Ruth Haines
Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that offers inexpensive airfares and flies to several cities across the United States. Interestingly, buying tickets at the airport is often cheaper than purchasing them online. This is because Allegiant charges an electronic carrier usage charge of $18 to $22 per person, per segment, for tickets booked through their website or call center. However, if you buy your ticket at an Allegiant airport ticket counter, you can avoid paying this additional fee. While this can result in significant savings, especially for larger groups, Allegiant only makes tickets available for purchase at the airport during designated hours, typically for a limited duration after a flight's departure. Therefore, those interested in buying Allegiant tickets at the airport should carefully check the ticket sale hours for their desired location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ticket availability | Tickets are available for purchase at the airport ticket counter based on availability. |
| Ticket counter hours | Limited and vary by location. |
| Ticket sale hours | Typically one hour before or after flight departures. |
| Payment methods | Allegiant does not accept cash, checks, or money orders at any airport location. |
| Savings | Buying tickets at the airport helps avoid the "Carrier Usage Charge" or "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of $18-$22 per person, per segment. |
| Online purchase fee | $36 per person for a round trip. |
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What You'll Learn
Allegiant tickets are cheaper at the airport
Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that offers incredibly low base fares for flights to several cities across the US. However, each ticket includes an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of $22 per passenger per segment if booked through their website or call center. This is a fee that can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airport.
The "Carrier Usage Charge" is considered an optional fee because there is a way to avoid paying it—by booking at the airport. Allegiant doesn't have to pay taxes on this portion of the ticket cost because it's technically a fee rather than airfare. This saves the airline 7.5% of $22, which is approximately $1.65 per passenger. These tax savings add up when considering how many tickets Allegiant sells annually (over 15 million).
While Allegiant doesn't make it easy to book at the airport, offering limited hours for airport ticketing, it is still a great option for those who live close to the airport or are already planning to be there. By purchasing tickets at the airport, you can save a significant amount of money, especially when booking multiple tickets for a group or family.
To take advantage of this cost-saving measure, be sure to check Allegiant's website for airport ticketing hours, as they are limited and vary by location. Typically, airport ticketing is available for one hour following a flight's scheduled departure, so it's essential to plan your visit accordingly.
In summary, Allegiant tickets are indeed cheaper at the airport due to the avoidance of the "Carrier Usage Charge." While the savings may not be significant for solo travelers, they can add up for larger groups or families. Therefore, if you're looking for ways to save on your next Allegiant flight, consider purchasing your tickets at the airport during their specified ticketing hours.
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Save $22 by buying at the counter
Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that flies to several cities across the United States. While their airfares are already inexpensive, you can save even more money by buying your tickets at the airport. By purchasing your tickets at the airport ticket counter, you can avoid the "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" or "Carrier Usage Charge" of $22 per passenger per segment that is applied to tickets booked online or by phone. This fee is essentially a convenience fee, similar to what you might pay when purchasing movie or concert tickets online.
The ability to save on this fee can be especially beneficial for families or groups, as the savings can add up quickly. For example, if you're travelling with a family of four, you could save up to $88 on round-trip tickets by purchasing at the airport instead of online. This savings may be worth the inconvenience of having to go to the airport, especially if you live nearby or are already planning a trip there.
However, it's important to note that Allegiant doesn't make it particularly easy to buy tickets at the airport. Their website lists specific and limited hours during which tickets can be purchased at the airport ticket counter. These hours are typically for one hour before or after flight departures, and they vary by location. Therefore, it's crucial to check the ticket sale hours for your specific airport before heading over. Additionally, keep in mind that airport ticketing staff may not always be present during the posted hours, and you may need to be persistent in order to purchase your tickets.
Another factor to consider is that, while buying tickets at the airport can save you money on the carrier usage charge, Allegiant, like other ultra-low-cost carriers, charges additional fees for various services. These fees can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your overall travel costs. Examples of these fees include charges for choosing a seat, checked baggage, and in-flight drinks. Therefore, even with the savings on the carrier usage charge, Allegiant may still end up being more expensive than other airlines, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
In conclusion, while buying Allegiant tickets at the airport can save you $22 per passenger per segment, it's important to weigh this savings against the potential inconveniences and additional fees associated with their business model. For some travellers, particularly those in larger groups, the savings may be significant enough to make purchasing tickets at the airport worth the hassle. However, for others, the limited hours, unpredictable staffing, and additional service fees may outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual circumstances and preferences.
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Limited airport ticket counter hours
Allegiant Air is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. The airline offers incredibly low base fares, but each ticket includes an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of $22 per passenger per segment. This is because Allegiant doesn't have to pay taxes on the "Carrier Usage Charge" portion of the ticket cost since it's considered a fee rather than airfare, and there is a way to avoid paying it by booking at the airport.
However, Allegiant limits the hours during which customers can purchase tickets at the airport. While specific hours vary by location, airport ticketing is typically available for one hour following a flight's scheduled departure. This limited window of opportunity often results in a very narrow time frame during certain days of the week when customers can purchase tickets at the airport.
For example, one customer reported that their airport stated one hour after the last flight every day, but when they arrived within that timeframe, no one was there to sell them a ticket. This suggests that even within the limited hours, there may be inconsistencies or challenges in purchasing tickets at the airport.
To find the exact airport ticket counter hours, customers are advised to check with the specific airport they are travelling from. This information is subject to change due to operational necessities. It is worth noting that Allegiant does not accept cash, checks, or money orders at any airport location.
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Avoid the Carrier Usage Charge
To avoid the Allegiant "Carrier Usage Charge" of USD $22 per passenger per segment, you can book your tickets at an Allegiant airport ticket counter. This is because the charge is considered an "optional fee" which can be avoided, and therefore Allegiant does not have to pay taxes on this portion of the ticket cost.
However, Allegiant does not make it easy to purchase tickets at the airport. Airport ticketing is often only available for one hour following a flight's scheduled departure, and these hours vary by location. Therefore, to take advantage of this, you will need to time your trip to the airport carefully. It may be worth checking the relevant airport's ticketing hours on the Allegiant website before you go.
It is worth noting that Allegiant does not accept cash, checks, or money orders at any airport location. You will also need to consider the cost of parking at the airport, as well as the time spent waiting in line, which could make purchasing tickets at the airport inconvenient.
Overall, while buying tickets at the airport can save you money, especially if you are travelling as a large group, it may not always be worth the effort.
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Check ticket sale hours online
When it comes to purchasing Allegiant tickets at the airport, it's important to note that the airline doesn't make it very convenient or straightforward. This is because Allegiant wants to discourage passengers from taking advantage of a loophole that allows them to avoid paying the "Carrier Usage Charge" or "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" fee of $$22 per passenger per segment. This fee is essentially a made-up charge that helps Allegiant reduce the taxes they have to pay on ticket costs.
To avoid this fee, you can opt to book your tickets at any Allegiant airport ticket counter. However, the hours for purchasing tickets at the airport are often very limited and vary by location. Typically, airport ticketing is available only for a short period, such as one hour, following a flight's scheduled departure. This means there might be just a small window of time on specific days when you can purchase tickets at the airport.
To find out the exact ticket sale hours for your desired airport, it's recommended to check online. You can visit Allegiant's website or use Google Maps to locate the airport and view its operating hours. Keep in mind that the hours listed are subject to change due to operational needs, so always check for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some airports may provide limited hours for purchasing future travel tickets, allowing you to save on the round-trip fee.
Checking ticket sale hours online is a straightforward process. You can start by visiting the official website of the specific airport you plan to fly from. Navigate to the page dedicated to ticketing or customer service, where you should find information about their operating hours. Alternatively, you can use online search engines or travel websites to look up the airport's ticket counter hours. These sources often provide updated information, but it's always a good idea to cross-reference with multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
In addition to checking ticket sale hours, it's worth noting that Allegiant accepts various payment methods for ticket purchases. They do not accept cash, checks, or money orders at any airport location. Therefore, ensuring you have a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, is essential when planning to buy tickets at the airport. Remember to also bring your confirmation number and a government-issued photo ID if you need an agent to print your boarding pass.
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Frequently asked questions
Buying Allegiant tickets at the airport is cheaper than buying them online or over the phone because you don't have to pay the "Carrier Usage Charge" or “Electronic Carrier Usage Charge” fee.
Allegiant sells tickets at the airport during designated times, usually for one hour before or after a flight's departure. Ticket sale hours should be posted on the Allegiant website or the airport's website, but you may have to visit the airport in person to find out the hours at some locations.
Anyone can buy Allegiant tickets at the airport, and you don't have to be traveling that day. However, Allegiant only sells tickets during limited hours, so it may not be worth going out of your way unless you are buying tickets for a large group.
