How does Allegiant Air fly so cheap?

[torinsmom]

I was looking at flights for our dates(August 3-10) and saw that DS 13 and I can fly roundtrip to Orlando(from Greensboro) for $184 TOTAL! It is $39 each way plus fees! I am wondering how they can do this? At this rate, we may decide to fly instead of driving.I can rent a car for $160 for the week(we need a car for Sea World) The only glitch is that I would need to change our dates just a bit, since they don't fly on Sundays.

Gas for our trip would be around $130 and that's at today's price. We would be driving around 9 hours each way, so we would gain some time by flying, not to mention wear and tear on our van. Driving is still cheaper, but boy am I starting to waiver, LOL.

Marsha

 

[MaryKatesMom]

For one thing their schedule is pretty limited. We'd either have to cut days (not happening) or add days (love to but cost prohibitive).

Just watch your baggage limits. If I remember they are considered a charter not a regular airline.

 

[Edd]

Allegiant pays about 1/2 the price to land in the Sanford airport than they would if they land in the Orlando airport. Also the lease payment on the MD-80's is probably much cheaper than the more modern planes used by companies landing Orlando.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Allegiant pays about 1/2 the price to land in the Sanford airport than they would if they land in the Orlando airport. Also the lease payment on the MD-80's is probably much cheaper than the more modern planes used by companies landing Orlando.

Don't forget to factor in the additional charge coming from Sanford. You won't be able to use ME and Towncar companies charge more. MCO is much nicer!!

 

[torinsmom]

Well, if we fly, we would need to rent a car anyway to get to SW/Aquatica, so getting from the airport to WDW is a non-issue. I read that there is a charge for checking baggage, so we would try to do mostly carry-on. In August, that shouldn't be a problem, since we will have very small clothing, LOL.

I wouldn't have to stay an extra night, since I could just do Mon-Mon instead of Sunday-Sunday.

Older planes--does that equal less safety? THat would be something that would worry me.

Marsha

 

[CarolA]

Older planes--does that equal less safety? THat would be something that would worry me.

Marsha

No just no cool features like individual TV screens.

Planes are basically "rebuilt' periodically so the age is only the age from the date of orignal manufacture. Between then and now probably all major componets have been repleaced (maybe more then once depending on the age) and the plane is periodically "xrayed" for metal issues. Basically the FAA does a good job on plane safety!

Actually the "older plane" logic has a flaw. Older planes cost MORE to operate since they are not as fuel efficent.

As to how Alleigant can fly so cheap... it's a wonder. There are a few things that help. As Edd points out they fly into underserved airports which are willing to give them deals on landing fees as opposed to the biggies. They are new so they pay thier employees less then the majors. (I think they may not have union contracts wiht all the employees either)

However, past history has shown this model has some flaws and lots of these airlines have not survived.....

 

[Edd]

This is what people like about Sanford Airport. The walk from the plane to baggage to transportation is about 3/4 less time than the same walk in Orlando International. There are no crowds. The flights into Sanford are non-stops, you spend no more than 1 - 2 1/2 hours flying and you are there. You fly out of the smaller airports which are usually closer to your home than the big airports.

The price is definitely cheaper even though they have a lot of add-ons. I had one family of six claiming they saved over $600.00 and that was counting the price they paid for ground transportation.

The big liability is that you might run into a situation where you are delayed for as long as 4 hours or more. Allegiant is pretty good on their schedule, but I have personally experienced flights that don't get into Sanford until real late. I have never known any flights to cancel. They do finally make it there. It is not a bad ride when you can save a few bucks.

The planes although older are in as good shape as any plane flying. They might be a little noisier as the engines usually are older technoligy, but are safe.

 

[Southernson]

Allegiant cost me and dw about $240. That is with 2 checked bags and 2 saved seats. they make pretty good on drinks and snacks on late afternoon flights. We were delayed 2 Hrs. going to Orlando, but had a good flight.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Allegiant also keeps their flights pretty full by limiting service to just 2-3 times per week in most markets and then only one time on that day of the week, not multiple times. So full flights even at cheap prices less a much lower cost structure equals a small profit which keeps them going. They have been successful so far with this model of service. Fortunately oil has stabalized again and even dropped a small amount.

BobK/Orlando

 

[dzneelvr]

Allegient is a great way to fly However, the $39 will not include baggage fee, taxes, etc. so the total may jump up about 50% each. Still economical. If you can pack light in a carryon each, you'd avoid the checked baggage charge. You could ask yourself how important it really is to rent a vehicle for a single off-site trip: Flying into Sanford, getting a ride to/from WDW and letting Disney take care of your transportation while there is very relaxing You could check out the diving option in the Sea at EPCOT if you'd like an underwater experience. Save the trip to SeaWorld until you drive again.

 

[torinsmom]

Disney transportation has been anything but relaxing on my last few trips, especially getting back to Pop at night I need a car to keep my sanity this trip. Besides, it would cost almost as much for us to get to and from WDW/Sanford as it would for a whole week car rental($160) I may use WDW transport some days, but I like to have the option.

Sea World is a must for us this trip, as DS13 LOVED it last time. Aquatica is something he has been talking about since it was first publicized as well.

And yes, $39 each way came out to $92 round trip, so there was about $20 tax and fees. Still not bad.

Marsha