Allegiant Airlines Guidelines
In 1998 the Department of Transportation handed over an operating certificate for scheduled and charter service to Allegiant Airlines. Allegiant's first flight took off on October 15, 1999 from the airline's hub of Fresno, California to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Today, Allegiant is headquartered in Las Vegas and flies between its focus cities of Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Orlando/Sanford, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Bellingham, Washington to smaller cities that other larger airlines don't service.
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Markets
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Allegiant Airlines has become one of the country's most profitable carriers because of its route structure. Allegiant doesn't fly to many major markets, but instead, focuses on service to smaller cities outside of major metropolitan areas. By doing so, the airline saves money by paying cheaper landing fees than they would have at major airports and is able to pass the savings onto the customer. In turn, these airports charge less for customer amenities such as parking and concessions.
Schedules
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To help keep their costs down but provide maximum reach for this customers, Allegiant doesn't operate service to/from each of the destinations daily. For example, service from Phoenix-Mesa to Bismarck might only operate on Monday and Thursdays. When booking your ticket it's important to keep this aspect of Allegiant's business model in mind. Weather, cancellations and delays could be detrimental to your travel plans if service to your city of choice is intermittent.
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Fares
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Allegiant classifies themselves as a "low-cost" carrier which can be proven through their airfares. Although the actual cost of your airfare may be less expensive than other airlines, travel time and costs to and from the outlying airport should be factored in if your destination is the largest metropolitan area near Allegiant's airport. However, if your final destination is the city to which you are flying Allegiant will offer the most competitive fare.
Seating
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Allegiant Airlines does offer assigned seating, in a single-class configuration. You may purchase the right to select your seat at the time your reservation is booked and right to pre-board the aircraft rather than selecting one of the remaining seats and being last to board on the day of travel. Both "upgrades" to your reservation are available on the carrier's website.
Extras & Fees
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In an effort to keep air fares low, Allegiant charges for many passenger amenities. Beverages, food, pillows, blankets and Allegiant souvenirs are available for purchase on board the aircraft. The cabin crew sometimes offer raffles onboard as well.
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