Allegiant Airlines, a Las Vegas-based ultra-low-cost carrier founded in 1997, has carved out a niche by connecting smaller cities and regional airports to popular vacation destinations. Known for its budget-friendly fares starting as low as $38, Allegiant focuses on leisure travelers with a no-frills approach. But how does it stack up in real-world experiences? In this comprehensive guide to Allegiant Airlines reviews, we'll dive into passenger feedback, ratings from trusted sites, on-time performance, compensation policies, and more—drawing from recent 2025 data and traveler stories to help you decide if it's right for your next trip.
As a travel enthusiast with over a decade of experience reviewing airlines and analyzing passenger data, I've compiled this based on aggregated reviews from sites like Tripadvisor, Reddit, AirHelp, and others. Allegiant's model emphasizes affordability over amenities, which appeals to some but frustrates others. Let's break it down.
Overall Ratings and Key Stats
Allegiant Airlines earns mixed but generally positive Allegiant Airlines reviews for value, with an average rating of around 3 out of 5 stars across major platforms. Here's a snapshot:
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Tripadvisor: 3/5 overall (based on 12,155 reviews). Strengths include customer service (3.5/5) and value for money (3.5/5), but in-flight entertainment scores low at 1.5/5 due to no Wi-Fi or screens.
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AirlineRatings.com: 7/10 editorial score, praising the airline's profitability and smart business model but noting fees for everything from carry-ons to water.
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Skytrax World Airline Awards (via Travel + Leisure): Named the best low-cost carrier in North America for the second year in a row in 2025, ranking No. 1 in the region and No. 15 worldwide. CEO Gregory C. Anderson highlighted the airline's focus on "seamless, comfortable, and convenient" travel for leisure flyers.
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On-Time Performance (from AirHelp): In a 24-hour snapshot from September 2025, 72.90% of 1,476 flights departed on time. However, 12 flights were delayed over 3 hours, and 90 were canceled—impacting about 0.82% of domestic flights.
Passengers often praise the low base fares and direct routes to underserved areas like Provo, UT, or Knoxville, TN. However, common complaints revolve around fees, uncomfortable seats, and limited flight frequencies (often just a few times per week per route).
Pros of Flying Allegiant Airlines
Based on Allegiant Airlines reviews from travelers in 2025, here are the standout positives:
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Affordability and Value: Fares can start at $38, making it ideal for short-haul leisure trips. One Reddit user noted, "It’s cheap and convenient because it goes exactly where I personally want." A Bookish Wayfarer review detailed a round-trip from Boston to Grand Rapids for $209, including fees—far cheaper than competitors.
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Award-Winning Low-Cost Service: As per Travel + Leisure, Allegiant topped North American low-cost carriers in 2025, beating Southwest and Frontier. Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted commended its "customer-focused approach" and "reliable, value-driven service."
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Accessibility for Wheelchair Users: In a Wheelchair Travel review, the author (a power wheelchair user) had a positive first flight on an Airbus A320 from Knoxville to Belleville, IL. Preboarding was smooth, staff were professional, and the wheelchair was returned undamaged in 16 minutes—earning high marks for accessibility.
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Efficient Boarding and No-Frills Experience: Reviews on Reddit and Tripadvisor highlight faster boarding due to fewer carry-ons (thanks to fees discouraging them). One traveler said, "Boarding finished ahead of schedule," and staff are often described as "friendly and polite."
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Unique Routes: Allegiant connects small markets to vacation spots, like Lexington, KY, to Sarasota, FL. This is a boon for those avoiding major hubs.
Cons and Common Complaints
Not all Allegiant Airlines reviews are glowing. Here's what passengers frequently criticize:
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Fees for Everything: Allegiant's à la carte model means extra charges for seat selection ($10–$51), carry-ons ($18–$75), checked bags ($25–$50), and even printing boarding passes ($5). A Reddit commenter warned, "They charge you for everything, even a carry-on bag." Average ancillary spend per passenger is $79.28, per the airline's 2025 filings.
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Uncomfortable Seats and No Amenities: Seats are thin, non-reclining, and offer 30-inch pitch—described as "incredibly uncomfortable" in a Bookish Wayfarer review. No Wi-Fi, TV, or free snacks/drinks; even water costs money. Tray tables are tiny, and there's no power on most Airbus planes (available on Boeing 737 MAX 8s).
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Delays and Cancellations: AirHelp data shows recent issues, like Flight G41384 from Lexington to Sarasota canceled on September 21, 2025. Reddit users report being "hosed" with limited rebooking options since flights are infrequent. One said, "They canceled my flight, told me I could go the next week or get $60 back. Never again."
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Limited Customer Service and Flexibility: No interline agreements mean no rebooking on other airlines during disruptions. A Reddit thread from February 2025 shared stories of rude staff and poor handling of medical travel or grieving passengers. AirHelp notes U.S. DOT entitlements include rebooking and meals/hotels for controllable delays, but no cash compensation.
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Inflexible Schedules: Flights often run only 2–3 times weekly, limiting options if issues arise.
Compensation and Passenger Rights
If your flight is delayed or canceled, Allegiant Airlines reviews emphasize knowing your rights. For U.S. domestic flights (per DOT via AirHelp):
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Cancellations: Rebooking on the same airline, meals/vouchers, hotel if overnight.
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Delays: Similar, plus tarmac rules for food/water after 2 hours.
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No automatic cash compensation, unlike EU EC 261 (up to $650 for European departures).
AirHelp recommends checking eligibility via boarding passes or their tool. Recent examples include delays on Flights G4979 (Bangor to St. Petersburg) and G4580 (Grand Rapids to Sarasota).
For international or EU flights, EC 261 applies if departing Europe—claim up to €600 if delayed 3+ hours due to airline fault (not weather).
Fleet and In-Flight Experience
Allegiant operates over 100 aircraft, including Airbus A319/A320s (156–186 seats) and Boeing 737 MAX 8s (190 seats). Extra legroom is available in front rows for a fee. A AirlineRatings.com review noted clean cabins and professional crews but no entertainment—pack your own device.
Reddit users advise: Bring snacks, an empty water bottle, and download entertainment. For short flights (under 3 hours), it's bearable; longer ones may feel sparse.
Employee Perspectives
Glassdoor reviews from Allegiant employees (not provided in query but referenced in examples) average around 3.5/5, with praise for work-life balance but criticism of management and pay. This aligns with passenger Allegiant Airlines reviews noting inconsistent service.
Is Allegiant Airlines Right for You?
If you're a budget-conscious leisure traveler on a short, direct route, Allegiant shines—especially with its 2025 awards. However, if you value comfort, reliability, or flexibility, consider alternatives like Southwest. Always book directly on AllegiantAir.com to avoid third-party issues, and pre-pay fees online to save.
Pro Tip: To dodge the $22 carrier usage fee, call and mention buying at an airport without ticket sales (e.g., Boston or Las Vegas)—as one reviewer successfully did.
For the latest, check real-time stats on AirHelp or Tripadvisor. Safe travels!
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