Allegiant Air Guide
Airlines
Allegiant Air is a leisure focused ultra low cost carrier that connects small and midsize U.S. cities to vacation destinations with nonstop flights. Allegiant deliberately operates from secondary airports, flies routes that other carriers skip, and schedules many routes only a few days per week. In January 2026, Allegiant announced a $1.5 billion merger with Sun Country Airlines to create the largest leisure airline in the U.S.
This guide covers how Allegiant’s fees, boarding, seat selection, Allways Rewards loyalty program, and route model work in 2026.
- Flies nonstop from small and midsize cities to vacation destinations, often the only carrier on the route
- Only a personal item is free. Carry on and checked bags are separate charges. $75 per bag at the airport.
- Many routes operate only a few days per week, not daily
- Merging with Sun Country Airlines. DOT approved April 2026. Closing expected mid 2026.
A reference guide for travelers navigating Allegiant’s fees, schedules, and route model.
Allegiant Air at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Carrier Type | Ultra low cost leisure carrier. Nonstop routes from small cities to vacation destinations. |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Top Destinations | Las Vegas, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Sanford/Orlando, St. Pete/Clearwater, Phoenix/Mesa, Myrtle Beach |
| Alliance | None |
| Loyalty Program | Allways Rewards (points based, Allways Rewards Visa offers priority boarding) |
| Personal Item | Free (8″ x 14″ x 18″, must fit under the seat) |
| Carry On Bag | Paid. Varies by route. $75 at the airport. Buy at booking for the lowest price. |
| Checked Bag | Paid. Up to 50 lbs, 80 linear inches. $75 at airport. Varies by route at booking. |
| Seat Selection | Paid. Random assignment if not purchased. Families not guaranteed together. |
| Boarding | Priority Access available for purchase or with Allways Rewards Visa. General boarding follows. |
| Airports | Uses secondary airports (Sanford instead of MCO, Punta Gorda instead of RSW, St. Pete instead of TPA) |
| Sun Country Merger | $1.5B acquisition announced January 2026. DOT approved April 2026. Closing expected mid 2026. |
Is Allegiant Air Right for You?
- You live in a small or midsize city that Allegiant serves and no other carrier offers the route nonstop
- You can travel with only a personal item and avoid bag fees entirely
- You are flexible on travel dates (many routes operate only 2 to 3 days per week)
- You are booking a leisure trip to Florida, Las Vegas, or a beach destination
- You want a vacation package (flight plus hotel) bundled through one booking
- You need daily flights or schedule flexibility (many routes are not daily)
- You need bags, seats, and boarding priority (fees add up quickly)
- You want to fly to or from a major hub airport (Allegiant uses secondary airports)
- You need reliable schedule consistency for fixed travel dates
- You want to earn miles in an alliance or loyalty program with broad partner redemptions
Carry-on essentials
Move through the airport fast and keep everything in its place from gate to gate.
Allegiant Baggage at a Glance
Allegiant charges for both carry on and checked bags on every fare, and only a personal item that fits under the seat is free. Bag prices vary by route and rise the longer you wait, so adding bags at booking is always cheapest while a bag paid at the airport runs about $75.
For current bag prices, the size and weight limits, and every way to keep the total down, see the Allegiant Air Baggage Fees Guide.
Allegiant Boarding and Seat Selection
Allegiant does not use numbered boarding groups like legacy carriers. Priority Access is available as a purchased upgrade or complimentary with the Allways Rewards Visa card. Active military receive priority boarding. Everyone else boards in general boarding, which is organized by seat location.
Seat selection is a separate charge. If you do not purchase a seat, Allegiant assigns one at random. Families are not guaranteed seats together without purchasing seat assignments. Seats cannot be changed at the airport or after a boarding pass has been printed. If traveling with children, buy seats at booking to ensure your group sits together.
At some airports, Allegiant boards passengers via outdoor ramps or stairs instead of enclosed jet bridges. Check the forecast and dress accordingly if your airport uses this setup.
For a comparison of boarding systems across all carriers, see the Airline Boarding Groups Guide.
The Sun Country Merger
On January 11, 2026, Allegiant announced an agreement to acquire Sun Country Airlines in a $1.5 billion cash and stock transaction. The DOT approved an interim exemption on April 15, 2026, allowing both airlines to operate independently under common ownership. Shareholder votes are scheduled for May 8, 2026, with closing expected as early as May 13.
The merger combines Allegiant’s 551 routes from small and midsize cities with Sun Country’s 105 routes, including 18 international destinations in Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. Sun Country’s Minneapolis hub adds a major city to Allegiant’s network. The combined airline will serve roughly 175 cities with more than 650 routes, making it the largest leisure focused carrier in the U.S.
Until the merger closes, both airlines continue to operate independently. Tickets, schedules, and loyalty programs remain separate. Post merger, the Allways Rewards and Sun Country Rewards programs are expected to combine, though details have not been announced.
Allegiant Routes and the Secondary Airport Model
Allegiant’s route model is fundamentally different from every other U.S. carrier. The airline connects small and midsize cities that other airlines skip to leisure destinations with nonstop flights. Many routes operate only 2 to 3 days per week rather than daily. This limits schedule flexibility but often means Allegiant is the only carrier offering a nonstop option on the route.
Allegiant also uses secondary airports near major cities. In the Orlando area, Allegiant flies to Sanford (SFB) rather than Orlando International (MCO). Near Fort Myers, it uses Punta Gorda (PGD). Near Tampa, it uses St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE). These airports are smaller, less crowded, and cheaper for the airline to operate from, but they are farther from the main metro area. Factor in ground transportation when comparing Allegiant’s fare to a flight into the primary airport on another carrier.
Top leisure destinations include Las Vegas, multiple Florida cities, Phoenix/Mesa, Myrtle Beach, and Destin/Fort Walton Beach. The airline does not currently operate international routes, though the Sun Country merger will add service to Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean once integration is complete.
Common Allegiant Booking Mistakes
Not buying bags at booking. Airport bag fees are $75 per bag per direction. Booking prices are significantly lower. Always add bags during the initial booking.
Assuming the airport is where you think it is. Allegiant flies to Sanford, not Orlando International. Punta Gorda, not Fort Myers. St. Pete/Clearwater, not Tampa. Check the actual airport location and factor in the drive to your hotel or destination.
Booking without checking the flight schedule. Many Allegiant routes operate only 2 to 3 days per week. If your return date does not align with Allegiant’s schedule, you may not have a flight. Verify the schedule matches your travel dates before booking.
Not purchasing seat assignments for families. Allegiant assigns random seats if you do not pay for selection. Families with children will likely be split up. Buy seats at booking.
Comparing base fares without total cost. A $49 base fare with a carry on ($45), seat ($15), and checked bag ($50) becomes $159 per direction. Compare that total against a legacy carrier that includes bags and seats. For a full comparison, see the Airline Baggage Fees Guide.
FAQ
How much does Allegiant charge for bags?
Varies by route. Airport fees are $75 per bag per direction. Lower at booking. Only a personal item is free. Allways Rewards Visa does not include free bags.
Does Allegiant fly every day?
Not on most routes. Many routes operate only 2 to 3 days per week. Verify schedule matches your dates before booking.
What airports does Allegiant fly to in Florida?
Secondary airports: Sanford (near Orlando), Punta Gorda (near Fort Myers), St. Pete/Clearwater (near Tampa). Also Destin/Fort Walton Beach and Jacksonville.
Is Allegiant merging with Sun Country?
Yes. $1.5B acquisition. DOT approved April 2026. Closing expected mid 2026. Combined: 175+ cities, 650+ routes, plus Sun Country’s 18 international destinations.
Does Allegiant include a carry on bag?
No. Carry on bags are paid on all fares. Only a personal item (8x14x18″) is free. Buy at booking for lowest price.
Does Allegiant assign seats together for families?
Not automatically. Random assignment if you don’t pay. Buy seat assignments at booking to sit together. Cannot change seats at the airport.
For more airline coverage including baggage fees, boarding groups, and carrier news, see the Airline Travel Guides hub.