Allegiant Air is one of the largest low-cost airlines in the United States of America. It’s base of operations is located in Enterprise, Nevada which isn’t too far from LasVegas.

Allegiant Air was first formed in 1997 with the name ‘WestJet Express’, although various disputes meant that the company needed to be renamed to Allegiant Air. In 1999 the company made its first flight. This was between LasVegas and Fresno, California.

In 2000 the company filed for bankruptcy protection. However one of the major creditors of the company came to the rescue and helped turn Allegiant Air into the budget airline it is today. This plan was remarkably successful. By targeting routes that larger airlines didn’t cover they managed to escape bankruptcy in 2002. From this point on the company has gone from strength to strength, becoming a Public Limited Company in 2006 with the code AGLT.

Allegiant Air’s focus is more towards the leisure industry. A great deal of their routes travel from the colder climates of North America to the warmer parts of the country such as Tampa Bay. The service is not geared towards frequent fliers, and therefore not many business users choose to fly via Allegiant Air.

The company is able to charge such low prices as they charge larger amounts for on services. This includes food, souvenirs and drinks. It is estimated that $33.00 per person is spent whilst on the flight. Of course this business model has to be well planned in order to be successful otherwise losses can be made. Allegiant Air have been criticized recently for pulling out of loss making ventures quickly before they have even had a chance to make a profit.

Low operating costs have also helped keep the price of tickets down. For example flying to lesser serviced airports, hiring check-in counters by the hour and purchasing older, but still serviceable aircraft. They have even taken away their Toll-Free number. Although each of these does seem like over kill and something that should be included as standard with airlines it really has helped keep costs down, which are in turn passed onto the consumer.

Allegiant Air has a number of ‘focus cities’ which offer non-stop services to a number of different destinations throughout the country. You will be able to fly to places such as Los Angeles, Charlotte County, Orlando Sanford and St Petersburg via Allegiant Air. There are over 79 different destinations in most states that you can reach from these airports. It really is worth looking into whether Allegiant Air will service your town, the savings you make are unbelievable.

If you are looking for the no thrills approach to air travel then I really do suggest taking a look at Allegiant Air. Whilst you may not get close to your final destination, as the airports they fly to are generally ‘out of the way’ the savings you make by flying with them will more than offset this inconvenience. Allegiant Air’s website is here.