Jim Cuthbert

In the world of travel these days there have been quite a lot of airline players wanting your business.
Many offer deals, specials, frequent flyer miles etc. In my career as a travel counsellor I have seen many low cost carriers come and go. I used to be one of those people who thought that all Low Cost Airlines are not worth the time, effort, or try. When it comes to Allegiant, I was wrong.

The company slogan is "Travel is our deal"and they more than live up to it!

Allegiant offers not only low cost airfares but low cost packages that quite often cant be beat.
They are primarily an internet company offering low cost air and packages. The operate from the USA. For those who live in the Lower Mainland they fly out of Bellingham, just a short trip over the border and your ready to go!

This is a no-frills airline. Here are some of the "no frills"

Their seats don't recline: This I found personally to be a big plus. No one in front of me is reclining into my lap.

They don't offer in flight entertainment: Considering most flights out of Bellingham are less than three hours I can do without the latest TV show to save some money.

Buy your own food/drinks: Sadly most airlines are charging these days. Allegiant is no different that way. They don't offer any freebies like coffee, tea, water etc. You need to purchase that on-board or prior to your flight. Unlike other airlines though they take both cash and credit cards. I also found
their pricing to be pretty reasonable.

Seat Selection: Seating is automatically assigned to you unless you pre-purchase seating online. It is very straight forward and less than what it costs in Canada or USA with other airlines. Pricing varies by location on the plane. Unlike other airlines who let you check in 24 hours prior and select your seats for free they assign them automatically unless you buy them. Being from Canada I'm use to paying for seat selection and do not usually wait until 24 hours
prior anyway.

Luggage: You pay for both checked luggage and carry-on luggage. The weight limit is lower than most airlines for checked at 40 LBS. Carry-on luggage rules are a bit different from Canadian airlines. You pay for luggage above your seat in the bins but not for personal items under your seat.

Boarding Passes and Check In: They ask that you do your check in and print your own boarding passes prior to going to the airport. If you don't print your own passes they will charge you $5.00 to do it at the airport. Easy enough to do. (Save a tree etc)

VERY IMPORTANT! BE SURE TO PRE-PURCHASE LUGGAGE BEFORE YOU GO TO AIRPORT! THE AIRLINE CHARGES MORE FOR LUGGAGE PURCHASE AT THE AIRPORT CHECK-IN.




My Experience.

I flew to Los Angeles with them. Booking was done for me so when I received my tickets I noticed an error in my name. In dealing with other airlines in the past this has proven to be a costly experience. With these guys, no problem! When I got to the airport check-in counter I showed them my passport and that the ticket had errors. The counter person fixed it right away forme with no extra charges or questions. So nice to deal with people who know their job and have the ability to solve any issues right there on the spot without having to get a "supervisor"
The flight down was great. I brought my own water and snack with me on the flight so I didn't buy anything. On my return flight I bought a snack pak and a water as I didn't have time to get something at the airport.
Service on-board was great. Staff were friendly. I was really impressed with their boarding. They divide the aircraft up in zones so that boarding can be done quickly. In Bellingham you board from both the front and back of the plane so it was very quick.
When I arrived in Los Angeles I expected to wait a bit for luggage. Not the case. I had my bags and on my way within 20 minutes of
arriving. On my return to Bellingham my luggage was there within 10 minutes!

Great flights. Great Service. GREAT PRICING!



HOW TO BOOK:

Obviously through me or any travel professional at FlightCentre Associates.
We have a strong working relationship with this airline and KNOW it's one of the best out there when it comes
to your valuable time and money!
Use your time wisely and let a professional help you save time, money and headaches!