How is Allegiant Air Different?

[boswellnakia]

I'll be on my first Allegiant flights in a few days. They were by far the cheapest option even when I had to pay for luggage and seat selection for my return flight with my kids. I have mostly flown Southwest and then the traditional carriers Delta, etc.

What differences can I expect to see on Allegiant?

I saw where I could pay for a carryon, can I still take a personal item like a small backpack for free?

Do they offer any sodas/peanuts or is all food/beverage extra?

Will there be anything else that I'm not accustomed to?

 

[kaytieeldr]

This is all covered in the "Need Help?" link on every Allegiant page, but -
As long as your personal item is within the restricted dimensions and fits completely under the seat, you'll be fine; and it appears all food is for sale.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Have used Allegiant several times when I didn't want to use Delta miles.
2) They can definitely be a cheaper alternative.

What differences can I expect to see on Allegiant?
. . . you will pay for almost any service

I saw where I could pay for a carry-on, can I still take a personal item like a small backpack for free?
. . . a SMALL backpack will be free, if it is your only carry-on
. . . if it is small, AND you have a purse or laptop, it will be charged a fee
. . . a small backpack is no bigger than 7"x15"x16"
. . . this is smaller than the normal 9"x14"x22" under-seat carry-on bag size
. . . so, just because it is under the seat, doesn't mean it is free

Do they offer any sodas/peanuts or is all food/beverage extra?
. . . all are for an extra fee

Will there be anything else that I'm not accustomed to?
. . . they have mostly all newer planes
. . . or, at least, refurbished planes
. . . pretty dependable for on-time service
. . . without a pre-paid seat assignment, families are frequently split-up
. . . first people on-board cannot "save" seats for other travel companions
. . . checking bags on-line is cheaper than checking at the ticket counter

 

[kaytieeldr]

. . . a small backpack is no bigger than 7"x15"x16"
. . . this is smaller than the normal 9"x14"x22" under-seat carry-on bag size

Must disagree here. A 22" bag is not a normal under-seat size. It's the maximum size that Allegiant allows in the overhead compartment; that size suitcase under a seat wouldn't fit fully under the seat as required, and would create a safety hazard.

 

[Jestocost]

One other difference is their propensity to suspend service from a given market with little or no advance notice. Hopefully you will not encounter that.

 

[Lewisc]

Double check the time you're required to check bags and the time you're required to be at the gate. Some airports the employee who checks bags at the counter stops checking bags, and closes the desk, earlier then is typical with other airlines. That employee might be helping loading bags or loading passengers on the plane.

Any time given for checking bags is the time bags must be checked, not the time you get on line.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I'll be on my first Allegiant flights in a few days. They were by far the cheapest option even when I had to pay for luggage and seat selection for my return flight with my kids. I have mostly flown Southwest and then the traditional carriers Delta, etc.

What differences can I expect to see on Allegiant?

I saw where I could pay for a carryon, can I still take a personal item like a small backpack for free?

Do they offer any sodas/peanuts or is all food/beverage extra?

Will there be anything else that I'm not accustomed to?

Hi there, I'll be flying Allegiant for the first time in January. Let me know how your experience is!

 

[Snow Shoe]

They have no agreements with other airlines to get you there or home if your flight is canceled. It's not a chance I personally would want to take with my vacation.