Allegiant Air

[Checkers]

It was announced today that Allegiant Air will begin flying out of Harrisburg (MDT) at the end of Oct. to Orlando and in November to Tampa. Has anyone ever flown AA and if so, your opinion. Are they low cost as AirTran was or are they on par with the higher priced airlines? I am excited to have 2 carriers to choose from (also Frontier) and although the announcement I read didn't really say it was a direct flight, that is the impression I got. Any information/opinions would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[Allison]

Be aware that Allegiant flies into the Sanford airport not Orlando International.

 

[Puget Peach]

Allegiant has some very low cost flights, but many are not. Be aware they charge (alot) for carry ons that won't fit under the seat in front of you, and for checked bags. The schedules are generally very limited. In our area they are many times lower than the other carriers but with extremely limited schedules, like twice a week limited from South Bend, IN or Gary, IN to Orlando. I have also noticed you need to watch the fares, then book when it is at a price you want to pay. If you are flexible and can fly on their schedule, it looks like it might be a good deal.

 

[Checkers]

Be aware that Allegiant flies into the Sanford airport not Orlando International.

Our local tv station is reporting Orlando but I have emailed them and questioned this because on their (Allegiant) website it says Sanford. The statement issued by Allegiant stated Orlando as well. I think you are probably right though and with the number of people who fly out of MDT to Orlando, it probably sounded better for them to say Orlando!

 

[DebbieB]

Our local tv station is reporting Orlando but I have emailed them and questioned this because on their (Allegiant) website it says Sanford. The statement issued by Allegiant stated Orlando as well. I think you are probably right though and with the number of people who fly out of MDT to Orlando, it probably sounded better for them to say Orlando!

Allegiant originally flew all flights into Sanford. Then they leased a gate at MCO and landed some flights there. After a year, the lease ran out and they decided to return all flights to Sanford. Probably cheaper.

 

[1Grumpy9]

The Sanford airport is the Orlando-Sanford Airport, so that is why the Patriot News said Orlando. I checked the price for the quick trip I am trying to plan for December and it would be really cheap to use AA, but their baggage fees are the killer!!! It is $35.00 each for the first and second bag and $50.00 each for the 3rd and 4th bags. They are only flying out Wednesday and Saturday. That doesn't really work out too well with my schedule of what I am looking at flying.

I am seriously thinking about using AA for my trip in February. They don't have the schedule up yet for February, but that is fine...I will keep looking and watching.

 

[Laz]

I use them to fly out of Fort Wayne to St. Pete. I agree with everything stated in the thread (they even charge for soft drinks and water). My flights always seemed to be delayed, sometimes up to 4 hours.

 

[gustavenla68]

The Sanford airport is the Orlando-Sanford Airport, so that is why the Patriot News said Orlando. I checked the price for the quick trip I am trying to plan for December and it would be really cheap to use AA, but their baggage fees are the killer!!! It is $35.00 each for the first and second bag and $50.00 each for the 3rd and 4th bags. They are only flying out Wednesday and Saturday. That doesn't really work out too well with my schedule of what I am looking at flying.

I am seriously thinking about using AA for my trip in February. They don't have the schedule up yet for February, but that is fine...I will keep looking and watching.

On top of that you have $13 per carry on bag. In addition if you want to pick your seat you can add another $13-$19 per ticket. If you want to pay by credit card it is another $8 per ticket roundtrip fee. Then you have the 20 additional miles from Sanford and no DME. Unless you don't pick out a seat ahead of time, fly with no luggage and use a debit card your better off flying on Fronteir IMHO.

 

[TaraPA]

I've flown Allegiant out of ABE (when they went direct to MCO). They are definitely a budget airline, not on par with the higher prices airlines like Delta, USAir, United, etc. The concern I always had was that they have no partnership with other airlines & only fly 2 days a week (from ABE anyway) - so if there's bad weather or you miss a flight you would lose days of your vacation until they could next get you out.

The good thing was that they offered $19.99 one way fares when they switched from Sanford over to MCO. We were able to snag that, 3 of us flew round trip to MCO for $150 TOTAL! I never saw that deal again, but I don't check their fares routinely since they only go into Sanford now.

 

[QueenElinor]

I have flown Allegiant Air and plan to do so again in Sept. because the price is right, and it flies nonstop to my destination (not Orlando, I wish they went there from my town but they don't). While the add-ons are annoying, the plane was nice and the staff friendly. If it doesn't work with my schedule, I don't plan around them, however.

I wouldn't worry too much about a flight being cancelled outright and being stranded for three days waiting for another. About a month ago we were flying out of Oakland and there was a cancelled Allegiant flight (not mine) due to mechanical problems. They brought in another plane, just like any other airline would do. However, As TaraPA mentioned, if you miss your flight the consequences could be pretty awful!

If you have to keep a tight schedule or make a connection, I wouldn't fly them. But for leisure travel they're okay, and that is the market they are designed to serve. I pay a fortune getting anywhere from my state, so I really appreciate the service they provide, and they've been a real hit around here from what I've read in the papers and in talking to my friends.

 

[Alesia]

I wouldn't worry too much about a flight being cancelled outright and being stranded for three days waiting for another. About a month ago we were flying out of Oakland and there was a cancelled Allegiant flight (not mine) due to mechanical problems. They brought in another plane, just like any other airline would do. However, As TaraPA mentioned, if you miss your flight the consequences could be pretty awful!

I would worry more about weather-related issues than a mechanical failure.

 

[Lewisc]

The Sanford airport is the Orlando-Sanford Airport, so that is why the Patriot News said Orlando. I checked the price for the quick trip I am trying to plan for December and it would be really cheap to use AA, but their baggage fees are the killer!!! It is $35.00 each for the first and second bag and $50.00 each for the 3rd and 4th bags. They are only flying out Wednesday and Saturday. That doesn't really work out too well with my schedule of what I am looking at flying.

I am seriously thinking about using AA for my trip in February. They don't have the schedule up yet for February, but that is fine...I will keep looking and watching.

Allegiant might not be as cheap as some people think after you add the cost for carryon bags, checked bags, seat assignments, transportation from the airport to WDW....

Which is why the home page on the MCO website says:

Orlando International Airport (MCO) - It's the real McCoy!

Orlando International Airport (MCO) located in Orlando; in Orange County, Florida; is the closest commercial airport to Orlando's world-class attractions, the Orange County Convention Center, and the downtown business district.

Please note that other airports using the "Orlando" name are not located in Orlando, or even Orange County, and therefore will require significant driving time, tolls or other ground transportation costs to get to Orlando if you choose an airport other than Orlando International Airport (MCO).

 

[webworm]

Allegiant has opened up fares to mid April 2013 today.

 

[Laz]

I would worry more about weather-related issues than a mechanical failure.

There has been more than a few times I have been delayed due to mechanical problems. On one occassion the plane was at the runway and could not power up one engine. We had to taxi back to the terminal and sit on the plane for 2 hours.

 

[QueenElinor]

I wonder if it makes it less likely to be overbooked, though? I mean, they can't just pop you on the next flight a couple of hours later. Although, I have seen people take pretty sweet deals coming back from Hawaii on a United redeye- sometimes volunteers are rebooked several days later, and get free accommodations.

Nice if one has the time!

 

[MFfan310]

I flew Allegiant once between Fort Wayne (FWA) and Orlando/Sanford (SFB) in early 2011 for a trip to Universal and Kennedy Space Center. The flight was fine (no delays either way) and the vacation package deal was unbeatable, even with the extra fees added. I actually would have paid more to get a similar deal out of Indianapolis (IND) on Southwest (and that's not counting the extra gas and higher parking fees at IND).

One thing about Allegiant is that they encourage booking your flight and hotel/car together through hefty discounting of packages. They do offer 6 Disney resorts (AKL, All-Star Music, CBR, Contemporary, POFQ, and POP), along with the Swan and Dolphin and several Downtown Disney resort area hotels (Best Western, Hilton, Royal Plaza, Wyndham). Many times, you can get the Swan and Dolphin on special through Allegiant. Last time I checked, Allegiant does not offer Disney tickets, but does offer tickets for Universal and SeaWorld. Alamo is Allegiant's car rental partner.

As for the whole MCO vs. SFB debate: I liked Sanford, even with the extra distance involved. Everything was close and convenient, security was quick (much quicker than MCO), and the aforementioned Alamo counter was a very short walk from the terminal. The gas stations nearest SFB don't rip you off like the ones at MCO, and the 7-Eleven near the airport has good sandwiches if you're in a hurry.

Some other things about Allegiant:

• Fares shown on their website are after a $4 (flight only) or $6 (package) discount if using a debit card as opposed to a credit card
• Speaking of credit cards, Allegiant is the only major airline that does not accept American Express
• Minimum check-in time at all Allegiant airports is 45 minutes prior to departure as opposed to 30 minutes for other airlines

That said, for a forthcoming trip to WDW next month, I will be using Delta instead of Allegiant, as Delta had a lower vacation package price out of the same airport, and because a family member wanted to use Magical Express and didn't want to rent a car. However, I would still use Allegiant again.

 

[Lewisc]

As for the whole MCO vs. SFB debate: I liked Sanford, even with the extra distance involved. Everything was close and convenient, security was quick (much quicker than MCO), and the aforementioned Alamo counter was a very short walk from the terminal. The gas stations nearest SFB don't rip you off like the ones at MCO, and the 7-Eleven near the airport has good sandwiches if you're in a hurry.

Some other things about Allegiant:

• Fares shown on their website are after a $4 (flight only) or $6 (package) discount if using a debit card as opposed to a credit card
• Speaking of credit cards, Allegiant is the only major airline that does not accept American Express
• Minimum check-in time at all Allegiant airports is 45 minutes prior to departure as opposed to 30 minutes for other airlines

SFB isn't a big deal if you're renting a car. People who'd otherwise use DME need to consider ground transportation costs when comparing air fares.

I didn't know Allegiant doesn't accept AMEX but I don't think I'd call Allegiant a major airline.

I'm not sure if this applies to Allegiant, some of the smaller airlines have an early luggage check in deadline because the employee who checks luggage also either loads the luggage on the plane or is the GA. Arrive at the desk 30 minutes before your flight and there won't even be an employee available.

 

[MFfan310]

I'm not sure if this applies to Allegiant, some of the smaller airlines have an early luggage check in deadline because the employee who checks luggage also either loads the luggage on the plane or is the GA. Arrive at the desk 30 minutes before your flight and there won't even be an employee available.

It does apply to Allegiant, and to airlines at smaller airports like the ones that Allegiant serves in general. We learned this the hard way at our local airport (a smaller airport) where we arrived 25 minutes before takeoff on another, bigger airline and they wouldn't check our bag.

 

[Lewisc]

It does apply to Allegiant, and to airlines at smaller airports like the ones that Allegiant serves in general. We learned this the hard way at our local airport (a smaller airport) where we arrived 25 minutes before takeoff on another, bigger airline and they wouldn't check our bag.

Airlines have minimum check in times for luggage. They vary by airport. 30 minutes or 45 minutes is typical. Generally luggage check in must be completed by the deadline or the computer won't let the agent check the bag. It takes time to get the bags to the tarmac and on the plane. Airlines don't want the responsibility, and expense, of transporting the bag to your hotel (or home) if your bag winds up on a later flight. Airlines like Allegiant might not even have a flight to your destination for a few days.

 

[Beth D]

We've flown Allegiant 3 or 4 times from Toledo OH to Sanford Orlando and have always had satisfactory results.

The good -
-small airport, easy to get through security both coming and going from Sanford.
-luggage gets off the plane quickly.
-very little walking to get to your gate!
-we've always had super nice folks working for the airline.

The bad -
-very limited flight times. It has to fit your schedule.
-Sanford airport is about a 45 min drive to/from the south side of Orlando. Not as close as MOC.
-they now charge for carry-ons. (they used to check carry-ons at the luggage counter for free including this last spring).
-DO NOT use your debit card to book! You lose all consumer protection provided by your regular credit card carrier!

Other-
-their rental cars are usually dirt cheap, but you have to pay in full at time of booking, and then taxes are due at car pick up - buyer beware! Minivans for a week are around $350 on Allegiant, anywhere else they are $450-800+ per week!

You've just got to calculate everything out, and decide if it makes financial sense for you. Make sure you factor in the cost of luggage, carry-ons, priority seating (if needed) and car rentals. They've got some great deals, sometimes.