Yes. Allegiant charges a route‑based fee for any carry‑on bag larger than the free personal item.
Quick Look At The Charges
| When You Add The Bag | Carry‑On Fee (USD) | How To Add |
|---|---|---|
| During booking | $18 – $35 | Website or App |
| Before check‑in | $45 | Manage Trip |
| Airport counter | $50 | Ticket Desk |
| At the gate | $75 | Gate Agent |
Personal Item Vs. Carry‑On
Every traveler may take one personal item free of charge. It must fit under the seat and stay within 7 × 15 × 16 inches. Typical examples are small backpacks, purses or laptop sleeves.
A carry‑on sits in the overhead bin and may measure up to 9 × 14 × 22 inches. Anything bigger will be treated as checked baggage or refused at the gate.
Why The Airline Charges
Allegiant sells basic fares and unbundles extras. By pricing overhead bags, the carrier speeds up boarding, trims cabin weight, and keeps base tickets low.
How To Pay Less
The timing of purchase matters more than route distance. Reserve the bag while booking. If plans change, add it online no later than 24 hours before departure to dodge airport rates.
Bundle packages such as the “Trip Flex” upgrade often include a carry‑on plus a checked bag for less than buying them separately.
Another trick is to downsize to an under‑seat backpack. Many 25‑liter models fit the personal item template when not stuffed.
Gate‑Side Surprises
If your bag is tagged oversize at boarding, expect the $75 gate fee. The charge is per segment and must be paid immediately. The bag travels in the hold and meets you at baggage claim.
Other Rules To Know
The weight cap is 35 lb for carry‑ons. Heavy bags may move to checked status. Liquids inside must still follow the TSA 3‑1‑1 rule.
Sports gear like skateboards or musical instruments counts as a paid carry‑on if it fits the sizing box.
Allowed Accessories
Coats, umbrellas, duty‑free purchases and assistive devices never count toward the allowance. You may also bring a child safety seat if you bought a separate ticket for the infant.
Fee Variation By Route
Allegiant posts route‑specific tables 72 hours before departure. A midpoint of about $23 one way is common on domestic hops, while longer leisure routes can edge toward the top of the range.
| Item Type | Max Size (in) | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 7×15×16 | Free |
| Carry‑on | 9×14×22 | $18–$75 |
| Checked bag | 80 linear | $23–$75 |
Comparison With Mainline Carriers
Legacy airlines let each customer roll one bag aboard for no extra fee. Allegiant’s model mirrors other ultra‑low‑cost lines that price overhead space as a premium.
When two people fly together, sharing one paid carry‑on and each bringing a personal item often costs less than checking a single suitcase.
Is Paying Worth It?
If your trip lasts more than three nights, a carry‑on is handy. On a weekend escape, a well‑packed personal item plus laundry pods may suffice. Gauge both weight and souvenir space before deciding.
Booking Walk‑Through
On the fare page, click “Add Bags”. A pop‑up shows personal item as included and displays carry‑on pricing for your itinerary. Select quantity “1”, press save, and watch the total update.
If you skipped this step, open “Manage Trip” later. Enter confirmation code, repeat the process, and lock the price before online check‑in opens.
Examples From Real Itineraries
Orlando – Asheville in spring showed $23 when added at booking, $45 after check‑in opened, and $50 at the counter; gate rate stayed $75.
Las Vegas – Boise listed $30 at booking and $55 just before travel. Checked baggage on that route started at $25, cheaper than a late carry‑on.
Bundled Upgrades
“Allegiant Bonus” adds seat choice. “Allegiant Total” folds in a carry‑on, a checked bag, Trip Flex coverage, and priority boarding for less than individual add‑ons.
Packing Tips To Pass The Sizer
Pick soft‑sided luggage and fill gaps with clothing after the gate agent measures it. Place dense items like shoes near the base so the bag stays upright.
Compression cubes shrink clothes without adding bulk. Keep toiletries in the outer pocket so you can remove the pouch for security without opening the suitcase.
Slip a reusable tote in the side panel. On return, move dirty laundry to the tote and fit souvenirs into the structured bag.
Weigh Before You Go
A pocket‑size luggage scale saves money. Hook it, lift, and adjust contents until the reading stays under 35 lb.
Enforcement At Smaller Airports
Regional stations have fewer staff yet scan every bag. Many use metal frames at boarding; if your bag glides through, you’re clear. If not, the agent prints an orange tag and sends the item to the hold with the hefty gate fee.
Children And Strollers
Parents may gate‑check one stroller and one car seat free of charge. Folding wagons count as strollers if they collapse.
Carry‑On Vs. Shipping
Traveling with sports gear or trade show kits? Third‑party shippers such as LugLess or UPS Ground can beat multiple gate fees, especially on the return.
Special Items
Wedding dresses ride free as carry‑ons if they fit the bin and you bought early boarding. Guitars qualify provided they meet dimension rules.
Comparison Snapshot
Spirit and Frontier levy similar carry‑on rates but allow 40 lb. Southwest includes two checked bags yet has higher base fares. Delta and United permit overhead bags yet charge for the first checked suitcase.
Choosing The Best Option
If your route is nonstop on Allegiant and you can pack in an under‑seat bag, the savings beat connecting elsewhere. Need a large suitcase? Mainline carriers might cost less after fees.
Final Boarding Checklist
- Pre‑pay your carry‑on.
- Print or download the boarding pass to avoid desk fees.
- Verify bag size at home with a tape measure.
- Place liquids in a clear quart bag for TSA screening.
- Arrive early; overhead space is first‑come.
Main Takeaway
Know the rules, stay within published limits, and act early. That turns Allegiant’s fee schedule from a nasty surprise into a manageable cost of a low‑fare adventure.