If you are anything like me, I am always looking for a deal or a way to save money while traveling. While flying is one of more expensive parts of traveling, there are still ways to save money. One of those ways is flying with a budget airline. While I do not recommend flying long haul budget flights, I do think they are a great option for short trips.
Allegiant is my preferred budget airline. They tend to fly into smaller airports, so they are a great option for trips that take you to smaller and less popular cities. However, some of these small airports are located near major metropolitan areas. Here are some of the cities Allegiant flies out of:
| Austin, TX | Chicago (Midway) |
| Charlotte | Fort Lauderdale |
| Charleston | Las Vegas |
| Los Angeles | Nashville |
| New Orleans | New York |
| Oakland | Orlando |
| Tampa/St.Pete | Savannah |
Katie has also flown them a few times to Asheville from St. Pete! For a full list of the routes from your closest airport, see here.
One thing to note about budget airlines is that they make you pay for everything, so if you are okay with getting the bare bones, then Allegiant and other companies like them are for you.
Specifically with Allegiant, every passenger can bring one free personal item. This can be a purse or backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. As an overpacker myself, this is always a challenge, but with the purchase of an under the seat bag, I have been able to swing only bringing a personal item for a long weekend trip. Here is my favorite under the seat bag that passes the check for every budget airline.
Pro tip: if you buy some stuff while on your trip bring it to the airport in a plastic bag. These do not count as personal items and have been a great hack when I come home with more than I left with.
If one bag is not enough, you can purchase one carry-on bag and up to 4 checked bags. Check bags can only be 40lbs, not 50lbs, like most airlines allow, so be sure to weigh your luggage before arriving at the airport. With Allegiant specifically, it is $20 each way for a carry-on and only an extra $5 to check a bag each way.
To save additional money, skip the seat selection. While you are likely to get the middle seat, it is a good way to save some extra money.
Although budget airlines have their bad press, I personally think they are a great option for those who do not need all the frills with traveling. Instead, plan to spend the extra money on memories you are going to make at your destination rather than on free soda and a window seat.