Allegiant Air is an airline owned by Allegiant Travel Company, founded in 1997 and began operating in 1998. The airline is headquartered in Summerlin, Nevada and operates from over 100 airports across the United States. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is about a 10-minute drive from the Strip and is known for its ultra-cheap flights and proximity to Las Vegas.
The company's website also serves as a one-stop shop for cheap travel. Travelers can find flight, hotel, and car options with the click of a mouse. The bundled products offered by Allegiant have made the company very popular among budget travelers. Allegiant is technically a major airline, as it is the 14th largest commercial airline. This airline flies to the most popular destinations within the United States. The company also offers charter services to Canada and Mexico.
Allegiant claims that travelers can get to America's top leisure destinations hassle-free. However, the airline's reputation is relatively poor, and some travelers question the airline's claims. Of course, travelers should do their own research before deciding on an airline to determine if it's right for them. Learn more about whether Allegiant is a good airline for travelers and what you can expect from the low-cost carrier.
Is Allegiant considered a good airline?
Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier of choice, but travelers generally know less about Allegiant Air than other well-known low-cost carriers. Sure, airlines like Spirit and Frontier are better known in the public eye than Allegiant Airlines, but that doesn't mean Allegiant isn't a viable option. In terms of reputation, Allegiant doesn't have the highest rated accommodations, but it also doesn't have many low-cost carriers. But there are also strengths that make it a great airline.
Allegiant Reputation
In fact, one of the reasons Allegiant has been making headlines lately is because of its business development. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas hosted the 2024 Super Bowl. The company also continues to offer soccer fan packages that include flights, hotels and tickets. Specifically, the package includes game-day tickets to Allegiant Stadium, round-trip airfare, and a two-night stay at a three-star or higher hotel. For sports fans and leisure travelers, this package may sound like a once-in-a-lifetime deal. A trade like this and his expectations for Super Bowl LVIII in February certainly had a positive impact on Allegiant.
Despite its Super Bowl success, the company isn't necessarily a major airline. Allegiant has disappointed travelers with its timeliness. It is not the most reliable airline as delays can occur. In fact, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from July 2021 to 2022, airlines arrived on time just 61.96% of the time. That may not sound like such a bad thing, but Allegiant's stats were lackluster when compared to major airlines, which were on time about 80% of the time during that period. Allegiant's performance has gradually improved in recent years, which could be a concern for travelers. However, here's a breakdown of Allegiant's experience with his air:
safety
Overall, Allegiant is considered a safe airline to operate. However, the airline has dealt with safety issues in the past. These instances were minor mechanical problems that led to many aborted takeoffs and unscheduled landings. These problems occurred so frequently that Allegiant's safety record began to be questioned by the public.
In recent years, the airline has even received unwanted attention from the FAA due to safety concerns. The quality of Allegiant's fleet is being questioned. The average age of the company's aircraft is approximately 19.8 years. The average age of about 51% of Allegiant's fleet is his 27.5 years, which has definitely saved the company money as the prices of older aircraft have come down. However, this business decision backfired somewhat as the company was forced to transition to Airbus aircraft to alleviate safety issues.
customer service
The quality of Allegiant's customer service has led some travelers to question whether it is a good airline. The least popular aspect of customer service is online and phone interactions. Making flight changes, cancellations, or inquiries via these communication modes can be very difficult for passengers. Some travelers say airlines have been unresponsive. This can cause major problems for travelers who need assistance in booking or changing their travel plans.
Amenities
Food and drinks are available for purchase on Allegiant flights. We have a variety of products available. Travelers can enjoy water, soda, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, beer, and even hard seltzer for less than $10 each. There are also plenty of snack options. A traveler who prefers the convenience of specially packaged snacks will generally enjoy his pack of airline snacks, which cost about $11 to $14 each. Other snacks such as applesauce, chips and fruit snacks are also available a la carte.
When it comes to seating, consensus varies depending on passengers' travel preferences. Allegiant's minimum and maximum seat pitch (the distance between the back of the chair and the seat behind it) is 30 to 34 inches, giving it average legroom for economy class. This airline does not have business class or first class seats. This means that a traveler can sit on almost every seat with 34 inches of legroom. Travelers can add extra legroom (34 inches) or a designated seat on some planes.
entertainment
Allegiant Air does not offer any in-flight entertainment. There are no magazines, TV, music or movies on board for travelers. Wi-Fi is also not provided on Allegiant flights. Therefore, travelers on long flights are advised to bring some old-fashioned entertainment, such as books and word puzzles. However, for some travelers, the lack of entertainment may be worth it. Even though some of the most popular options, which are considered good airlines, have extensive entertainment options. The average price for Allegiant flights from 2011 to 2021 is approximately $58 dollars, providing travelers with significant savings.
So, is Allegiant a good airline?
For the average air traveler, Allegiant may not be the first choice. But it's a different story for budget travelers who don't care about the extras while traveling. The lack of amenities may put some travelers off this airline, but it's a solid choice for short domestic trips. At the end of the day, travelers should use their own discernment when deciding whether a particular airline is right for them.