Allegiant? Thoughts

[shannonstar]

We are considering Allegiant out of Austin to Sandford. The price is about 1/3 of any other airline. I know there will be a lot of fees, but we are looking at $288 one way for four people vs. 169 each at Southwest (everyone else is 300 or more).

Does anyone have any insight? I would love candid reviews.

 

[Allison]

What will the cost be to rent a car or use other transportation to get from Sanford to Disney?

Personally, I'm no longer comfortable with Allegiant. If they only fly from your area a few days a week and something goes wrong with the flight, you could have a big problem. Also not keen on the maintenance stories that have been popping up recently.

 

[TaraPA]

Have used Allegiant many times, if you're ok with the budget flight, and know your fees ahead of time, you will almost always come out cheaper than the rest. However, as the above poster stated, there's a huge risk of not getting to your destination for days, because in most markets Allegiant only flies once a day, a few days a week. If your flight is cancelled for any reason, it will be difficult to get re-booked (along with everyone else) in the immediate future.

There is also the added cost of getting from Sanford to WDW. Uber seems to be the cheapest option for this anymore, but it will add a big chunk of change to your plans (over using free ME from MCO).

 

[rwdavis2]

Yes, check to see how many flights Allegiant has to each destination. A cancellation could leave you stuck for days.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you haven't added in the fees yet, you need to. Allegiant could end up costing more than Southwest. At least it did for me. Fee to pick seats, fee to check a bag (smaller than most, if not all other airlines) fee to carry on a bag. Go thru the process as if you are purchasing tickets. Pick all the extras you want, and then look at your price.

And yep, if they have equipment problems, it can take days away from your vacation, or leave you stranded. A co-worker lost 2 days vacation flying Allegiant from our local airport.

 

[Doug S]

Remember that flying into Sanford will make you ineligible for DME and it is a long drive from Sanford to WDW. You may eat the savings in transportation costs and frustration to have to drive that far.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Add me to the SW club. Once all of the true Allegiant costs are added up, SW wins with price. Reliability isn't even in the equation for us, it's total cost.

 

[MillauFr]

When half of Allegiants' pilots refuse to let their own families fly on their planes.

http://www.aviationgazette.com/allegiant-pilots-wont-let-their-families-fly-on-allegiant/

 

[sharonmickey]

When DD lived in Charleston I flew Allegiant quite a few times, they are the only airline at the local regional airport. The first trip went without any issues, the next trip my flight home was cancelled after we drove two hours and arrived in Myrtle Beach, Allegiant did end up putting me up at a oceanfront hotel overnight but I had to take an extra day off work. The next trip my flight was cancelled after all the passengers were loaded onto the plane. We sat on the plane for an hour, then they de-planed us and we waited more than an hour more in the airport before they finally moved the flight to the next day. DD had already left work in Charleston to drive to Myrtle Beach and pick me up, she got halfway there and had to turn around. The last Allegiant flight I was on we were taxiing on the runway when the take-off was aborted, we returned to the gate and waited an hour for them to "check" one of the lights that had gone on during take-off. That was a nerve racking flight home.

Out of the four times I used Allegiant I had issues three of them. Each time I was given $100 voucher, when made the round trip flights under $100 out of pocket. However, the last flight I never did uses the voucher - I just couldn't talk myself into Allegiant being worth the risk.

I do know that this past winter flights from Sanford to the local airport where cancel and not rescheduled. Not worth the risk if you have a time frame that you need to adher too.

 

[Monykalyn]

Flown Allegiant multiple times (both to Sanford and Las Vegas) with zero issues. We'd need to drive 3 hours each way to get a SW flight now, plus pay for parking or hotel night before. Sometimes worth it, sometimes not. Yes be aware of fees (going to airport and using debit card will also save money) and bag weight limit is 40# vs 50#; can be a big difference! We normally have a rental car anyway at WDW so not an issue and can find rentals <$100/week. It is about an hour drive to WDW and direct route involves tolls so make sure you have coins!! We like being able to go offsite for meals (i.e. NO ADR stress!!!!!)

For august trip- SW wins hands down even paying for parking. Also forgoin car that trip so we will see. Already feeling slightly "trapped" lol. Remains to be seen on Nov trip - also with limit d schedule with Allegiant kids may miss more school etc, but being able to be in our own beds 30 minutes after landing vs 3 hr drive..


Definitely need to weigh ALL pros and cons and know fee schedule with Allegiant.

 

[Aaron Frasher]

have flown Allegiant several times. some good some bad. We are flying Allegiant in June out of Huntington to Sanford then Ubering to DW. looks to be about $70 one way.
Our flight is $1100 for 4 people round trip.

 

[xlxo]

Things to compare....

• frequency... what happens if there are mechanical delays?
• how much luggage you are going to carry... notice they have lower limits compared to main carriers.
• how much are they going to charge for luggage.... how are much are they going to charge you EXTRA if you show up with extra luggage at the airport? Frequent huge complaint at the counter.
• are you travelling with others where you need to sit together? Do you want to pay extra?
• when you add it up.... how much are you really saving?
• Where I am Allegiant flies to/from smaller airports. If your destination is near those smaller airports.... it does make sense.

 

[skaarupjac]

We are flying Allegiant next month from Branson MO...overall, it saved us $800 even with paying for seat selection, carry-ones, and one checked piece. We are getting a direct 2.5 hr flight compared to double that with the other airlines. There are 4 of us flying. We have always flown into MCO and used DME, so this will be a first. Car rentals were a little pricey last time I checked. Our TA said she could get us town car service for 221/rt. Will be sure to update upon our return...(fingers crossed)...