What Allegiant Air Is and How Its Pricing Works

Allegiant Air is a low-cost airline that operates flights primarily within the United States, with some routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline makes money by charging a base fare for the seat, then adding separate fees for nearly everything else: baggage, seat selection, boarding priority, and payment methods. This means the price you see advertised is rarely what you pay at checkout.

Allegiant's base fares are often genuinely cheaper than competitors, sometimes by $20 to $50 per person on short routes. But the airline charges for carry-on bags on most fares, checked bags, seat assignments, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport. If you travel light, pay online, and pick a standard seat, your total cost may still be lower than a full-service airline. If you need baggage, assigned seating, or checked luggage, the final price can exceed what you would pay elsewhere.

The airline operates a point-to-point network rather than a hub-and-spoke system, meaning most flights connect smaller cities directly instead of routing through major hubs. This keeps their operating costs down but also means fewer flight options if you need a connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Allegiant's advertised fares do not include baggage, seat selection, or checked bags — these are charged separately at checkout or online.
  • Carry-on bags are free on some fares but cost money on the cheapest "Basic" fares, so check your specific ticket type before packing.
  • Checked bags cost $17 to $35 per bag depending on when you pay, with lower prices if you pay online before your flight.
  • Seat assignments cost extra unless you book a higher fare class or have elite frequent-flyer status.
  • The airline charges $15 to $25 to print a boarding pass at the airport, so check in online and use your phone or printed confirmation instead.

Understanding Allegiant's Fare Types and What Each Includes

Allegiant sells four main fare levels, each with different inclusions. The Basic fare is the cheapest and includes only the seat and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack). Carry-on roller bags and checked bags both cost extra. The Standard fare adds one free carry-on bag. The Preferred fare adds a checked bag and priority boarding. The First Class fare includes two checked bags, priority boarding, and a seat in the front cabin with extra legroom.

Prices vary by route and how far in advance you book. A Basic fare from Las Vegas to Phoenix might cost $40 to $80, while the same route in Standard could be $60 to $110. Booking further ahead usually costs less. The airline also runs sales where all fare types drop in price, though the Basic fare remains the cheapest option.

If you are unsure which fare to pick, compare the final price of each option including the baggage and fees you actually need. A Basic fare plus a checked bag ($17 to $35) might cost more than a Standard fare with a free carry-on, depending on the route and when you book.

Baggage Fees and How to Avoid Them

Checked bags cost $17 if you pay online before your flight, $25 at the airport, and $35 if you pay at the gate. The first checked bag is free on Preferred and First Class fares. The second checked bag costs $15 online or $20 at the airport on any fare type.

Carry-on bags are free on Standard, Preferred, and First Class fares but cost $35 online or $45 at the airport on Basic fares. This fee applies to roller bags and other bags larger than a personal item. A personal item — defined as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack — is free on all fares and does not count toward the carry-on limit.

The cheapest way to travel with Allegiant is to pack everything into a personal item and one carry-on, which costs nothing on Standard and higher fares. If you need to check a bag, pay online before your flight rather than at the airport or gate, since the fee is lowest online. If you fly Allegiant frequently, the airline's frequent-flyer program, Allegiant Circle, offers members one free checked bag per flight, which can save money over time.

Seat Selection and Boarding Priority

Standard seats in the middle and back of the plane are free on all fares. Preferred and First Class fares include a seat assignment, so you can pick your seat when you book. On Basic and Standard fares, you can purchase a specific seat assignment for $5 to $15 depending on the seat location. Seats near the front or with extra legroom cost more.

If you do not purchase a seat assignment on a Basic or Standard fare, Allegiant assigns you a seat at check-in, usually in the back of the plane. You can still board the plane, but you have no choice in where you sit. This is free, but you may end up separated from travel companions or in a less desirable location.

Boarding priority determines when you board the plane. Basic fares board last, after all other passengers. Standard fares board in the general boarding group. Preferred and First Class fares board early. You can purchase priority boarding separately for $10 to $20, which moves you up in the boarding order. Priority boarding is useful if you have a carry-on bag and want to may support overhead bin space, but it does not affect your seat assignment.

How to Book and Check In

You can book Allegiant flights on the airline's website (allegiantair.com), through travel booking sites like Google Flights or Kayak, or by calling the airline. Booking directly on Allegiant's website sometimes shows lower prices than third-party sites because the airline does not pay commission to those sites.

After you book, you receive a confirmation email with your booking reference and flight details. You can check in online 24 hours before your flight on the Allegiant website or mobile app. Online check-in is free and gives you a boarding pass you can display on your phone or print at home. If you check in at the airport, Allegiant charges $15 to $25 to print a boarding pass, so avoid this by checking in online.

When you check in, you can also purchase baggage, seat assignments, and boarding priority if you did not buy them when booking. Prices are the same online or at check-in, except for checked bags, which cost more at the airport or gate. Bring a valid government ID and your confirmation number or booking reference to the airport.

Payment Methods and Fees

Allegiant accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. The airline charges a payment processing fee of $5 to $10 per booking depending on your payment method. Paying by credit card usually has the lowest fee. Paying by debit card or at the airport costs more. This fee is separate from your ticket price and is added at checkout.

If you need to change or cancel your flight, Allegiant's policy depends on your fare type. Basic fares cannot be changed or refunded; you can only receive a travel credit for the fare amount (not fees) good for one year. Standard, Preferred, and First Class fares can be changed for a $75 fee plus any fare difference. Cancellations on these fares receive a travel credit for the full amount paid. Travel credits can be used toward any future Allegiant flight.

What Happens at the Airport and on the Plane

Allegiant operates out of smaller, less-crowded airports when possible, which can mean shorter lines and faster boarding. However, some routes use major airports like Las Vegas or Fort Lauderdale. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight to allow time for check-in and security.

On the plane, Allegiant does not serve free snacks or drinks. You can purchase beverages, snacks, and sandwiches from the flight attendants using cash or card. Prices range from $3 for a water or soda to $10 for a sandwich. Bring your own food and water if you want to avoid these costs.

Allegiant's planes are typically Airbus A319 or A320 aircraft with standard economy seating. First Class seats have extra legroom and recline further than standard seats. Overhead bin space is limited, especially on full flights, so checking a bag or purchasing priority boarding helps may support you have space for a carry-on.

Allegiant Circle Frequent-Flyer Program

Allegiant Circle is the airline's free frequent-flyer program. Members earn points for every dollar spent on flights, baggage, seat assignments, and other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free flights, baggage vouchers, or seat upgrades. There is no annual fee to join.

Members also receive one free checked bag per flight, which saves $17 to $35 per trip if you check luggage. Elite members who fly frequently receive additional perks like priority boarding, free seat assignments, and bonus points. The program is worth joining if you fly Allegiant more than once or twice a year, since the free checked bag alone can pay for the membership cost in points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on bag on a Basic fare?

No, not without paying a fee. Basic fares include only a personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack). A carry-on roller bag costs $35 online or $45 at the airport. If you need a carry-on, upgrading to a Standard fare at booking is often cheaper than paying the carry-on fee separately.

What if I miss my flight?

Allegiant does not rebook you on another flight for free. You can contact the airline to change your flight for a $75 fee plus any fare difference, or you receive a travel credit for the fare amount (not fees) good for one year. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to avoid missing your flight.

Does Allegiant fly to international destinations?

Allegiant operates flights to Mexico and the Caribbean, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and San Juan. International flights follow the same fare structure and baggage rules as domestic flights. You will need a valid passport to travel internationally.

How do I know if my flight is on time?

Check the Allegiant website or mobile app for real-time flight status. You can also sign up for email or text alerts when you book, and the airline will notify you of delays or cancellations. Arrive early anyway, since airport procedures and security lines can vary.

Can I bring a pet on Allegiant?

Allegiant does not allow pets in the cabin or cargo hold on any flight. Service animals are permitted in the cabin at no charge. If you are traveling with a pet, you will need to book a flight with a different airline or make other travel arrangements.