4 Ways to Avoid or Reduce Baggage Fees on Allegiant

When shopping for flights to your next destination of choice, you may find Allegiant Air has some of the most reasonable fares in your search results. With 23 destinations within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Allegiant prides itself on offering low fares and nonstop flights without all the hassle that often comes with air travel.

Allegiant can be a great choice for regional travel when you don’t have many bags to take with you. Why is that? While its fares may be low, this airline charges fees for baggage that other carriers may allow on board for free. Here’s a look at Allegiant Air baggage fees and how you can avoid them on your next trip, including a few strategies with credit cards.

What is Allegiant’s baggage policy?

Like most airlines, Allegiant charges fees for checked bags and has guidelines around baggage allowances. It also charges for carry-on items that are not considered personal items. Here’s what you can expect when flying with Allegiant.

Carry-on baggage and personal items

Each passenger is allowed one free personal item at no charge. Personal items are defined as bags with a maximum size of 8 inches x 14 inches x 18 inches that fit under the seat in front of you. They can include purses, laptop bags, or small backpacks.

You can also bring one carry-on bag for a fee, which can range from $10 to $75. Carry-on luggage can have wheels and handles, but it must be able to fit in an overhead compartment and be smaller than 10 inches x 16 inches x 22 inches. 

 A roll-aboard bag, garment bag, or tote bag fitting within the size limits could qualify. That said, there may be occasions when the overhead bins fill up, and you are required to gate-check your carry-on baggage.

Jackets, small umbrellas, food to be eaten during the flight, medical equipment, and diaper bags may be brought on board for free. Car seats, strollers, assistive devices, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs can be checked at the gate if necessary for no charge. Oversized personal items or excess baggage in the form of carry-ons can have a fee of $50 to $75 added.

Checked bags

Passengers are allowed to check up to four bags, which can be no heavier than the 50-pound weight limit and no larger than 80 linear inches. How much of a checked baggage fee you’ll be charged depends on a few factors.

The Allegiant website provides a calculator to help you determine the baggage fees for both checked luggage and carry-on bags. It asks for your home and destination airports as well as the date of departure. Based on this information, you’ll get three prices that generally range from $25 to $50. 

The exact cost depends on whether you pay for bags at the time of booking, pre-departure, or at the airport check-in. The least-expensive fees apply when you pay at booking, while the most-expensive is charged at the airport.

For example, for an Allegiant flight from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Louisville, KY, on March 31, 2023, the following fees would apply:

• Checked bag paid at booking: $28
• Checked bag paid pre-departure: $45
• Checked bag paid at the airport: $50

Additional charges for excess, oversized baggage, or overweight bags will also apply. Expect to add $50 for bags weighing 40-70 pounds and $75 for overweight baggage weighing 71-100 pounds or larger than 80 linear inches. Additional charges may also apply to sporting equipment such as golf bags, skis, and snowboards if they exceed the size requirements and/or weight restrictions.

How to avoid or reduce checked bag fees on Allegiant

No one wants to pay more for flying than absolutely necessary, especially when you get a great fare and don't want to be hit by additional fees. There are some practical ways to cut through some of these Allegiant Airlines baggage fees.

1. Only take a personal item

Packing light is always a good idea when you travel. But when your airline charges for carry-on bags, taking only a small bag can save you quite a bit of money.

Forget bringing toiletries you can buy for cheap when you get to your destination; just about every town has someplace you can purchase travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, and other necessities at inexpensive prices. 

This simple step allows you to focus on packing only what you absolutely need, such as clothing and important medications, and may be well worth foregoing a carry-on fee.

2. Pay for baggage during booking

Allegiant wants to encourage customers to pay for their bags during booking and discourage travelers from spending time at the airport sorting out their baggage. This is why Allegiant’s fee structure places the least-expensive option during booking and the most expensive at the airport.

Your best bet is to thoroughly consider what bags you’ll take on your trip before you book your ticket. During the booking process, specify the number and type of bags you'll bring and then pay the fees along with the airfare.

3. Bring your military documentation

Allegiant waives some baggage fees for active-duty military, veterans, and military families. They include:

• One free carry-on bag
• Up to three free checked bags
• Up to one free pet in the cabin
• Free oversize checked baggage

This policy applies to active and reserve duty members of the military and National Guard, U.S. military veterans, spouses, and dependents with valid identification. 

P.S. There are also other ways members of the military can save big by using credit cards.

4. Use a travel credit card

Though Allegiant offers a credit card you can use to earn miles that can be used toward flight purchases, it doesn't rank among the best airline credit cards because it doesn’t provide a benefit for baggage fees. However, there are several general travel rewards cards available that enable you to either earn miles that can apply to travel expenses or provide an annual allowance toward purchases, such as baggage fees.

For example, one of the best travel credit cards is the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® gives cardholders $300 per year that can be applied to travel expenses, including baggage fees. Alternatively, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn miles by using the card for purchases. Those miles can then be redeemed for statement credits toward past travel purchases.

FAQs

Bottom line

Baggage fees are never fun to pay, even when you get a great deal on your airline ticket. However, there are usually some ways to lessen the cost — and sometimes forego paying baggage fees altogether. A little research and planning can really add up to travel savings for your next trip.

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