I don't mind it. Never had a problem other than fog and that wasn't there fault. They do charge extra for everything but we've never paid for seat assignments and always sit together.

I flew to Orlando (Sanford) out of Lexington last year. It was a good flight. You do pay for baggage (have to for many airlines now). I am not sure about seat assignments, as I was traveling with colleagues for a conference and we didn't request to sit together.

I have never flown on Allegiant but I interviewed for a job with them at their Las Vegas headquarters about 5 years ago. They have an interesting business model. They buy older, less fuel efficient planes from the major airlines and refurbish them. They fly only non-stop to a few destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, etc. Their goal is to minimize their capital investment and fly out of regional airports. They generally do not compete directly with the major airlines on the routes that they fly.

 

Allegiant may have changed their business strategy in the past five years, but they were very profitable at a time when many airlines were losing money. I was impressed with their operation but I accepted a job offer in DC a couple of days after my interview in Las Vegas.

 

I think that is a great business model. Go places direct that the major airlines make you connect to is a winner. I have been telling people for the last couple years there is an opportunity there. The key obviously is routes that will get enough traffic.

I have flown them to Ft.Myers/Punta Gorda many times. Flight is always full and I've never once had an issue.

The real only major issue is if they have a mechanical, crew member sick, etc.. they have no ticketing agreement with the main airlines so you are stuck until they can get another aircraft to you or in some cities it's the following day. Doesn't happen often but I've seen it a few times over the years. On any of the main airlines they will put you on another carrier.

Got friends who fly them alot; The main thing for them is they have homes

in Florida along with their homes here, so no baggage really required. The one guy

and his wife fly with them all the time and they love it.