Allegiant Air is famous for its ultra-low fares, whisking travelers away to sunny destinations without the high price tag of major carriers.
But experienced flyers know that the base fare is just the beginning.
If you aren’t careful, baggage fees can cost more than your actual ticket.
At a Glance: Allegiant Baggage Rules
Before you start packing, review this summary table. It outlines exactly what you can bring on board and what will cost you extra.
| Baggage Type | Allowance | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Fee? |
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger | 7 x 15 x 16 in (17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm) | N/A | FREE |
| Carry-On Bag | 1 per passenger | 9 x 14 x 22 in (22.9 x 35.6 x 55.9 cm) | N/A (Must lift overhead) | YES ($15 – $75+) |
| Checked Bag | Up to 4 bags | 80 linear inches (L+W+H) | 50 lbs (22.6 kg) | YES ($20 – $75+) |
The “Freebie”: Your Personal Item
Unlike some major carriers, Allegiant charges for carry-on bags. However, every passenger is guaranteed one free personal item.
To avoid fees, this item must fit completely underneath the seat in front of you.
Common examples include:
- A purse or handbag
- A laptop bag or briefcase
- A small backpack
The Catch: Allegiant’s personal item dimensions (7 x 15 x 16 inches) are slightly stricter than other airlines.
A standard high-school-sized backpack might be too large if it is stuffed full.
If the gate agent determines your bag is too big, they will charge you a gate-check fee (up to $75) to put it in the cargo hold.
Carry-On Baggage: Pay for the Overhead Bin
If you need more space than a small backpack provides, you will need to purchase a carry-on allowance. This entitles you to place one bag in the overhead bin.
Key Rules:
- Dimensions: Must not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches. This measurement includes wheels, handles, and pockets.
- Weight: There is no specific weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
Pro Tip: Carry-on fees are dynamic. They are cheapest when you buy your ticket, more expensive if added later online, and most expensive if purchased at the airport.
Checked Baggage: Rules & Weight Limits
For longer trips, checking a bag is often necessary. You can pre-purchase up to four checked bags per passenger.
Weight and Size Limits
- Standard Weight: Up to 50 lbs (22.6 kg) per bag.
- Standard Size: Up to 80 linear inches (Length + Width + Height).
Note: Some third-party sites incorrectly list the limit as 40 lbs. According to the official Allegiant Airlines baggage policy, the standard limit is 50 lbs.
Oversized and Overweight Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, get ready to pay extra. These fees are charged in addition to the standard baggage fee.
- 51 – 70 lbs: +$50.00 per segment.
- 71 – 99 lbs: +$75.00 per segment.
- Oversized (Over 80 linear inches): +$75.00 per segment.
- Over 100 lbs: Allegiant will not accept bags over 100 lbs.
Special Items and Exceptions
Not everything counts toward your baggage allowance. Allegiant adheres to FAA and ADA regulations regarding essential items.
Free of Charge items:
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes can be gate-checked or stowed for free.
- Medical Devices: CPAP machines and other necessary medical equipment do not count as your personal item.
- Child Items: You can gate-check one stroller and one car seat per fare-paying passenger for free.
- Diaper Bags: One diaper bag is allowed per paying passenger traveling with a child.
Sports Equipment
Golf clubs, skis, hockey gear, and fishing rods are generally treated as checked bags.
- They incur the standard checked bag fee.
- Allegiant waives the oversize fee for many of these items (like golf bags) provided they are in a proper case, but overweight fees still apply if they exceed 50 lbs.
5 Tips to Save Money on Baggage Fees
The base ticket price on Allegiant is low because unbundling services is their business model. Here is how to beat the system:
1. Book Bags Immediately
The golden rule of low-cost carriers: Never pay at the airport.
- Booking: Lowest price.
- Pre-Departure (Online): Higher price.
- Airport Counter: Expensive.
- Gate Check: Most expensive (up to $75).
2. Measure, Don’t Guess
Use a tape measure at home. If your carry-on wheels stick out an inch past the sizer, you could be hit with a fee.
Soft-sided duffel bags are safer than hard-shell cases because they can be squished into sizers.
3. Wear Your Luggage
Your coat doesn’t count as a carry-on. If your suitcase is overweight, wear your heaviest jacket and boots on the plane.
You can utilize the pockets in your jacket to store heavy items like portable chargers or books.
4. Consider a Bundle
Allegiant offers bundles like “Allegiant Bonus” or “Allegiant Total.” These packages combine seat selection, priority boarding, and baggage.
Sometimes, the cost of the bundle is cheaper than buying a bag and seat selection separately.
5. Share a Checked Bag
If you are traveling as a couple, it is often cheaper to pay for one large checked bag (50 lbs allowance) to share, rather than paying for two separate carry-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Allegiant weigh carry-on bags?
Generally, no. As long as you can lift it into the bin and it fits the sizer, you are usually fine. However, they are very strict about the size.
Can I bring snacks on board?
Yes! You can bring food for immediate consumption. This does not count toward your baggage limit.
Can I pool baggage weight with my family?
No. Baggage weight allowances are per bag, not per person. If you have two bags, one cannot be 60 lbs and the other 40 lbs; you will be charged for the overweight bag.
Final Thoughts
If you can pack light and stick to a personal item, you will score an incredible deal on travel. If you need more gear, pay for your bags the moment you book your ticket to secure the best rate.
Always double-check the latest updates on the Allegiant website before you head to the airport, grab your tape measure, and enjoy your trip!
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
