Allegiant Air Policies: Everything You Need to Know

The Bottom Line on Allegiant Air

Allegiant is an ultra-low-cost carrier that specializes in connecting small and mid-size cities to vacation destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach. Like other budget carriers, the ticket price is just the starting point. Bags, seats, and most extras cost additional. But Allegiant has a unique advantage -- it often flies routes nobody else does, giving you nonstop options from airports that other airlines ignore.

Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant operates an all-nonstop route network. That means no connections, no layovers, and no missed flights due to tight connections. The trade-off is that most routes only operate 2-3 times per week, so flexibility is limited. If Allegiant flies where you need to go, the fares can be incredibly cheap -- sometimes under $40 one way. You just need to understand the fee structure.

Carry-On and Personal Item Policy

Personal Item (Free)

Every Allegiant ticket includes one free personal item. Maximum dimensions are 8 x 14 x 18 inches. It must fit completely under the seat in front of you. This is a tight squeeze -- think small purse, laptop sleeve, or very compact backpack. A standard school backpack will likely be too big.

Allegiant is serious about enforcing these limits. Gate agents will check, and if your bag doesn't fit the sizer, you're paying full gate prices for a carry-on or checked bag. Measure at home before you leave.

Carry-On Bag (Paid)

Allegiant charges for carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin. Maximum size is 10 x 16 x 22 inches. Fees vary significantly by route and when you buy:

• At booking online: $10-$75 per segment
• At the airport: $75 per segment, per bag

Buy your carry-on when you book your ticket. The savings can be dramatic -- you might pay $15 online for the same bag that costs $75 at the counter. The booking page will show you the exact price for your specific route.

Checked Baggage Fees

Checked bags on Allegiant can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 80 linear inches. That 80-inch allowance is notably larger than the 62-inch limit at most airlines, making Allegiant one of the more forgiving carriers for oversized luggage.

• Online at booking: Varies by departure/arrival airports, but typically much cheaper than airport pricing
• At the airport: $75 per bag, per segment
• Up to 5 checked bags: Same fee structure applies per bag

Overweight and Oversized Fees

• 51-70 lbs: $50 extra per segment
• 71-99 lbs: $75 extra per segment
• Over 80 linear inches: $75 extra per segment

Allegiant charges per segment, not per direction. Since virtually all Allegiant flights are nonstop, a roundtrip means two segments. Plan your bag fees accordingly.

One advantage: you can check up to 5 bags per person. If you're moving or traveling with lots of gear, that's more generous than many airlines.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Allegiant's cancellation policy is straightforward but has some catches you need to know about:

• Within 24 hours of booking: Full refund if your flight departs more than 7 days out
• After 24 hours: $25 per passenger, per segment cancellation fee. You receive a credit minus cancellation fees, carrier charges, and booking fees
• Within 7 days of departure: No credit issued for cancellations
• No-shows: No credit issued

That 7-day cutoff is the big gotcha. If you cancel within a week of your flight, you lose everything. No credit, no refund, nothing. Most airlines give you at least some credit right up until departure. Allegiant doesn't. Mark your calendar if there's any chance you might need to cancel.

Trip Flex

Allegiant offers Trip Flex, an add-on that gives you more flexibility to change your flight date or time without the standard change fee. It doesn't cover cancellations for a refund, but it can save you money if you need to shift your travel dates. If your schedule is uncertain, Trip Flex is worth the small extra cost.

Airline-Initiated Changes

If Allegiant cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you're entitled to a full refund. Since Allegiant often operates routes only a few times per week, a cancellation can mean waiting several days for the next available flight. Keep this in mind for time-sensitive trips.

Name Change Policy

Allegiant allows minor name corrections within 24 hours of booking at no charge. After that, the process gets expensive -- more so than almost any other U.S. airline:

• Minor corrections: Up to 3 characters can be corrected
• Name changes: Can cost $225 or more plus any fare difference
• Title, suffix, or prefix changes: Additional $175+ fee

Full name transfers to a different person are not allowed. Legal name changes (marriage, divorce) require supporting documentation like a marriage certificate or court decree.

Seriously -- double-check your name before confirming your booking. A $225 name change fee on a $50 ticket is absurd, but it's Allegiant's policy. Get it right the first time.

Seat Selection Policy

Allegiant charges for seat selection, but you can skip it and get a randomly assigned seat at check-in for free. Here's the fee structure:

• Back rows (standard): $5-$15
• Mid-cabin and aisle/window: $15-$40
• Front of cabin and exit rows (Legroom+): Up to $75

If you don't care where you sit, save the money and take whatever's assigned. Solo travelers can skip seat selection entirely. But if you're traveling with a partner, friend, or family and want to sit together, book seats early -- the cheapest back-row options disappear first.

You can select seats at booking, during online check-in (opens 24 hours before departure), or at the airport counter. Booking is cheapest, check-in is mid-range, and the airport counter is most expensive.

Pet Policy

Allegiant allows domestic cats and dogs in the cabin for $50 per segment per carrier. That's notably cheaper than Spirit ($125), Alaska ($100), and most other airlines. If you fly with your pet regularly, Allegiant is one of the most affordable options.

• Flights: Within the 48 contiguous U.S. states only
• Carrier type: Soft-sided preferred, hard-sided accepted. Must be leak-proof
• Carrier must fit: Under the seat in front of you

Only cats and dogs are accepted -- no birds, rabbits, or other small animals. The pet must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. Allegiant doesn't publish a specific weight limit, but the carrier must fit under the seat.

Since all Allegiant flights are nonstop and most are relatively short (1-4 hours), it's a manageable experience for pets who aren't great travelers.

Wifi and Entertainment

Allegiant does not offer wifi on its aircraft. There are no seatback screens or in-flight entertainment systems. Most aircraft don't have power outlets either.

The airline has mentioned exploring wifi retrofits for its fleet, but there's no announced timeline or commitment. For now, plan to be completely offline for your entire flight.

This means preparation is everything. Before you board:

• Download movies and shows to your phone or tablet
• Download music, podcasts, and audiobooks
• Charge all your devices fully
• Bring a portable battery pack
• Bring wired headphones as a backup

On a 3-hour flight to Las Vegas with no wifi, no entertainment, and no charging, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

Other Key Policies

Route Network

Allegiant's biggest selling point is its route network. It flies nonstop from small cities like Bellingham, WA; Provo, UT; Punta Gorda, FL; Sanford, FL; Ogdensburg, NY; and dozens of others that the major carriers skip entirely. Popular destinations include Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and various Florida beaches.

If Allegiant flies your route, it's likely the only nonstop option available. The alternative might be driving 2-3 hours to a major hub airport. That's Allegiant's real value proposition.

Flight Frequency

Unlike major airlines that fly routes daily, Allegiant often operates routes just 2-3 times per week. This means less flexibility if you miss a flight, need to rebook, or have a cancellation. Build buffer time into your travel plans, especially for important trips.

Food and Drinks

Nothing is complimentary. Water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are all available for purchase onboard. Bring your own food from the airport to save money. An empty water bottle filled after security is always the smartest move.

Booking Fees

Allegiant charges a booking fee for reservations made through its call center. Always book online to avoid this extra charge. The website and app are the cheapest way to book everything -- flights, bags, seats, and add-ons.

Allways Rewards

Allegiant's loyalty program lets you earn points on flights and purchases that can be redeemed for future travel. The program is straightforward but doesn't offer the same elite status tiers or partner airline benefits as larger programs. Points are earned based on dollars spent, not miles flown.

Unaccompanied Minors

Allegiant accepts unaccompanied minors ages 7 and up on nonstop flights for a fee. Since all Allegiant flights are nonstop, this is available on every route. It's one of the lower age minimums in the industry.

Check-In

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. If you haven't purchased a seat, this is when one gets randomly assigned. Airport check-in counters close 45 minutes before departure. Arrive early, especially at smaller airports where Allegiant may have limited counter staff.

Aircraft

Allegiant operates an all-Airbus fleet of A319 and A320 aircraft. These are single-aisle planes with a 3-3 seating configuration, standard for domestic flights. Seat pitch is tight at about 30 inches, which is comparable to other budget carriers.