Ever stared at a $38 plane ticket and wondered if there was a catch? Usually, with Allegiant, there is. But it’s not a "scam" catch—it’s just a "you need to know the rules" catch. If you’re hunting for cheapest allegiant air flights, you’ve probably noticed that the price you see on the first page of their website is rarely the price you pay at checkout.
Honestly, Allegiant is basically a bus with wings. It connects small towns like Grand Rapids or Allentown to vacation hotspots like Las Vegas and Orlando. It’s cheap, sure. But if you walk into it like you’re flying Delta, you’re going to get hammered with fees that’ll make your eyes water.
The Secret to Booking Cheapest Allegiant Air Flights
Let’s get one thing straight: Allegiant doesn’t fly every day. They fly when people want to go. This "low-frequency" model is why they can sell seats for the price of a decent steak dinner.
The biggest mistake people make is looking for a specific Tuesday. Allegiant’s "Low Fare Calendar" is your best friend here. If you can't be flexible, you're going to pay. I’ve seen fares jump from $42 on a Thursday to $180 on a Friday. January is historically the cheapest month to fly—specifically for those Florida routes when everyone else is staying home.
Buy Your Tickets at the Airport?
Yes, really. This sounds like 1995 advice, but it’s the ultimate "pro" move. Allegiant charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of about $22 per person, per segment, for tickets bought online or through the call center. If you live near a regional airport, drive to the ticket counter during their limited hours. You can save $44 on a round-trip ticket just by standing in a physical line.
It feels weird. It feels like a lot of work. But if you’re buying tickets for a family of four, you’re looking at nearly $180 in savings just for driving to the airport.
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The Baggage Trap is Real
Allegiant makes its money on your luggage. A personal item—like a small backpack that fits under the seat—is free. Anything else? You’re paying.
- Personal Item (18 x 14 x 8 inches): $0.
- Carry-on Bag: $10 to $75 (depending on when you pay).
- Checked Bag: $45 to $55 if you do it at booking.
If you wait until you get to the gate to realize your bag is too big, they’ll charge you up to $75. Per segment. That’s $150 round trip for a suitcase. Suddenly, that "cheap" flight isn't so cheap.
Bundle vs. A La Carte
When you're booking, Allegiant will push "Bundles" like Allegiant Bonus or Allegiant Total. These include things like "Trip Flex" (their version of cancellation insurance) and seat selection.
Don't just click "yes." Often, if you just need one bag and don't care about sitting in the middle, paying for the bag separately is cheaper. But if you want a specific seat and a bag, the Total bundle usually saves you about 20% compared to buying them individually.
Seat Selection: The $80 Gamble
Allegiant charges for seats. All of them. If you don't pay, the system will assign you one at check-in for free.
Most people panic and pay $15 to $30 to ensure they sit with their partner. Truthfully? If you check in exactly 24 hours before departure, you have a very high chance of being seated together anyway. I’ve flown them dozens of times without paying for a seat and rarely got split up. Even if you do, just ask someone to swap. Most people are chill about it.
Avoiding the "Invisible" Fees
The "nickel and diming" is an art form here. Here are the ones that catch people off guard:
- Printing your boarding pass: It’s $5 if the agent does it at the airport. Use the app. It's free and takes ten seconds.
- Water and Snacks: Nothing is free. Not even a tiny cup of water. Pack an empty bottle and fill it up after security. Pack some pretzels.
- The Call Center: Calling them to book will cost you about $15 per person. Do it online or at the airport.
Is the Allegiant Credit Card Worth It?
The Allways Rewards Visa is kinda niche. It gives you 3x points on Allegiant purchases and 1 free drink on the flight. The real kicker is the "Buy One, Get One Free" airfare offer. The catch? You have to book a vacation package with 4+ hotel nights or 7+ car rental days. If you’re already planning a week in Vegas, it’s a massive win. If you’re just doing a weekend trip, skip it.
How to Actually Win at This
To get the absolute cheapest allegiant air flights, you have to play the game by their rules. Pack a single backpack. Don't buy a seat. Bring your own snacks. Download the app before you leave your house.
If you’re okay with a smaller seat and no TV, Allegiant is a fantastic way to see the country. Just don't let the "extras" double your ticket price.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Route Map: Allegiant often flies to secondary airports (like Orlando Sanford instead of MCO). Check how much an Uber will cost from that airport to your hotel before you book; sometimes the "cheap" flight is offset by a $70 cab ride.
- Set a Price Alert: Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track your specific route, as Allegiant prices fluctuate wildly based on demand.
- Verify Bag Dimensions: Measure your "personal item" backpack. If it’s even an inch too big, you’re at the mercy of the gate agent's mood.