Can you choose seats on Allegiant Air?

Allegiant Air, a popular ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States, has made a name for itself by offering affordable air travel to leisure travelers. Serving more than 100 destinations across the U.S., Allegiant’s business model focuses on providing budget-friendly flights while allowing passengers to customize their experience through various add-ons, including seat selection. For those planning to fly with Allegiant, the option to choose seats is an important consideration. This article will explore in-depth the Allegiant Air seat selection process, how it works, what the associated costs are, and whether or not it’s worth the extra charge.

Allegiant Air Seat Selection: How It Works?

Allegiant Air allows passengers to select their seats in advance for an additional fee. This seat selection can be made during the booking process or added later via the airline’s “Manage Travel” feature on its website or mobile app. However, if a passenger opts not to pay for seat selection, Allegiant will assign a seat randomly at no additional charge upon check-in. This means that passengers who want a guaranteed seat—such as an aisle, window, or seat near traveling companions—will need to pay extra.

Steps to Follow during Allegiant Air Seat Selection 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how can choose your seat when booking with Allegiant Air:

1. Booking Process: When you book a flight on the Allegiant Air website, the system will prompt you to select your seats after you have entered your passenger information. You will be shown a seating chart for your flight, where available seats will be displayed.

2. Seat Map: The seat map displays available seats in different colors, indicating their price or category. Seats near the front of the plane or exit rows, which offer extra legroom, typically cost more than standard seats.

3. Pricing: Allegiant offers different prices depending on the location of the seat. Standard seats are priced lower, while premium seats (like those in the exit row or closer to the front) command a higher fee. The fees vary anywhere between $0 – $80, depending on your fee type, and discounts if any. 

4. Confirmation: After choosing your seat, the total cost of your flight will be updated to include the seat selection fee. Once you confirm your selection, you can proceed with the payment.

5. Seat Changes: If, after booking your flight, you wish to change your seat selection, you can do so by logging into the “Manage Travel” section on Allegiant’s website or app. Any changes to your seat may incur additional fees, depending on the seat you switch to.

How Seat Assignment Works Without Selection?

If you decide not to choose a seat, Allegiant Air will randomly assign you one when you check in, which can be done 24 hours before departure. There’s no guarantee that you will be seated next to your traveling companions if you choose this option, as seats are assigned based on availability at the time of check-in.

Types of Seats Available on Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air has various types of seats available for selection, and they differ based on their location and features:

1. Standard Seats: These seats are the most affordable option for passengers who prefer not to spend too much on seat selection. Standard seats are located throughout the cabin, but their comfort level and legroom are similar across all seats.
2. Premium Seats: Passengers can choose premium seats if they want to sit in the front of the plane or seats with extra legroom. These seats typically come with a higher price tag than standard seats. Premium seats include:
   1. Seats near the front: Ideal for passengers who want to deplane faster upon arrival. These seats are convenient for those who need to make tight connections or want to avoid the rush when leaving the aircraft.
   2. Exit row seats: These seats offer more legroom than the standard rows but come with additional responsibilities, as passengers seated in these rows must assist in case of an emergency evacuation. Passengers must meet certain requirements to sit in exit row seats, including age and physical ability.
3. Allegiant Extra: Some flights feature Allegiant Extra seats, which offer additional perks such as extra legroom and priority boarding. These seats are available for an added cost and are ideal for travelers who value comfort during their journey.

Cost of Allegiant Air Seat Selection

The cost of selecting a seat on Allegiant Air varies depending on several factors, including the seat’s location on the plane, the flight route, and when the seat is selected. Here’s a general breakdown of how pricing works:

1. Standard Seat Prices: Standard seats typically range from $0 (if randomly assigned) to around $12-$18 if selected in advance. However, prices may fluctuate based on the demand for the particular flight.
2. Premium Seat Prices: Premium seats, such as those near the front or in the exit rows, usually cost more. These can range from $18 to $30, depending on the flight and availability. Allegiant Extra seats are generally the most expensive due to the added comfort and priority perks.
3. Price Variations: The cost of seat selection can vary based on the route you are flying. For instance, on shorter domestic flights, seat selection may be more affordable, while longer routes or peak travel periods may have higher fees. Allegiant regularly updates its pricing, so it’s important to check the cost during the booking process.
4. Group Seating Fees: If you’re traveling with family or a group, you might want to ensure that you’re seated together. In this case, paying for seat selection becomes crucial, as Allegiant’s random assignment process does not guarantee that people traveling together will be seated next to each other.

Read Also: Allegiant Airlines EWR Terminal

Is Allegiant Air Seat Selection Worth It?

Whether or not it’s worth paying for seat selection on Allegiant Air depends on your personal preferences, travel needs, and budget. Let’s explore some scenarios to help you decide if choosing a seat is the right option for you:

Advantages of Allegiant Air Seat Selection

1. Seating with Companions: If you’re traveling with family or friends and want to sit together, paying for seat selection can offer peace of mind. Since Allegiant’s random assignment does not guarantee that passengers will be seated together, choosing your seats in advance is the only way to ensure you’ll be near your companions.

2. Exit Row and Extra Legroom: If you prioritize comfort on a flight, particularly when it comes to legroom, selecting a premium seat, such as an exit row or Allegiant Extra seat, is worth considering. This can make a significant difference on longer flights or for passengers who are tall and need more space to stretch.

3. Preferred Seating Location: Some passengers prefer sitting near the front of the plane for quick boarding and deplaning, while others may prefer a window or aisle seat for personal comfort. If you have a strong preference for where you sit, it’s worth paying the seat selection fee to avoid any last-minute surprises.

4. Avoiding Anxiety: Some travelers find it stressful not knowing where they will sit until the day of the flight. Opting for seat selection allows you to lock in your preferred seat ahead of time, reducing any potential anxiety about seating arrangements.

When Seat Selection Might Not Be Necessary?

1. Flying Solo: If you’re traveling alone and don’t have a preference for where you sit, allowing Allegiant to assign a random seat can save you some money. As long as you’re not picky about an aisle or window seat, you might not feel the need to pay extra.

2. Short Flights: For short domestic flights, where you’ll be in the air for an hour or two, seat selection may not be as important. On such flights, comfort might be less of a priority, and saving money by opting out of seat selection could be a smart choice.

3. Budget Considerations: For budget-conscious travelers, the additional fee for seat selection may not seem worthwhile, especially if your goal is to keep costs as low as possible. In this case, it’s easy to skip the seat selection fee and let the airline assign you a seat during check-in.

Additional Considerations for Seat Selection on Allegiant Air

Before you decide whether or not to select your seat on Allegiant Air, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:

Early Check-In for Better Seats

Even if you choose not to pay for seat selection, checking in as early as possible—typically 24 hours before your flight—might increase your chances of getting a more desirable seat. While there’s no guarantee, passengers who check in earlier might be assigned better seats than those who wait until the last minute.

Group Travel and Children

If you’re traveling with young children, Allegiant Air may take this into account when assigning seats during check-in, although there’s no formal guarantee that families will be seated together unless seats are selected in advance. For peace of mind, it may be worth paying the fee to ensure that parents and children are seated together.

Special Needs Passengers

Passengers with special needs, such as those requiring wheelchair assistance, are encouraged to notify the airline ahead of time. Allegiant does its best to accommodate passengers with disabilities or special requirements, but advanced seat selection can help ensure the necessary accommodations are met.

How Allegiant Air Seat Selection Compares to Other Airlines?

Compared to traditional airlines, Allegiant Air’s seat selection process operates similarly to other ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. All three of these airlines offer low base fares and charge extra for add-ons like seat selection, checked baggage, and onboard refreshments. However, traditional carriers such as Delta, American Airlines, and United often include free seat selection (or at least basic seating) in the ticket price, though premium seats may still incur an additional charge.

Allegiant Air seat selection fees are generally in line with industry standards for ultra-low-cost carriers. While some passengers appreciate the ability to customize their flight experience with add-ons like seat selection, others may prefer all-inclusive pricing models offered by traditional carriers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Allegiant Air offers passengers the flexibility to choose their seats for an additional fee, allowing them to customize their in-flight experience based on preferences and budget. While seat selection can provide peace of mind, comfort, and the ability to sit with companions, it’s not always necessary—especially for solo travelers or those on short flights. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pay for a seat on Allegiant Air depends on your travel priorities and your willingness to trade a bit of convenience for cost savings.

By understanding how Allegiant Air seat selection works, the types of seats available, and the associated costs, passengers can make an informed decision that best suits their travel needs.

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