Allegiant Airline?

[Disney_1derland]

Anybody have experience with Allegiant? If we drive 2 hours, we can save almost $1000 on what the current cost of Southwest is. But, I am leary of them and here there are a lot of unexpected fees which are not well addressed on their website.

Feedback appreciated!

 

[A10560]

We have flown with them out of Lexington, Ky and had no problems. We actually plan to fly with them for as long as they are around. The only thing you pay for is your snack and drinks. I don't think they cost that much but we did not purchase since it was on a 2 hour flight. I would highly recommend for the price.

 

[amy-momofthree]

Yes, it's legit. You just have to make sure you are careful when booking online. It tries to automatically add stuff but you can easily unclick it.

We flew out of Chattanooga and it was nice. Nice airport. I would definitely use them again.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Anybody have experience with Allegiant? If we drive 2 hours, we can save almost $1000 on what the current cost of Southwest is. But, I am leary of them and hear there are a lot of unexpected fees which are not well addressed on their website. Feedback appreciated!

Allegiant is a low cost airline that provides service to areas which may not be otherwise served. They have a good safety record.

Yes, there are add on fees, but no more so than many other low cost airlines. If you save $1000 over the SW fares for a similar flight, why not use Allegiant? Remember that they fly into Sanford and not Orlando International.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

I have flown allegiant many times. They fly out of my town, so I don't drive 2 hours to the closest major airport to fly out anywhere, whuch is really nice. The planes are smaller then a 747 or anything, but the employees are very nice and I have never had a problem.

Please note... when flying out of sanford. give your self plenty of time to get there. I always seem to be rushed even if I think I gave myself plenty of time. Once your there it is a piece of cake, best airport ever to fly out of in my opinion. I do know they planned on changing some of their flights into MCO, so check that when you book.

 

[marie1203]

We are flying Allegiant in our March trip to Florida. It was only $100 per person round trip to Sandford!

 

[tinkermom23]

Allegiant flies into Sanford, right? I think you'll need to make other arraignments for transportation to Disney because the Magical Express doesn't go there. That could add to the costs unless you're already planning on renting a car.

 

[Disney_1derland]

Allegiant flies into Sanford, right? I think you'll need to make other arraignments for transportation to Disney because the Magical Express doesn't go there. That could add to the costs unless you're already planning on renting a car.

Yep, but even with driving 2 hours to Chattanooga, paying for airport parking, renting a car (or getting a car service) we would still save over $1000.

Sounds like good experiences and I will make my decision next week. It's either this or drive 12 hours

 

[TaraPA]

I've flown them a few times (when they went into MCO) and you get what you pay for. If you go in expecting great service & all the ammenities you will be disappointed. But for a great price (I got a one-way flight once for $19.99!) they can't be beat! Just be sure when booking to DE-SELECT the extra fee items like insurance & priority seating (unless you want those things).

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

We've flown them several times and had very good experiences. You Baggage is another thing to consider. I think with SWA you get some for free. You pay per bag wih Allegient. I think you ge a break in price if you pay for your bags online verses at the airport. I still usually find it comes out cheaper to fly with them even when paying for baggage (and it seems like most airlines are charging now for bags on domestic flights anyway).

 

[JB2K]

I do know they planned on changing some of their flights into MCO, so check that when you book.

The MCO thing didn't work-out for Allegiant - they now fly exclusively to Orlando/Sanford.

 

[jsmith]

we fly them *** to las Vegas about twice a year-its a direct flight which saves the hassle of driving to or changing planes in Denver and since we normally carry on for a weekend in Vegas the baggage charge is no big deal. Service is good and if you uncheck all the extras its pretty cheap.

 

[Brer Shay]

Another thumbs up for Allegient. As others have said, uncheck all the boxes online for the extras you don't need. They use smaller planes and smaller airports, but their savings are amazing. For a 2 hour flight, bring your own drink and snack and it's pretty much like every other coach flying experience.

 

[amyy]

I love Allegiant and I love the Sanford airport. They are often the only direct flight from the airpot near our home. Flying direct adds time in Florida which is worth a lot to me.

 

[blessedby3]

We have flown Allegiant a few times. They are definatley no frills. I dont like the extra fees you have to pay with them. Double check, because some of those add up. Some you can get rid of, but some you cant. You also have to pay per bag you check, and if you prepay the bags when you book your tickets its cheaper. We ended up having to book a bag of a friend that was going with us one year (she had full bottles of shampoo, and other things that couldnt pass as carryon) and it was more to pay and check the day of. We never paid to pick your seat either, just got there early and were able to still sit together.
No magical express as you fly into Sanford as others mentioned. It would cost us another $120 for a round trip car service (we are a large family and had to have a 15 pass van). Maybe its cheaper with an actual car or suv. We choose to drive last year (as our youngest now needs a ticket --6 of us) and the cost was just too high by the time you add in the car service. The drive wasnt too bad. It was 12 hours for us too. We are driving again this May---straight through.

 

[MissAndrea]

My brother has flown it several times to Vegas and never has any problems.

I didn't know that the MCO thing didn't work out. Sanford is nice because it's so small and not very crowded, but now you have to find a way to get to your hotel.

 

[Lovin' Disney]

Another vote for Allegiant. We have used them for our past 2 trips and they are great. Smaller airports=fast check-ins and quick trips through security. The most important thing IMO is to use the online check-in! The line at Sanford was about 10 people deep when we were leaving last time, but there was no line whatsoever at the counter for those who had already checked in online.

You will also generally have the same flight attendants both trips, which can be nice.

Since we have small children, we have always used the option online to pick out our seats ahead of time...if your flight is full, you may not be able sit together otherwise. You also save money if you pay for your checked bags ahead of time. You do not need priority boarding, though.

 

[rstamm]

We've flown with them a number of times including doing a few weekend trips because the price was so right! Keep in mind that the overhead compartment of the plane is smaller than most newer planes which means less bags fit in them. We took a 2-night trip in September and thought we were safe with just taking carryons, but by the time we boarded the plane, there was no overhead space left. They gate checked our bags for free, but it certainly didn't allow us the ability to grab the bags and hit ME (still flying to MCO then) that we expected. Instead we had to wait 30+ minutes for luggage arrival.

A plus about the older planes is more comfortable seating though. The seats seem wider and are definitely more cushy.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

The MCO thing didn't work-out for Allegiant - they now fly exclusively to Orlando/Sanford.

That is odd, they have customer service station at MCO and that is still listed on their website. I assumed they must fly into there from somewhere.

 

[ktbugsmom]

Another vote for Allegiant. While I have not flown them to Sanford (yet! - this summer I am going to find a cheap flight to Sanford and just take it!) - I have used them to go to Vegas and to Phoenix. Very good service. On time.

But, you do pay for snacks, pillows, bags and seats... you do not have to pay for those things - but they do add up if you need them. I am a nervous flyer - so I pay to pick my seat in advance. I need to sit by my husband. But, the time saved due to smaller airports and non-stop flights is well worth it to me.