Anyone ever used Allegiant air??

[dawsons]

Has anyone ever used Allegiant air? I know it flies into Orlando Sanford instead of Orlando INT. We have this airline offered to us just an hour from our house. The price difference flying Sunday-Sunday is over $700 less than Southwest, where we would have to drive over 3 hours. It worked out to $148 total roundtrip per person. We have a 15+ hour drive if we drive and with the cost of gas I am not sure it will be cheaper to drive! I am a little uneasy about flying on a smaller airline. Thanks.

 

[cigarboo]

My sister has used them and a friend of mine is a flight attendant with them. They are an economy airline, so they charge for little things like water/drinks and snacks. Their fares are usually very low, even as low as $9 sometimes and they fly from little airports to other little airports.

If you find something that works, I think it's well worth the savings. My sister was happy with her flight. It was by far her cheapest option compared to other airlines.

Your problem would be getting from Sanford to the cruise terminal or resort area, but you can always rent a car from the airport. But then you'll have to count that into your total bill and see if it's still worth it.

I wouldn't have a problem booking with Allegiant and I'd much rather be driving 1hr to the airport than 3hrs.

 

[kcashner]

Just be sure to research EVERYTHING you will be charged for--seat selection, booking on line (you can go to the airport and book free), luggage, snacks, everything you can think of almost!

We looked at it when we could get a fare of $29. By the time I added in all the extras, it basically matched Southwest out of a closer airport.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

We have used Allegiant and been overall pleased.
The only thing I would watch out for is this: Our flights changed at least 4 times leading up to our trip. each time, I called and had them moved to a more acceptable time. It was a pain, but it worked out for us.
For a $700 savings I would not hesitate! (Like kcashner said-check for the fees for all the extras)

We have also flown into Sanford. It's a nice small airport. Easy to navigate. You may have to take a rental car shuttle to their office to get a car, but they are close. There are also town car companies that will pick you up.

HTH

 

[dawsons]

My sister has used them and a friend of mine is a flight attendant with them. They are an economy airline, so they charge for little things like water/drinks and snacks. Their fares are usually very low, even as low as $9 sometimes and they fly from little airports to other little airports.

If you find something that works, I think it's well worth the savings. My sister was happy with her flight. It was by far her cheapest option compared to other airlines.

Your problem would be getting from Sanford to the cruise terminal or resort area, but you can always rent a car from the airport. But then you'll have to count that into your total bill and see if it's still worth it.

I wouldn't have a problem booking with Allegiant and I'd much rather be driving 1hr to the airport than 3hrs.

I found a rental car (full size) on hotwire.com for $162 for an entire week. I don't think that is bad at all. We plan on a few days at disney and 1 at cocoa beach prior to our cruise. I am still just a little uneasy.

 

[dawsons]

Is there a possibility that the flight could be cancelled all together that day and we would be stuck without a flight? Owensboro only flies into Sanford on Sun and Thurs. Our cruise leaves on Thursday so we would have no other option than to drive I guess??

 

[Theresa9599]

I used Allegiant for the first time in January and was quite happy with them.

The benefits and drawbacks have pretty much been covered but I'll throw my two cents in anyway.

The major benefit is lower fares (at least for us as the other cheaper airlines do not come anywhere near my town), but I also thought the seats were nice and comfortable and the flight crew very friendly. Also, the fact that they fly in and out of smaller airports is, to me, a benefit. I, personally, get intimidated by large airports! Another benefit for me (maybe not so much for others) is that I can take Allegiant and have it be a direct flight; other carriers would require a minimum of two layovers.

Yes, Allegiant tries to nickle and dime you. I definitely agree that the "convenience fee" for booking online is a crock. However, you really don't have to pay for seat selection, or priority boarding. We paid for neither and our party of 6 was all able to sit together and we had plenty of room for our carry-ons. Yes, you do run the risk of the flight being cancelled and not being able to fly out until the next day. From what I can tell, weather concerns would be the major cause of that. In your case, yes, having your flight cancelled would be a major headache.

Would I recommend Allegiant? In most cases, yes I would. For you? I guess it would depend on your comfort level that your flight would not be cancelled or rescheduled.

 

[IAFigment]

I have used Allegiant before and have been happy with it. I really like being non stop from Iowa. I'm waiting for the flights to come out for December so i can book them for my next trip. and for Snacks you can always bring them with you so you don't have to pay. I remember having to pay for us to sit together and I did at that time because my son was smaller but this time i don't plan on doing that but just getting to the airport in plenty of time and hope it works.

Good luck!

 

[Theresa9599]

Cathie,

Depending on the age of your son, it won't matter how early you check in. For parties with children 7 or under (or under 7, can't remember), you get first pick of the seats that have not been pre-purchased. So you actually get to board the plane before the people who checked in ahead of you!

 

[IAFigment]

Gee I wish i would have know that last time. he'll be 13 almost 14 this time so if we don't get together its fine. Is there really a problem with families not being able to sit together? I would hope everyone would work together - yeah i know i'm an optimist.

 

[MTmomma]

My parents are scheduled to fly home from Mesa to Missoula MT on Allegiant tommorrow. They have flown two seperate trips every year for the past five years on them. They are a cyclic airline, and only do directs.... We have YET to have a flight be delayed more than thirty minutes (thank GOD MSO knows how to clear a runway, and "seed the fog" to make it snow....) Yes they CAN nickle and dime you, so watch for "extras" but overall my parents have been VERY happy.....

ETA this is what MSO does routinely during the winter during foggy conditions! Mother nature has a bad attitude in MT all the time..... http://www.kulr8.com/news/state/115148344.html

 

[Mimarian]

I have used them a few times flying to both Orlando and Las Vegas. For the price you can't beat it. Just be careful, like most of the discount carriers they try to nickel and dime you to death with fees.

 

[tiggerb]

My In-laws and sister-in-law use them out to Vegas from Duluth, MN. We are going to check into them in June 2012. It's a 2 hour drive vs 1 hour, but if the prices work out to be cheaper--- great. They only fly out on 2 days too, so, we are looking @ a pre-cruise trip to the parks (hopefully) and a 1 night relax before we head home stay.

Family has been happy w/ the airline!

 

[LuvEeyore]

I flew Allegiant this summer with Mom in a wheelchair, my goddaughter and her mom. Mom and goddaughter were preboarded and then we were boarded in order of arrival unless you had paid for seats prior. Worked well for us. On the trip down we were maybe 2-3 rows behind them and then on the filight back we were beside them. We carried on a bottle of water and a snack. Because flights were full, they checked our carryons free. The checked bag and online and phone booking fees are what get you.

The crew was friendly and gave us the assistance we needed. The seat size was fine.

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

I saw you mentioned Owensboro (I live in Bowling Green) and have looked into Allegiant. By time I added up all the extra fees they wanted to charge, Southwest out of Nashville was a much better option. I don't know where you are but I would personally look into Evansville, Nashville and Louisville before flying out of Owensboro. Like you said, they only fly two days of the week and if something happens, you'll literally miss the boat.

Just my two cents!

 

[threebeesatdisney]

We have flown Allegiant numerous times and they are wonderful! The price they quote you online however is about half of what you will end up paying after fees, seat selection, trip flex, baggage fees and the convenience fee. They only fly out of our area once a day. We have never had any problems ourselves but it was in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago that the flight on Thursday was cancelled due to mechanical problems and they didn't fly out until Friday which is something to consider. I have heard of them having some problems with a flat tire or other small mechanical things and they just flew in another plane to transport the passengers with only a few hours delay. Sanford airport is WONDERFUL compared to MCO especially when you are departing the Orlando area. You can always rent a car or hire transportation for about $180 roundtrip. We use Sam of Transportation in his name. Google it. I may not fly down on Allegiant if the cruise was the same day but I would definitely fly back with them because of the LOW fares and if I got delayed one day I wouldn't miss the ship... or work for that matter ! Just see if it would be cheaper to have two one way flights (one being the down flight to Orlando on an airline of your choice and one being a return trip on Allegiant) vs a round trip on the other airline. I have also noticed that the seats are roomier and more comfortable than Delta or USAIR's itty bitty planes.

 

[disneyluvnmom]

We have flown Allegiant a few times and had no problems. If you can go to the airport to buy your tickets you will save alot. As I found at recently they now will only sell tickets at the Airport on days they have a departing flight. Before you could buy them from any ticket counter at the airport from any person at anytime. If you are buying online you will need to "uncheck" the unnessary extra fees they try to add on... like seat preferance and priorty boarding. You do not have to worry about not sitting together. A representative told me that once you arrive at the airport to check in they will seat the travling party together. We have never had an issue with this. Also they do have a pre boarding for families with young children. I wouldn't wait long to book if they have cheap fairs right now. They have a specific # of seats at the "low fair" and then they will go up. You can call to ask how many seats are left at that price and book accordingly. If you book online and you need 4 tickets but there are only 3 available at the rate shown on the calendar, you will need to purchase 3 tickets and pay and go back and purchace one remaining ticket. If you try to buy 4 and there are only 3 $49 seats left, it will automatically raise the price of all 4 tickets to the next price level. Hope that makes sense, sorry I'm so wordy... If you can figure out the system they do have some great deals!

 

[TaylorsDad]

We flew with allegiant 3 times and if it werent for the fact that they dont have magical express Allegiant would win hands down. It is much easier getting in and out of the airport at Sanford than MCO. The thing about the prices -in our experience is that they can change daily. I once saw a flight start out at $79pp then a few weeks later drop to $17 pp then 2 weeks prior to flight jump to $299 per person. So if you are planning on going and see a great deal grab it immediately.

 

[dawsons]

Cathie,

Depending on the age of your son, it won't matter how early you check in. For parties with children 7 or under (or under 7, can't remember), you get first pick of the seats that have not been pre-purchased. So you actually get to board the plane before the people who checked in ahead of you!

Does it say this somewhere on Allegiants website?? I would like to be 100% sure before not picking my own seats. We have two kids, ages 4 &8. Thanks.

 

[dawsons]

I saw you mentioned Owensboro (I live in Bowling Green) and have looked into Allegiant. By time I added up all the extra fees they wanted to charge, Southwest out of Nashville was a much better option. I don't know where you are but I would personally look into Evansville, Nashville and Louisville before flying out of Owensboro. Like you said, they only fly two days of the week and if something happens, you'll literally miss the boat.

Just my two cents!

We live about 50 miles north of Evansville. I checked Southwest and for the days we want (sunday/sunday) it was $1396. Allegiant Air is just $470 if we book our tickets at the airport and don't choose our own seats. I realize we will have checked bags, but hoping for just 2. The cheapest we could find Southwest for was $830 and that was traveling outside what we wanted (tues/tues).