Discussions

What is the best way to use this airline ? Booking it totally online or going through a travel agent here or going to the US and booking it through there ? The prices seem very reasonable but I think the baggage and administration fees add up a bit ? Would like to use it this March to watch some baseball down in Phoenix . Also will be looking to rent a place in Mesa for a couple of weeks. Doesn't have to be really fancy don't want to break the bank but a pool would be nice . Anyone from up here have any experience with getting places down there ?

We have flown Allegiant from Grand Forks to Florida. I'm not sure it was cheaper in the end with gas to Grand Forks, a nights hotel, the exchange rate and they fact they nickel and dime you to death for every item.  
 
No problems with the flight though when booking I didn't realize how far Sanford Florida was from Orlando. I would use them again if the price was right but factor in gas, and exchange etc.

Just got back from a weekend in Vegas, flew from Minot. We paid for one carry-on bag between the two of us. It was definately cheaper than driving to Winnipeg and flying from there. We always book Allegiant online, I don't think there would be any advantage to booking in person or through a travel agent.

curlysister said "Just got back from a weekend in Vegas, flew from Minot. We paid for one carry-on bag between the two of us. It was definately cheaper than driving to Winnipeg and flying from there. We always book Allegiant online, I don't think there would be any advantage to booking in person or through a travel agent. "

Just book Allegiant online. Why pay the extra fees to an agent?  
 
I have used them many times to go to US destinations and never had any issue. Especially if you are going to Arizona, Sanford or Vegas - those are their bread and butter routes so they run them well. No, it is not a comfy flight - it is cramped, it is economy - but the crazy savings I find are worth it.  
 
I did not find the extras that unfair given you have to pay all those extra fees with every airline now. Even parking in Winnipeg for a week will run you over a hundred bucks. We had to fly out of Winnipeg last time due to an overbooking issue here with Westjet and the ten day stay cost us $180 - in the outdoor parking lot!! (Lucky that time Westjet reversed that fee for us since it was their fault)  
 
We just drive down to Minot or Bismark when using Allegiant, parking was about 50 bucks last time we went anywhere. You really don't need a hotel, you just leave early and drive.

Used Allegiant a few years back out of Bismarck . Stayed at the Best Western close to the airport and got a shuttle. Also the hotel let me leave my car there for free . That probably doesn't happen much anymore . Definitely not in Winnipeg. Too bad they didn't fly south to Mexico but I realize that's not there objective . Need a good cheaper alternative to flying to sun destinations like Southwest Airlines for example but we don't have that luxury here .

At a hotel in Winnipeg is quite common. I have done so a few times, most recently CanadInns PP in July.

We have a place in Mesa. Fly allegiant 4-5 times a year. Book on line. Look at various sites to rent. Do the same for car rental on line. Not very difficult. Pm me if you want help.

Sandford is a regional airport about 20ish minutes from Orlando International.  
 
It is always way faster to get through the airport and you have already cleared US customs saving that time as well. Additionally, the car rentals are much faster.  
 
I would love if they would add a Sanford from Minot!

If you fly into Mesa on Allegiant I found that if you have a Costco membership the best car rental rates were often booking the rental car directly through the Costco website. The airport rental cars are more expensive . Paying for a short cab ride from airport to close by car rental locations can also save you money.

The advantages are:  
 
- going through customs at the border instead of in an airport  
- if you stay over in Minot, Fargo, Bismarck - you can book a hotel and get a shuttle, they keep your car in their parking lot for free AND come and pick you up when you return - the cost of a hotel in the US is probably cheaper than airport parking fees if you are gone more than a week from a Canadian airport.  
 
- even including exchange and costs for luggage and picking seats, it is still considerably cheaper than Canadian airlines or other US airlines. You can save even more by not selecting your seats or not carrying/checking bags.  
 
- since most flights are direct, I find if you have to carry on a bag, you might as well just check a bag, it is only about $10-15 more and you get so much more space, and don't have to mess with it for security. When I fly with my family we check 2 bags for 6 of us instead of 4-6 carry on bags, it is much cheaper and we had plenty of space and didn't have to worry about what was in them (liquids, etc) They don't lose your luggage, and they unload very quickly.  
 
- always book your luggage at the time you reserve the tickets - it is much more expensive to do last minute.  
 
- never pay for 'priority' boarding. It is a waste. There are about 100 people on the plane. If you pay for 'priority boarding' you get to stand up and be in line 5 minutes before everyone else. If you don't, you get to sit down for five more minutes.  
 
- they get you on seat selection since you have to pay to pick seats for each passenger and each way you fly. That adds up quickly if you want to fly as a family. If you don't care where you sit you can really save money - it is great when you are flying alone! The good news is there won't be any surprises, if you pay to sit beside your kid, that is your spot. You paid for it and nobody will make you switch.  
 
 
- sometimes the hotel or car rental deals are actually pretty good, so if you need a hotel and car do some quick comparison shopping, check out the rates and the ratings on Expedia and if you find a good deal through Allegiant, take it. It is easy to have it all booked/paid for at once. We ended up with a fantastic 2 bedroom resort/condo for 7 days in Orlando for $600. There were lots of similar deals for Orlando/Sanford.  
 
- they also get you on trip cancellation/insurance. It is expensive to add on - probably better to add your own through CAA or whatever company you use so you can pick a policy that suits your needs (car rental insurance, medical, whatever) instead of just whatever Allegiant offers.  
 
- the dates/flights are somewhat limited so they often only fly 2-3 days a week, or one flight back and forth every day. It is easier to plan your trip around Allegiant's flights than it is to find flights to match your schedule.  
 
That is all I can think of. It isn't fancy but we would never go anywhere if we had to fly out of Canada.

Check the dimensions of the 'free' personal item you are able to carry on vs. the dimensions of the carry-on that you might pay $25-$30 for.  
 
Most backpacks or grocery totes will fit those dimensions. Why pay $30 for a few inches of space and suitcase wheels? If you have a purse or computer bag to carry, put it INSIDE a tote or backpack along with a change of clothes, toothbrush and whatever else you carry on. That is free to bring on and fits under the seat so it is easily accessible during your flight, unlike the carry-on which must be stowed in the compartment above.  
 
If you do pay for a checked bag, make use of your 'personal item' space to bring things with you on board. It is bigger than you think!