Allegiant Baggage Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the skies with Allegiant Air may offer budget-friendly travel options, but understanding the intricacies of their baggage fee structure is essential to avoid unexpected costs that could impact your travel budget. 

Unlike many airlines that implement standardized fees, Allegiant’s approach is nuanced, with charges varying across its extensive route network. 

Join us as we unravel the complexities of Allegiant Air baggage fees, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring a smooth journey from check-in to touchdown.

Overview of the Allegiant Baggage Policy

Allegiant Air’s distinctive baggage policy sets it apart from other major U.S. airlines, emphasizing attention to detail. All Allegiant Air baggage fees are non-refundable, making a thorough understanding of the policy essential before committing to travel plans.

For Allegiant passengers, the allowance permits up to two cabin bags—a personal item and a carry-on. The personal item, such as a purse or small backpack, is exempt from fees if it adheres to size specifications. Aside from these two items, most airline companies consider a garment bag a personal item and will let you take it with you and store it in the overhead compartment. However, fees apply to both carry-on and checked bags.

Adding a carry-on incurs charges, varying by flight, while checked luggage, including overweight or oversized bags, has its own fees. Unlike some carriers, Allegiant’s pricing considers the route, charging per segment, without roundtrip bag fees.

Strategic timing is crucial; adding bags to your reservation early results in more favorable rates. Navigating the Allegiant baggage policy demands foresight, ensuring a smoother, cost-effective travel experience.

Personal Item Allowance

Allegiant Air aligns with industry norms when it comes to personal items, offering passengers a degree of flexibility and convenience. Unlike carry-on and checked bags, which come with a fee, every passenger has a right to a free personal item, providing travelers with an opportunity to bring essential items without incurring additional charges.

Allegiant defines personal items broadly, encompassing articles such as a purse, briefcase, backpack, tote bag, or diaper bag. The crucial stipulation is that the personal item must adhere to specific size dimensions, with the maximum size being no larger than 7 inches by 15 inches by 16 inches. This size restriction is in line with industry standards, ensuring that the personal item can be easily accommodated underneath the seat in front of the passenger, enhancing comfort and convenience during the flight.

One notable aspect of Allegiant’s personal item policy is the absence of weight restrictions. Unlike other baggage categories, Allegiant does not specify a maximum weight for personal items. While this provides passengers with a certain degree of freedom, it is essential to exercise reasonable judgment, ensuring that the under-seat bag remains within practical size limits, and passengers should refrain from bringing oversized personal items. 

Carry-On Baggage

When preparing for an Allegiant Air journey, careful consideration of your carry-on baggage is paramount, as it directly influences both convenience and cost. Allegiant’s approach to carry-on bags involves a fee structure, adding an additional layer of planning for passengers.

Allegiant charges for carry-on bags exceeding specified dimensions (9x14x22 inches). This includes items like backpacks and suitcases, emphasizing the importance of adhering to size restrictions for efficient use of overhead bins and a smoother boarding process. As long as it fits the measurements, passengers can also bring a roll-aboard bag and store it in the overhead compartment. 

Allegiant’s carry-on bag policy does not specify a published weight limit. Passengers are granted flexibility in this regard, allowing them to pack their carry-ons without the concern of exceeding a predetermined weight threshold. However, similar to other baggage categories, travelers are encouraged to exercise discretion and avoid excessively heavy carry-on items that may prove challenging to manage during boarding and disembarkation. 

As we delve deeper into Allegiant Air’s baggage fee structure, it becomes evident that understanding and adhering to these size restrictions are essential for optimizing both your travel experience and budget.

Checked Baggage

When it comes to checking luggage with Allegiant Air, understanding the weight and size limits, as well as the associated fees, is crucial for a seamless travel experience.

Weight and Size Limits

Traditionally, the Allegiant baggage policy deviated from the industry norm by imposing a weight limit of 40 pounds for checked luggage, contrasting with the 50-pound standard set by most major airlines, and anything above that limit was considered excess baggage. 

However, in a recent update in 2023, Allegiant Air has aligned itself with the 50-pound limit, providing passengers with additional leeway when packing their checked bags. This shift in policy reflects an effort to streamline the baggage experience for travelers and align Allegiant Air with industry standards.

In terms of size, Allegiant offers a generous allowance for checked bags, measuring up to 80 linear inches (height + width + length). This cap accommodates a variety of travel essentials and ensures that passengers can pack efficiently without worrying about exceeding restrictive size constraints.

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Fees Associated with Checked Baggage

Allegiant Air’s fee structure for checked baggage is an important aspect to consider when planning your journey. While the airline allows passengers to check up to four bags on the same flight, there is a separate fee per bag. It’s essential to be mindful of these fees, as they contribute to the overall cost of your travel and can impact the budget-friendly appeal of Allegiant Air.

Should your checked bag surpass the 50-pound weight limit, additional fees will be applied at check-in, amplifying the importance of careful packing and adherence to weight guidelines. These additional charges serve as a reminder to travelers to remain vigilant and avoid surprises during the check-in process. By understanding and adhering to Allegiant’s checked baggage policies, passengers can optimize their travel budget and ensure a hassle-free experience from check-in to destination.

Specifics on Baggage Fees

Understanding the intricacies of the Allegiant baggage policy is crucial for budget-conscious travelers, as the cost implications can vary significantly based on the type of baggage and the specific route.

Varying Fees for Different Types of Baggage

Allegiant’s approach to bag fees is not one-size-fits-all. The airline differentiates between personal items, carry-on luggage, and checked bags, with fees varying not only between these categories but also from route to route. 

The complexity of Allegiant’s route-specific breakdown of fees for carry-on and checked bags adds an additional layer of consideration for travelers. To gauge the potential cost, passengers are encouraged to check Allegiant’s comprehensive fee chart, which outlines the specific charges associated with their intended routes.

As a general guide, the fees for adding baggage while purchasing flights are as follows:

• Personal item: Free;
• Carry-on bag: $15 to $40;
• Checked bags: $20 to $45;

It’s important to note that these figures are approximate, and actual fees may differ based on the specific route. Notably, the dynamic nature of Allegiant’s fee structure means that sometimes, a carry-on bag may cost more than checked luggage, depending on the route.

Pre-booking vs. Post-booking Costs

A significant factor influencing the cost of Allegiant baggage fees is the timing of the booking. Allegiant incentivizes passengers to add baggage during the initial booking process, as fees are generally lower at checkout. Not to mention that booking earlier ensures a better choice of seats.

However, for those who decide to add baggage after booking but before the day of departure, at the airport ticket counter fees increase to $45 for all checked and carry-on bags. The highest cost is incurred when paying for bags at the airport, with a flat fee of $50.

To illustrate, a one-way flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Destin (VPS) may incur charges of $31 per carry-on bag and $39 per checked bag when added during the booking process. This exemplifies the cost savings potential when strategically managing baggage fees in advance.

Special Considerations

Navigating Allegiant Air’s special considerations involves understanding various policies related to military benefits, fees for oversized and overweight bags, guidelines for special items and sporting equipment, and rules concerning the transportation of firearms.

Benefits for Military Service Members

Allegiant Air recognizes and honors the service of military personnel. Active duty, reserve duty, and veterans of the U.S. military, along with their spouses and dependents on the same itinerary, are eligible for certain benefits. 

These include two free checked bags, a free carry-on, a free in-cabin pet, and an exemption from oversized baggage fees. Military service members and their families should ensure they meet the criteria and provide the necessary documentation to avail themselves of these benefits.

Fees for Oversized and Overweight Bags

While Allegiant offers a relatively generous size limit of 80 linear inches for checked bags, exceeding the weight limit can result in additional fees. Passengers should be mindful that bags weighing more than 50 pounds may incur extra charges beyond the standard checked baggage fee. It’s essential to check the specific fees associated with oversized and overweight baggage for the chosen route to avoid unexpected costs.

Guidelines for Special Items and Sports Equipment

Travelers with special items or sports equipment, such as musical instruments, golf clubs, or bicycles, need to be aware of Allegiant’s guidelines. These items may be subject to additional fees or require specific handling. Ensuring that such items are properly packed and meeting Allegiant’s size and weight specifications can prevent delays and ensure a smooth check-in process.

Rules Regarding the Transportation of Firearms

Allegiant Air has specific rules for passengers traveling with firearms. To comply, firearms must be unloaded, declared at the ticket counter, and placed in a hard-sided container acceptable by the airline. 

Additional fees may apply, and passengers must comply with all federal regulations regarding the transportation of firearms. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is essential to ensure a secure and hassle-free travel experience when transporting firearms with Allegiant Air.

Allegiant’s Pet Policy

If you’re considering bringing your furry companion along on your Allegiant flight, you’re in for a traveler-friendly pet policy that stands out among U.S. airlines. Allegiant’s pet policy not only accommodates your four-legged friends but also offers a cost-effective solution for pet travel.

Pet In-Cabin Fee

Allegiant’s pet in-cabin fee is a mere $50 per person, per segment. This competitive rate distinguishes Allegiant from other major U.S. airlines, potentially saving travelers up to $80 compared to carriers like Delta. This budget-friendly approach to pet travel aligns with Allegiant’s commitment to providing affordable options for passengers who wish to share their journey with their beloved pets.

Combining this Allegiant Air perk with your subscription to Matt’s Flights email alerts will make sure your overall travel expenses are kept at their lowest, helping you allocate some of your budget to other experiences during your trip.

Requirements for Pet Carriers

While taking advantage of Allegiant’s pet policy, it’s important to ensure that your pet carrier adheres to the airline’s guidelines. Pet carriers must meet the personal item size requirements, ensuring they can fit underneath the seat in front of you. This ensures the safety and comfort of both your pet and fellow passengers during the flight.

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Allegiant Bundles and Promotions

When considering Allegiant Air for your travel needs, it’s essential to evaluate the value and benefits of the airline’s bundle offers. Allegiant provides travelers with options like the Allegiant Bonus and Allegiant Total, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience. Let’s delve into a cost and content analysis to determine whether these bundles are worth the investment.

Allegiant Bonus Bundle

The Allegiant Bonus bundle presents travelers with a package that includes a free carry-on item and seat selection. While this bundle offers added convenience, the decision to opt for it depends on various factors, including the specific route and individual preferences. 

To assess its worth, passengers should compare the cost of the bundle with the à-la-carte pricing for a carry-on and seat selection on their chosen flight. Additionally, considering whether the perks of seat selection align with personal priorities is crucial in making an informed decision.

Allegiant Total Bundle

The Allegiant Total bundle takes the offering a step further, providing a free checked bag, priority check-in, and priority boarding. This comprehensive package caters to passengers seeking a more streamlined and enhanced travel experience. 

Evaluating the value of the Allegiant Total bundle involves comparing its cost to the individual fees for a checked bag, priority check-in, and priority boarding. Travelers should weigh these benefits against their own preferences and priorities, determining whether the added convenience justifies the additional expense.

Cost and Content Analysis

The decision to purchase an Allegiant bundle ultimately boils down to a cost-benefit analysis. As illustrated in the example, where the $101 Total bundle more than doubled the $85 base fare, passengers must calculate whether the included perks align with their preferences and whether the cost is justified. The variability of baggage fees across routes adds an additional layer of complexity, emphasizing the importance of individualized calculations for each specific journey.

Factors such as the significance of seat selection, priority check-in, and boarding should be weighed against the corresponding fees for these services when purchased individually. Travelers seeking a more streamlined experience may find value in the bundles, while those prioritizing cost savings may opt for à-la-carte options.

Allegiant World Mastercard

The Allegiant World Mastercard offers a rewards program where cardholders earn 3x points for every dollar spent on Allegiant, including baggage fees. While it doesn’t provide a free checked bag, the points earned can help offset these expenses for frequent Allegiant Air flyers.

Benefits:

• Earn 3x points on Allegiant purchases, including baggage fees.
• Accumulate points for potential discounts or future travel within the Allegiant ecosystem.

Limitations on Baggage Fees:

• The card doesn’t offer free checked bags.

Considerations:

• Evaluate whether the reward structure aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.
• While not eliminating baggage fees, the Allegiant World Mastercard can be valuable for frequent Allegiant Air flyers.

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Wrapping Up

As we wrap up our guide on Allegiant Air baggage fees, it’s essential to understand the policy nuances for a smooth journey. Take a close look at the details for personal items, carry-ons, and checked baggage, and carefully consider the value of Allegiant’s bundles. While the Allegiant World Mastercard won’t completely eliminate fees, its rewards are particularly advantageous for frequent flyers. For pet owners, there’s a $50 in-cabin fee to keep in mind.

To make the most of your savings, consider subscribing to Matt’s Flights for exclusive alerts on cheap flights. 

By planning ahead, evaluating available bundles, and utilizing resources effectively, you can manage Allegiant’s baggage fees in a way that ensures a budget-friendly and enjoyable travel experience. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!