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Why does Allegiant Air need two hours of my life?
Today I'm flying to Las Vegas out of our small, national airport in Springfield, Missouri on low-fair airline Allegiant Air.Allegiant, like most other budget airlines, charges extra for virtually everything beyond the ticket price, including (for two passengers) a $44 "seat selection fee," and a $17 "convenience fee" for booking online. I feel convenienced already. Even with all the extra fees, the round trip tickets to Las Vegas are still very much affordable and on par with other carriers. But one thing that's really got my goat is their check-in policy.
You see, Allegiant doesn't offer the ability to check-in online. (Tell me, what's my "convenience fee" going towards again?) Further, the confirmation email they sent says one "must check in 2 hours prior to departure, [and] be in the gate area 30 minutes prior to departure to avoid forfeiting their reservation and all associated amenities." This means that if I don't show up at the airport two hours before departure, the $44 I spent guaranteeing my seat goes down the drain, and I may be bumped off the flight entirely.
Now I know what you're thinking: "Shouldn't you be at the airport two hours before departing anyway?" In most airports, you would be correct. But, like I said earlier, Springfield's airport (SGF) is tiny, and showing up anything more than 45 minutes before departure ensures that you'll be doing a lot of standing around, or -- in my case -- drinking overpriced beers in the bar.
The airport's minimal load means check-in and security lines are never long, and I can walk from one end of the solo concourse to the other in a few minutes. Plus, the airport's policy says you can't even pass security and enter the concourse until an hour before your departure. This means I'll be spending at least an hour waiting in the check-in area, and then another hour in the concourse at my gate. So why make me show up two hours in advance?
Allegiant: get rid of this policy in smaller airports, or get with the times and offer online check-in. Hell, charge me for the ability to check-in online if necessary; I'd rather spend a few bucks for the privilege of showing up when I want rather than sitting around the airport for two hours.
Oh well, at least I'm going to Vegas!
The airport's minimal load means check-in and security lines are never long, and I can walk from one end of the solo concourse to the other in a few minutes. Plus, the airport's policy says you can't even pass security and enter the concourse until an hour before your departure. This means I'll be spending at least an hour waiting in the check-in area, and then another hour in the concourse at my gate. So why make me show up two hours in advance?
Allegiant: get rid of this policy in smaller airports, or get with the times and offer online check-in. Hell, charge me for the ability to check-in online if necessary; I'd rather spend a few bucks for the privilege of showing up when I want rather than sitting around the airport for two hours.
Oh well, at least I'm going to Vegas!
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
KenP Feb 11th 2008 12:53PM
Haven't flown Allegiant before. Is the seat selection fee optional? (in other words, can you not pay the fee and just take an open seat?)
Also, I see there is a fee for checked bags. Their website doesn't disclose how much. How much is this fee? Does it vary by length of route?
Thanks.
Connie Jan 12th 2009 11:42AM
Ken,
When you book the flight, it is $15 per bag but when you check in and have extra it is $25 ... if you don't have the bag you already paid for, you don't get a discount. You can save the 'seat cost' by sitting where there is a seat for them to assign to you when you check in. You already paid for the ticket, the baggage, and all of the extras. If you don't get there in time, it doesn't seem legal for them to resell your seat .... hmmm..
Rick Feb 24th 2008 12:38AM
As someone who used to works at an Allegiant airport, while 2 hours might seem long, here was our thought...since the flight can hold up to 150 pax, if every one thought of going to the airport 45-30 mins before the flight took off, we would depart late. Our airport would have a terrible bottle neck at security. We only had 3 people checking in people so TSA would be backed up on luggage checks as well. We can turn the plane in 40 mins no prob, it is just getting everyone through security was our issue. Also, the people checking you in are the same ones who work the plane when it is on the ground. The plane will land 40 mins before take off. We are at the gate and unloading the plane, the same employees you are counting on to check you in and load your bags. Since we cant be two places at once, you could come in early or delay take off to take care checking in pax. And no, hiring more people is not an option. Trust me, we have asked. Sorry.
Edward Mar 13th 2008 2:10PM
To add just a comment, no, you do not have to pay for a seat. The choice is yours as I found out after I paid that I could have let them do it for no charge. No problem, I'll just remember that the next time. I did not have to pay an internet convenience fee but I would have paid one if I'd used their service directly by phone. Also, from the Tri-Cities, WA airport to Las Vegas, the baggage check is $10 for the first bag and goes up. You can also avoid that by doing carry-on. Come on, you can do it. It's amazing how much you can pack into a small space if you have to. I used one carry on for the overhead bin and one medium size carry one shoulder bag that fit under the seat. I had plenty for 7 days. In closing, Allegiant can be a very inexpensive trip if you play the game right. Sorry, no sympathy for sitting around and being "forced" to drink beer. It's your choice.
Debbie Mar 31st 2008 6:53PM
I flew allegiant this past weekend. From the 45 min. wait at the ticket counter to the unmanned/unmarked gate---tended only at boarding time, and then the allegiant employee had a back pack on, assumably containting everything necessary to work there. The only thing she used was the door, to let us board, and the phone, to page and announce. They must be a great investment---they don't SPEND any money! The only 3 things in the seat back pocket were an air sickness bag, an "in case we crash" card, and the menu, stating the prices for all consumables on board, from water to booze and snacks. The real corker came when I used the lavatory on the return flight. I went up there because the OCCUPIED light was not on, but when I reached the door it was, in fact, locked by the occupant. When I was able to get in, the commode had traces of human waste that would not flush, the toilet paper was sitting on the counter---saved $ on the spindle to hold it, I guess--
and the waste bin was full---20 minutes, and less than 5 passengers' use, into the flght! My husband had the same comment about lag time/drink consumption---all adds up to a not-so-thrifty flight!
Would not likely fly them again, and will not recommend them. On our return flight, it took a good 30 min. to have our luggage get to the carousel, and this is in a regional airport (the kind they are trying to build their schedules and reputations on!). Thanks for letting me vent---and warn others who might be considering an Allegiant flight.
karin Jul 31st 2008 6:46PM
I booked my kids return flight from Phoenix to Sioux Falls SD (another thumbnail size airport) using Allegiant they were great about booking the tickets and helping me do all that...which was fine. My problem was that since they considered my 13 year old to be an adult they refused to allow their grandmother to see them off at the departure gate. But wait, for a fee of $100 they would let her in to wait with them until they boarded the plane. Unbelieveable, that is exactly how they make up the money for offering low fare flights...mom refused to cave in and ended up watching them thru a window. They went so far as to blame TSA for it which my mother was wise enough to speak to a TSA agent who told her that the airline has done this before. I called the airline to voice my concern spoke to "Vickie" in Customer Service (boy,they really stretch that term) She started off with a nice tone but by the end she was done and made it clear.
It's true you get what you pay for... US Airways next year folks.....
John Jul 10th 2008 11:14AM
I couldn't agree with Joe more...it is a free country, and I will never fly with Allegiant again! I flew from Greensboro to Orlando in May. As it was only a two day trip, I only checked one bag. The bag was lost. 5 days later, I was told I could begin replacing the contents of the bag, and that an airline rep would contact me for settlement. $475.00 and 8 days after my trip, my bag was found. I was contacted by the clowns in Allegiant's corporate office and was told they would reimburse me for the two days I was in Florida, but not for replacing the contents of the bag - after I was told by the baggage office to begin replacing the contents! Allegiant not only screwed up my trip to watch my nephew play in the State Championship and cost me and additional $475, but they never sent the check for the reimbursement they so graciously agreed to pay! Worst airline in hoistory!!!
Steve Aug 12th 2008 11:23AM
Just got off the phone with a "customer service" rep with this den of theives called an airline. Make sure you read all the fine print before you try to cancel a flight. There is no refund. Once you book it you bought it and so now they have 500.00 to add to their bottom line.
The cs rep let me know she didn't want me "filling her ear with complaints" if I didn't read the terms. I'm not sure they know what the word service is.
i don't care what the terms say, this is just plain out right stealing!
Lori Sep 23rd 2008 4:22PM
Steve- That's how it is EVERYWHERE you can't cancel anything these days without a concelation fee or losing your money all together. I went on a Cruise, it's that way, college is that way, hotels are that way, etc. This is how these corporations make their profit! I mean, they are a low-cost airline you can't expect to get all the accomodations you would if you were paying twice as much. What's that old saying..."you get what you pay for."
cliff Nov 18th 2008 5:01PM
My wife and I fly regularly on Allegiant from Misssoula Montana to Las Vegas. We usually pay between $150 to $200 round trip for the two of us. The flight is less than two hours. Before Allegiant arrived on the scene it cost around $800 on United or Delta with a layover in Denver or Salt Lake. We have never had a problem with service. I am sure that like every other airline that flys, there are foulups, but for us it has been a real blessing having this service.
rockiesdoc Nov 20th 2008 7:38PM
Cliff,
My husband and I are thinking of flying Missoula to Las Vegas in Jan. The total is over $500 for both of us, but better than Delta or Alaska. We can't carry on luggage, too big...is that how you got good fares, or were they running one of their $59 specials? We won't pick seats either, to save a little. Glad you haven't had any problems, since some apparently have. Thanks!!
rockiesdoc
cliff Nov 21st 2008 12:49AM
We usually start checking for prices two or three weeks before we go. If you wait until around the middle of Dec. you should be able to get tickets for the first part of Jan for $29 to $59. You should check two or three times a day because they are constantly changing. We own a house in Vegas so we can be pretty flexible in choosing dates. We also usually do not check any bags or reserve seats. Good Luck. I checked today and there are several flights for Dec. at $29.
Lisa Nov 22nd 2008 7:26PM
I agree that you need to check 2-3 times a day on prices. I knew I needed to fly from Rapid City to Mesa Dec 10th, and knew I needed to return into Sioux Falls pretty close to Christmas, I ended up booking my return flight before even purchasing my outbound flight because the price dropped from $269 to $89. And that is for Dec 20th. My outbound flight went from $69 to $109, I still held out and was lucky because it went down to $29.
I did not get any of the extras, or pick my seat, but did check 1 bag each direction, I think that for $187 RT flying that close to Christmas is darn good.
I have never flown this airline before, and yes the reviews scare me, but I am willing to give them a try.
Out here in the small rural areas we dont have airports to choose from and any major airport for me is over 5 hours.
Jacob Nov 23rd 2008 10:19PM
I've used Allegiant several times and have never had a problem. The crews area all fun and personable. They do their best to make everything happen without a hitch, but like any business, things can't be 100% all the time.
All my friends give them excellent reviews, and considering they were the only airline to post a profit last quarter with the highest passenger load factor, they must be doing something right.
Jimbo Dec 14th 2008 12:40PM
I'd suggest that everyone quit whining and remember "you get what you pay for!" Going to Vegas in Feb 09. Will tell you more after i get back, but for us in rural Montana areas, Allegiant is a jewel in the rough. Don't want to fly Allegiant, then book another airlines with one or or two stops at twice the price and see if the service is any better. Walmart and Kmart are low cost operations and they turn a profit, so why not Allegiant Airlines
Wade Dec 22nd 2008 1:06AM
Wow. I fly Allegiant air 2x a year from Vegas to MN for like 4 years and only 1 time have I had a problem with them. Because of foggy crap weather they had to cancel flights out for the day. People were pissed because they had to head out 3 hrs to the next airport and catch a Northwest Airline flight if they were lucky. Or wait 4 days. This was like on Jan 2nd.
I was sick once and called them. they switched my flight without any trouble. they were very nice on the phone.. and again i asked if they could change my flight dates. this was like 2 days or the day before the flight and again, friendly and no problems. I think Allegiant works excellent and their staff is great. They even had a money in the hat thing going on and everyone put into the pot and the woman next to me won like 100 bucks. Tell me that's not fun. Other airlines have the same baggage fees. and all the other crap that Allegiant has. So stop bitchin. At Vegas their planes are always packed full. they are doing something right. Face it, airport travel just sucks so stop suckin and blowin on your whiney harmonica. I just checked today and my flight for tomorrow is at freakin 29 bucks! I paid 137 for it. But its all part of the airline game. Drink a coke and smile. Or bitch and find another "perfect" airline. I agree with other comments here. If they didnt tell you to get your ass there early. Ive never shown up 2 hrs. early. no problems. but, a lot of "Tards" would show up 10 min. to the flight time and bitch when the flight gets delayed because it's not on time. Deal with it. or drive. I had to drive 3 hrs to Minneapolis and deal with a big airport and all the fun. now i can get to the airport in 10 min. from my house and be in vegas. Thank you Allegiant!
Angelica Knight Dec 23rd 2008 5:21PM
I was lucky to get home before xmas from my allegiant flight coming from san diego to bellingham airport, WA. Just because one or two of you have had luckier experiences with them doesn't mean that the rest of us need to forgive them !! So please don't tell us to quit whining because quite frankly this airline is the cheapest, doggiest airline I've come across in my life! If you don't reserve your check-in baggage online the price goes from $15 to $25. So I'm sorry to say it why should I pay $25 for get refused a refund when my baggage is so incompetently handled to the point that it is shipped off to las vegas?? Also, the airline is ignorant. They don't know how to handle foreign travellers that need legititimate documentation to present to their travel insurers when this airline regularly loses and delays their baggage and flights. I had one allegiant staff member tell me and 2 japanese women who had had their flights cancelled and needed to pay extra for hotels that in his '5 years' of working for an airline he had never needed to write or print out anything for foreign travellers in need of proof for their travel insurance. Excuse me??? What planet are these people living on. I am now in the frustrating process of having to type out emails to their 'customer service' to get some proper documentation to my insurance, because the staff at the airport were ignorant and not trained to handle any of this necessity.
Lisa Dec 31st 2008 2:43AM
Ok, so I posted that I was going to try Allegiant, and I did. My flight from Rapid City to Mesa was great!!! No problems what so ever.
However my return flight into Sioux Falls was not pleasant. I had been watching the weather and was worried that maybe the flight wouldnt even leave due to a snow storm moving into Sioux Falls, and due to a slow security line in Mesa, (thats the excuse given by the flight crew) the plane was an hour late departing. Had we left on time, we would have been able to land, but we didnt beat the storm that moved in. We were then routed to Lincoln NE, and held in the gate area, untill I complained that we had been at the airport since 4:30 AM and some of us needed to eat. They finally let us leave the secure area to eat. We barely had time to get thru the line to order food before we were called to proceed thru security to board the plane. We were herded like cattle back onto the plane, and sat there for an hour before taking off again. We finally landed in Sioux Falls 6 hours late.
I cant say it was the airlines fault, because comming from South Dakota I know what the weather can be like, but I do feel that if we had left on time, we would not have had any trouble.
I have decided that if its important that I be somewhere on a certain day, at a certain time, that I wont fly allegiant, but if I dont care where I end up, and have all kinds of time, they are worth it.
Arjun Jan 2nd 2009 11:32AM
This past thanksgiving, I flew from south bend to las vegas and I was at first amazed at how low the price was than compared to the other airlines: $249 per person versus $409 with the cheapest price of the other airlines in my area.
I don't know, I have mixed feelings though. At one point, I'm fine with the airline in that I had no problems with their service (I didn't check any bags in). However, I can see where others are mad...
I've never been charged a seat selection fee before, especially $24 per person roundtrip, and $30 per bag is crazy. Not to mention $3, just for a beverage.
But overall, the flight was actuallly quite nice and the seats were actually fairly roomy and were even leather. The flight landed on time and I had a great weekend in vegas.
Debz Mar 26th 2009 11:01PM
Other airline flight only $409
Allegiant flight $249
Seat Selection $ 24
Checked Bag $ 30
Beverage $ 3
Total $318
Hmmmm, I'm thinking you still saved some money..............