personal item and accept whatever seat they're assigned. However, for travelers who want standard airline amenities, the total cost can quickly approach or exceed prices from full-service carriers.

The key to getting value from Allegiant Travel Company is understanding exactly what you need and purchasing add-ons at the right time. I always recommend calculating your total trip cost including all necessary fees before comparing with other airlines.

Booking Experience with Allegiant

My experience booking flights with Allegiant Travel Company has been a mixed bag, and I want to share both the positives and challenges you should expect. The Allegiant website and mobile app are functional but not as polished as what you'll find with major carriers like Delta or Southwest.

The booking process itself is straightforward – you enter your departure and arrival cities, select dates, and choose from available flights. However, be prepared for an aggressive upselling process. During each booking I've completed, the website presents multiple opportunities to add services: seat selection, bags, priority boarding, travel insurance, rental cars, and hotels.

While some travelers find this overwhelming, I've learned to appreciate the transparency. Unlike airlines that hide fees until checkout, Allegiant shows you exactly what each service costs upfront. The key is knowing what you actually need and being disciplined about avoiding unnecessary add-ons.

One aspect I particularly like about Allegiant's booking system is their vacation package deals. If you're planning a complete trip including hotel and rental car, their bundled packages can offer genuine savings compared to booking components separately. I've saved $200-300 on Las Vegas trips by booking their complete packages.

However, there are some booking limitations that have frustrated me. Allegiant doesn't participate in most online travel booking sites like Expedia or Kayak, so you must book directly through their website. They also don't offer refundable tickets – all fares are non-refundable, though you can make changes for a fee.

The mobile app experience mirrors the website but can be slower and occasionally glitchy. I've encountered situations where seat maps don't load properly or the payment process times out, requiring multiple attempts to complete bookings.

For international travelers, note that Allegiant Travel Company operates domestic flights only, so you won't find any international destinations in their booking system.

Allegiant Air Fleet and Aircraft

Understanding Allegiant Air's fleet composition has been crucial to setting proper expectations for my flights. The airline operates a relatively simple fleet focused on short to medium-haul domestic routes, primarily using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft along with some Boeing 757s.

During my flights, I've noticed that Allegiant's aircraft tend to be older than those operated by major carriers. Many of their planes were previously operated by other airlines before being acquired by Allegiant. While this helps keep their operating costs low, it means the cabin interiors often show more wear and tear than newer aircraft.

The Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft make up the majority of Allegiant's fleet, typically configured with 156-186 seats in an all-economy layout. These planes are perfectly adequate for flights under 4 hours, which covers most of Allegiant's route network. The seats are standard economy width with 28-31 inches of pitch, depending on which row you select.

Allegiant's Boeing 757 aircraft are used on longer routes and offer slightly more legroom, but they're also the oldest planes in the fleet. I've flown on several 757s that are over 25 years old, and while they're maintained to safety standards, the interiors definitely show their age.

One thing I appreciate about Allegiant's fleet strategy is consistency. Since they operate primarily two aircraft types, the flight experience is fairly predictable. You won't encounter the wide variation in seat configurations and amenities that you might find on airlines with more diverse fleets.

The airline has been gradually modernizing their fleet, and some newer aircraft feature improved interiors with better seats and updated entertainment systems. However, don't expect the latest amenities like seatback screens or power outlets at every seat – these are still rare on Allegiant flights.

From a safety perspective, Allegiant maintains their aircraft to FAA standards regardless of age. While older planes might not have the latest creature comforts, they undergo the same rigorous maintenance and inspection requirements as newer aircraft.

Seat Comfort and Cabin Experience

After spending countless hours in Allegiant Air seats across different aircraft and routes, I can provide you with a realistic assessment of what to expect during your flight. The cabin experience is decidedly no-frills, but seat comfort varies significantly depending on which seat you choose and how much you're willing to pay.

Standard economy seats on Allegiant aircraft offer 17.8-18 inches of width, which is typical for most airlines, with seat pitch ranging from 28-31 inches depending on the row. The seats themselves are basic but adequate for flights under 3-4 hours. I've found them comfortable enough for short hops but wouldn't want to spend 5+ hours in them.

What significantly impacts comfort is Allegiant's seat selection pricing strategy. The cheapest seats (or free random assignment) often end up being middle seats or seats with limited recline near the back of the plane. During my flights, I've learned that investing $15-25 in seat selection can dramatically improve your comfort level by securing an aisle or window seat with better legroom.

Allegiant offers several premium seat options that I've found worthwhile on longer flights. "Legroom+" seats provide 34-36 inches of pitch for $12-80 depending on the route. While expensive relative to the base fare, these seats offer noticeably more comfort for taller passengers or longer flights.

The cabin environment itself is basic but clean. Don't expect mood lighting, premium finishes, or advanced air filtration systems. The overhead bins are standard size but can fill up quickly since many passengers bring carry-on bags to avoid checked bag fees.

One aspect I consistently notice on Allegiant flights is the lack of complimentary refreshments. There's no free drink service, snacks, or entertainment system. You can purchase beverages and snacks from their limited onboard menu, but prices are typical airline markup – expect to pay $3-5 for a soft drink and $8-12 for basic snacks.

The absence of seatback entertainment screens means you'll need to bring your own entertainment. Most Allegiant aircraft don't offer Wi-Fi, so download movies, books, or music before your flight.

Allegiant Baggage Fees and Policies

Navigating Allegiant Travel Company's baggage policies has been one of the most important lessons I've learned for getting value from their flights. Their fee structure is complex but predictable once you understand the rules, and the costs can quickly add up if you're not careful.

Personal items are included free with every Allegiant ticket, but the size restrictions are strictly enforced. The maximum dimensions are 16" x 15" x 7", which is smaller than most other airlines' personal item allowances. I've seen passengers forced to pay carry-on fees at the gate because their "personal item" exceeded these dimensions.

Carry-on bags are where Allegiant generates significant revenue. Prices range from $10-75 depending on when you purchase and the specific route. The cheapest option is during initial booking, with prices increasing if you add carry-on bags later online, and reaching maximum cost if you wait until the airport. I always recommend adding carry-on bags during booking to avoid premium pricing.

Checked bag fees follow a similar dynamic pricing model, ranging from $15-75 for the first bag and $25-85 for the second bag. Again, purchasing during booking saves money compared to adding bags later. Weight limits are standard at 40 pounds for checked bags, with overweight fees of $25 for bags between 41-70 pounds and $50 for bags between 71-99 pounds.

One baggage policy that caught me off guard initially is Allegiant's strict enforcement. Gate agents and check-in staff consistently measure bags and weigh them to the ounce. I've witnessed passengers forced to consolidate items or pay additional fees for bags that exceeded size or weight limits by small margins.

For travelers planning longer trips, Allegiant's baggage fees can make their flights less competitive with full-service airlines. A family of four with checked bags might pay $120-200 in baggage fees roundtrip, significantly increasing the total trip cost.

However, I've found strategies to minimize baggage costs. Traveling light with just a properly-sized personal item can keep your total cost to just the base fare. For longer trips, packing efficiently in a single checked bag shared between travel companions can reduce per-person baggage costs.

Customer Service and Support

My experiences with Allegiant Travel Company's customer service have been mixed, and I want to provide you with realistic expectations based on numerous interactions over the years. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Allegiant operates with leaner staffing levels, which impacts their customer service responsiveness and capabilities.

Phone-based customer service is available but often involves significant wait times, especially during peak travel seasons or irregular operations. I've experienced hold times ranging from 15 minutes during off-peak periods to over 2 hours during weather disruptions or system outages. The representatives I've spoken with are generally helpful within the constraints of Allegiant's policies, but they have limited flexibility to waive fees or make exceptions.

Online customer service through their website and mobile app is functional for basic tasks like checking in, viewing reservations, and making simple changes. However, complex issues typically require phone support, and the self-service options are more limited than what major carriers offer.

One area where I've found Allegiant's customer service particularly challenging is during irregular operations. When flights are cancelled or significantly delayed, their smaller customer service team can become overwhelmed. Unlike major airlines with extensive partner networks, Allegiant has limited options for rebooking passengers on other airlines, often meaning overnight delays or multi-day disruptions.

Social media customer service through Twitter and Facebook is available but response times are slower than industry leaders. I've had mixed success getting issues resolved through these channels, with simpler problems handled more effectively than complex situations.

What I appreciate about Allegiant's approach is transparency about their policies. Representatives are usually straightforward about fees, change policies, and limitations rather than making promises they can't keep. However, this directness can feel impersonal compared to full-service carriers that invest more heavily in customer relationship management.

For travelers who prefer minimal interaction and straightforward transactions, Allegiant's self-service approach works well. However, if you value extensive customer support or need assistance with complex travel arrangements, their limitations become apparent.

On-Time Performance and Reliability

Allegiant Travel Company's on-time performance has been a consistently challenging aspect of flying with them, and I want to share honest insights based on my personal experiences and industry data analysis. Their operational performance lags behind major carriers, which you should factor into your travel planning.

Based on Department of Transportation data and my personal flight experiences, Allegiant typically ranks in the bottom tier of US airlines for on-time performance, usually achieving 70-75% on-time arrival rates compared to 80%+ for top performers like Delta or Alaska Airlines. This means roughly 1 in 4 Allegiant flights arrive more than 15 minutes late.

During my travels, I've experienced various factors contributing to delays. Allegiant's lean operational model means they have fewer backup aircraft and crew members available when problems arise. A mechanical issue or crew scheduling problem that might cause a 30-minute delay on a major airline can result in multi-hour delays or cancellations on Allegiant.

Weather disruptions particularly impact Allegiant's operations since they operate fewer frequencies than major carriers. If your flight is cancelled due to weather, you might wait 2-3 days for the next available flight on the same route, compared to same-day rebooking options typically available on airlines with daily service.

One pattern I've observed is that Allegiant's performance varies significantly by route and season. Popular vacation routes during peak seasons tend to have better on-time performance due to higher aircraft utilization, while secondary routes with limited frequencies face more operational challenges.

The airline's hub-free, point-to-point operation does provide some advantages during system-wide disruptions. Unlike hub-and-spoke airlines where delays cascade throughout their network, Allegiant's operational problems tend to be more localized to specific routes.

I always recommend building buffer time into your travel plans when flying Allegiant. If you're traveling for a special event or have tight connections to other transportation, consider arriving a day early or booking earlier flights to account for potential delays.

Despite these reliability challenges, it's worth noting that Allegiant's safety record meets industry standards. Delays and operational issues, while frustrating, don't reflect safety concerns but rather the trade-offs inherent in their low-cost business model.

Allegiant Travel Company Safety Record

Safety is obviously the most important consideration when choosing any airline, and I've thoroughly researched Allegiant Travel Company's safety record to provide you with accurate, factual information. While Allegiant has faced scrutiny in this area, it's important to examine their current safety performance objectively.

Allegiant holds an FAA Operating Certificate and undergoes the same regulatory oversight as all US airlines. They're subject to regular inspections, audits, and safety assessments by federal aviation authorities. From a regulatory standpoint, they meet all required safety standards to operate commercial passenger flights.

The airline has experienced some safety-related incidents and regulatory findings in past years, which generated media attention and FAA scrutiny. However, I've observed significant improvements in their safety management systems and maintenance practices over the past five years. The FAA conducted enhanced oversight of Allegiant's operations and has since returned them to standard surveillance levels.

During my research, I've noted that Allegiant's safety record has improved markedly since 2016-2017, when they faced increased regulatory attention. They've invested in enhanced maintenance facilities, improved pilot training programs, and strengthened their safety management systems in response to FAA findings.

It's worth noting that no US airline has had a fatal passenger accident since 2009, regardless of their business model or cost structure. The US aviation system's safety record is exceptional across all carriers, including ultra-low-cost airlines like Allegiant.

From my personal flying experience, I've never felt unsafe on Allegiant flights. Their pilots are trained to the same standards as major airline pilots, and their aircraft undergo the same maintenance inspections required by federal regulations.

However, I do recommend staying informed about any airline's safety record and considering your personal comfort level when making travel decisions. The FAA's website provides current safety information about all US airlines, and aviation safety databases track incidents and regulatory findings for those who want detailed information.

The key takeaway is that while Allegiant faced safety challenges in the past, their current operations meet federal safety standards and continue to improve under regulatory oversight.

Pros and Cons of Flying Allegiant

After extensive experience with Allegiant Travel Company, I've identified clear advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when deciding whether to fly with them. Understanding these trade-offs will help you make an informed decision based on your travel priorities and budget.

Advantages of Flying Allegiant:

The most obvious benefit is cost savings potential. When you truly need only basic transportation and can travel light with just a personal item, Allegiant's base fares can be significantly lower than other airlines. I've booked roundtrip flights for under $100 on routes that would cost $300+ on major carriers.

Direct flights from smaller cities represent huge convenience for many travelers. Instead of driving 2-3 hours to a major airport and connecting through a hub, you can often fly direct to your vacation destination from your local airport. This saves both time and ground transportation costs.

Allegiant's vacation packages can offer genuine value when you need flights, hotels, and rental cars. I've saved $200-400 on complete Las Vegas and Florida trips by booking their bundled packages rather than arranging each component separately.

The airline's route network serves many underserved markets, providing air service to communities that might not otherwise have convenient airline access. This creates opportunities for affordable travel that simply wouldn't exist otherwise.

Disadvantages of Flying Allegiant:

Limited flight frequency creates significant inflexibility. With only 2-3 flights per week on most routes, missing your flight or needing to change plans can result in multi-day delays or expensive change fees.

The total cost can quickly exceed other airlines once you add necessary services like carry-on bags, seat selection, and refreshments. Families or business travelers often find the total cost competitive with full-service airlines after adding required fees.

Customer service limitations become apparent during irregular operations. When problems arise, Allegiant has fewer resources to accommodate passengers compared to larger airlines with extensive networks and partnerships.

Older aircraft and basic amenities mean you won't enjoy the latest comfort features or entertainment options available on newer fleets operated by major carriers.

Reliability concerns affect schedule predictability. Higher rates of delays and cancellations require flexible travel plans and backup arrangements for important trips.

Tips for Flying with Allegiant Travel Company

Based on my extensive experience flying Allegiant, I've developed strategies to maximize value and minimize frustration when traveling with this ultra-low-cost carrier. These practical tips can help you navigate their unique business model successfully.

Booking and Planning Tips:

Always calculate your total trip cost including all necessary fees before comparing with other airlines. Add up base fare, bags, seat selection, and any other services you'll need to get an accurate price comparison.

Book directly through Allegiant's website to access their vacation packages and avoid third-party booking fees. Their website occasionally offers promotions and discount codes that aren't available elsewhere.

Consider purchasing add-on services during initial booking when prices are lowest. Carry-on bags, seat selection, and other fees increase significantly when added later.

Build flexibility into your travel plans to account for potential delays or schedule changes. Avoid booking Allegiant flights for same-day connections or critical business meetings.

Packing and Airport Tips:

Measure your personal item carefully to ensure it meets Allegiant's strict size requirements (16" x 15" x 7"). Gate agents consistently enforce these dimensions.

Pack strategically to minimize baggage needs. Consider shipping items to your destination for longer trips rather than paying multiple baggage fees.

Arrive at the airport with extra time for check-in and security, especially at smaller airports that may have limited staffing.

Bring entertainment and snacks since most Allegiant flights don't offer Wi-Fi or complimentary refreshments. Download movies or music before your flight.

Cost-Saving Strategies:

Travel during off-peak seasons and days of the week for the lowest base fares and fees. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically cheapest.

Consider Allegiant's vacation packages if you need hotels and rental cars in addition to flights. The bundled pricing can offer significant savings.

Sign up for Allegiant's email newsletter and follow their social media accounts for promotional fare announcements and discount codes.

Travel light with only a properly-sized personal item to avoid all baggage fees and keep your cost to just the base fare.

Comparing Allegiant to Other Budget Airlines

Understanding how Allegiant Travel Company stacks up against other ultra-low-cost carriers helps put their service and pricing in proper perspective. I've flown extensively on Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest Airlines to provide you with informed comparisons.

Allegiant vs Spirit Airlines:

Both airlines follow similar unbundling strategies, but Spirit operates from major airports with higher flight frequencies. Spirit's base fares are often comparable to Allegiant's, but their route network focuses on connecting major cities rather than serving smaller markets.

Spirit's baggage fees are similar to Allegiant's, but they offer slightly more generous personal item size limits. However, Spirit's seats are notoriously uncomfortable with less padding and minimal recline compared to Allegiant's basic but adequate seating.

From a reliability standpoint, Spirit faces similar operational challenges to Allegiant, with both airlines ranking below major carriers for on-time performance. However, Spirit's higher frequencies provide more rebooking options during disruptions.

Allegiant vs Frontier Airlines:

Frontier operates a similar low-cost model with extensive fees for add-on services. Their route network overlaps with Allegiant in some markets but focuses more on connecting mid-sized cities rather than Allegiant's point-to-point leisure routes.

Frontier's aircraft are newer on average, featuring more modern interiors and amenities like seatback entertainment screens (for a fee). However, their baggage fees can be higher than Allegiant's, especially for carry-on bags purchased at the airport.

Both airlines struggle with customer service during irregular operations, but Frontier's larger network provides slightly more flexibility for rebooking passengers during disruptions.

Allegiant vs Southwest Airlines:

Southwest operates a fundamentally different business model despite being considered a "low-cost" carrier. Southwest includes bags, drinks, snacks, and seat changes in their base fares, making them more expensive upfront but often cheaper overall for travelers who need these services.

Southwest's operational reliability significantly exceeds Allegiant's, with industry-leading on-time performance and customer service rankings. Their extensive route network and high flight frequencies provide much more flexibility for travelers.

However, Southwest doesn't serve many of the smaller markets that Allegiant specializes in, and their point-to-point routes don't always provide the direct connections that make Allegiant attractive for certain vacation destinations.

Who Should Fly Allegiant Air?

After years of analyzing different traveler needs and Allegiant's service model, I can identify specific types of travelers who will find good value with Allegiant Travel Company, as well as those who should consider other options.

Ideal Allegiant Passengers:

Budget-conscious leisure travelers who prioritize low costs over amenities represent Allegiant's core market. If you're planning a vacation and need basic transportation at the lowest possible price, Allegiant can deliver significant savings.

Travelers departing from smaller cities who value direct flights to vacation destinations will find Allegiant's route network particularly attractive. The convenience of avoiding connections through major hubs often justifies any service limitations.

Light packers who can travel with just a personal item can maximize Allegiant's value proposition by avoiding all baggage fees and keeping total costs minimal.

Flexible travelers who can adjust their plans around Allegiant's limited flight schedules and potential delays will find the best experience. If you're not bound by strict timelines, their operational challenges become less problematic.

Groups booking vacation packages who can take advantage of Allegiant's bundled deals for flights, hotels, and rental cars often achieve the best overall value.

Travelers Who Should Consider Other Airlines:

Business travelers who need schedule reliability, frequent departures, and flexible change policies will find Allegiant's limitations frustrating and potentially costly.

Families with multiple checked bags and specific seating requirements often discover that their total costs with Allegiant approach or exceed prices from full-service airlines after adding necessary fees.

Travelers with tight connections or inflexible schedules should avoid Allegiant due to their higher rates of delays and cancellations combined with limited rebooking options.

Passengers who value customer service, amenities, and operational reliability over cost savings will be disappointed with Allegiant's no-frills approach.

International travelers won't find any value in Allegiant since they operate domestic routes only.

Final Verdict on Allegiant Travel Company

After extensive personal experience and analysis, my overall assessment of Allegiant Travel Company is that they serve a specific market need effectively, but travelers must understand their limitations and set appropriate expectations.

Allegiant succeeds in their primary mission of providing affordable air transportation to leisure destinations. For travelers who understand their business model and plan accordingly, the airline can deliver substantial cost savings and convenient routing options that aren't available elsewhere.

However, Allegiant is not a substitute for full-service airlines for most travelers. Their operational challenges, limited customer service, and extensive fee structure create frustrations that may outweigh cost savings for many passengers.

The key to success with Allegiant is honest self-assessment of your travel needs and priorities. If you value low base fares above all else and can adapt to their limitations, you'll likely be satisfied. If you need reliability, flexibility, or extensive customer support, you should consider other options.

My recommendation is to view Allegiant as a tool in your travel planning toolkit rather than your default airline choice. For specific routes and circumstances where their strengths align with your needs, they can provide excellent value. For other situations, traditional or hybrid carriers may better serve your requirements.

The airline industry benefits from having diverse service models, and Allegiant fills an important niche serving price-sensitive leisure travelers and smaller markets. While they're not perfect, they've created a sustainable business model that provides travel options that wouldn't otherwise exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allegiant Travel Company safe to fly?

Yes, Allegiant Travel Company meets all FAA safety requirements and undergoes the same regulatory oversight as other US airlines. While they faced increased scrutiny in past years, their safety record has improved significantly, and they maintain industry-standard maintenance and training programs.

How much do Allegiant baggage fees cost?

Allegiant baggage fees vary by route and when you purchase them. Carry-on bags range from $10-75, with the cheapest prices during initial booking. Checked bags cost $15-75 for the first bag and $25-85 for the second bag. Personal items under 16"x15"x7" are always free.

Does Allegiant Travel Company offer refunds?

No, all Allegiant fares are non-refundable. However, you can make changes to your reservation for a fee, typically $75 per person plus any fare difference. Travel insurance is available during booking if you want protection against trip cancellation.

What routes does Allegiant Air serve?

Allegiant operates point-to-point routes connecting smaller cities to popular vacation destinations. They serve approximately 120 destinations with a focus on leisure markets like Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, and various beach destinations.

How often does Allegiant fly to each destination?

Most Allegiant routes operate 2-3 times per week rather than daily service. Flight frequency varies by season and demand, with popular vacation routes offering more frequent service during peak travel periods.

Can I earn frequent flyer miles on Allegiant Travel Company?

Allegiant does not operate a traditional frequent flyer program. However, they offer myAllegiant Rewards, which provides points for flights and partner purchases that can be redeemed for future travel discounts and other benefits.

What should I expect from Allegiant customer service?

Allegiant operates with leaner customer service staffing, resulting in longer wait times during phone support and limited flexibility during irregular operations. Their self-service options handle basic needs, but complex issues require phone support with potentially significant hold times.

Are Allegiant flights usually on time?

Allegiant's on-time performance typically ranges from 70-75%, which is below industry averages. You should build flexibility into your travel plans and avoid booking Allegiant for tight connections or critical business meetings.

Does Allegiant Travel Company fly internationally?

No, Allegiant operates domestic flights within the United States only. They do not offer any international destinations or routes to Canada, Mexico, or other countries.

What's included in Allegiant's base fare?

Allegiant's base fare includes only your seat on the plane and one small personal item that fits under the seat (maximum 16"x15"x7"). Everything else including carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, drinks, snacks, and priority boarding costs extra.