Is Allegiant Air Safe in 2025? [Latest Ratings & Records]

In one word, yes, Allegiant Air is considered a safe airline to fly within the US. It is possibly as safe as any other low-cost airline operating in the United States, and it has never experienced a fatal accident.

Allegiant offers scheduled, nonstop service from more than 110 cities in the United States. Allegiant does not provide one-stop or connecting flights; all of its flights are nonstop. Additionally, the business is authorized to provide charter services to Mexico and Canada.

In addition to their fleet and maintenance practices, safety procedures, and the safety and experience of passengers on Allegiant Airlines flights, we will examine the airline’s safety record and operating standards in the article below.

Is Allegiant Air Safe?

Is Allegiant Air Safe

Yes, Allegiant Air is one of the safest airlines, with no fatalities since its inception. It has a good track record of operating planes safely. However, the airline has experienced some mechanical issues throughout the years, including unsuccessful takeoffs and unscheduled landings. Additionally, there were some reports of numerous mid-air malfunctions, cabin pressure drops, and unscheduled landings.

Although in an effort to address safety issues, he airline upgraded to an Airbus fleet, and it has made significant progress in reducing the frequency of mechanical problems in recent years. Despite previous criticism for its safety, the airline is widely recognized as a safe airline.

Allegiant’s Safety Record:

Like many low-cost airlines, Allegiant Air has a mixed safety record. Compared to other airlines in the industry, Allegiant Air’s overall safety record is considered average, despite a few prior safety issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reviewed and approved Allegiant Airlines’ operational requirements and its current Air Operator Certificate, which enables it to fly within the United States. The following are important details about its safety:

  • Accident History: Since its establishment in 1997, Allegiant has experienced several incidents and accidents, none of which have resulted in fatalities. The airline has come under fire for emergency landings and mechanical problems.
  • FAA: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates Allegiant in the same way that it does other American airlines. Allegiant has worked to enhance its safety procedures in recent years, and routine maintenance checks and inspections are required.
  • Safety Concern: Allegiant’s proactive approach to safety concerns has included pilot training, investing in its fleet, and enhancing maintenance procedures.

Allegiant Air Fleet and Aircraft Maintenance

Allegiant Airlines’ fleet is mostly comprised of older aircraft, including Airbus A319, A320, and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series planes. Older airplanes, while still safe when properly maintained, require more maintenance than newer aircraft.

However, with a plan to replace the outdated Airbus McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series with the Boeing 737 MAX, it is now upgrading its fleet. The fleet of Allegiant’s aircraft is 17 years old on average.

Allegiant Airlines has previously faced criticism for its maintenance practices. According to a 2015 60 Minutes program, Allegiant Airline flights were four times more likely to experience in-flight breakdowns or other safety issues than other large airlines. Allegiant Airlines’ planes were frequently out of service for maintenance, according to the report, and the company relied on a small team of mechanics to handle its whole fleet.

The FAA regularly inspects Allegiant Airlines’ facilities and operations and the airline’s maintenance procedures. As a result, the airline has since improved its maintenance practices.

IOSA Certification and Star Alliance Membership

Established in 1997, Allegiant holds a certification as a “Scheduled Air Carrier” from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), allowing it to operate both scheduled and charter flights across the country. It is among the 42 airlines that have never experienced a deadly accident.

Since Allegiant Air is an ultra-low-cost airline, it is not a member of Star Alliance and does not possess IOSA accreditation. Instead, the airline keeps its own ultra-low-cost structure and concentrates on internal point-to-point travel rather than international alliances or partnerships.

Allegiant Air Incidents, Accidents, and Allegations

A spate of Allegiant’s mid-air malfunctions in mid-2015 caught the media’s attention. On June 25, 2015, five Allegiant planes encountered four-hour delays due to mechanical problems during flight. Following those events, which all involved Allegiant’s outdated fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft, the airline came under increasing FAA investigation.

  • The FAA advanced Allegiant Air’s routine five-year inspection in 2016. The FAA discovered both minor and non-systemic safety issues with the airline at the end of the inspection.
  • All of Allegiant’s MD-80 aircraft were replaced with Airbus models before the end of 2018.

Customer Safety, Industry Ratings, and Reviews

Customer safety is a top priority for Allegiant Airlines, which has taken a number of steps to ensure that travelers have a secure and relaxing flight experience. These measures consist of:

  • Safety Briefings: Allegiant Airlines flight attendants give a safety briefing before takeoff, which includes important details about the aircraft and emergency protocols.
  • Emergency Kit: Life jackets, oxygen masks, and emergency slides are among the emergency gear that is installed on Allegiant Airlines flights.
  • Training for Cabin Crew: Allegiant Airlines flight attendants receive extensive instruction in emergency procedures and are equipped to handle a range of situations.

To enhance the traveler experience, Allegiant Airlines has implemented a number of initiatives, including selling food and beverages in-flight and offering a mobile app for easy booking and check-in.

  • Skytrax: Based on an evaluation of airport/onboard amenities and staff service, including things like cabin comfort, baggage costs, cleanliness, and employee performance, Allegiant has a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline rating from Skytrax.
  • AirlineRatings: AirlineRatings.com gave Allegiant a perfect 7/7 safety rating, which reflects the airline’s impeccable record in audits, incident reporting, and operations with zero fatalities.
  • In general, Allegiant earned positive reviews; according to some Reddit users, it’s a completely safe airline. The crew and staff were quite professional, and the aircraft was up to date. However, another commented, “The pilots flew flawlessly and there were no safety issues.”

Summing Up…

Overall, Allegiant Air is a very effective and safe low-cost carrier. Even though there were a few safety issues with aging aircraft for a short while in the middle of the previous decade, Allegiant Air is currently among the safest airlines operating. Allegiant might not be the best choice for the average flight traveler. However, for those on a tight budget who don’t care for frills, it’s a different tale or a better option.

FAQs

 Is Allegiant Air good?

Indeed, Allegiant Air may be an excellent option for tourists on a tight budget who are seeking straightforward, point-to-point flights between small and medium-sized cities and domestic vacation spots.

Is Allegiant Air a safe airline?

Allegiant  Air is definitely a safe airline. It is actually one of the safest airlines, with no fatalities since its initial flight, with a 3-star low-cost Airline rating from Skytrax.

Does Allegiant Air have a good safety record?

Yes, Allegiant Air has received the 7/7 safety ratings from AirlineRatings.com for its efficient operations with zero fatalities.

Has Allegiant ever had a fatality?

Yes, Allegiant Air faced only one fatality in 2009, as a McDonnell Douglas MD-87 aircraft collided with a news helicopter over Metairie, Louisiana. However, this incident did not claim any lives.

What aircraft does Allegiant Air use?

Allegiant Air uses Airbus A319 and A320 family aircraft, and is also integrating Boeing 737 MAX jets into its fleet.

Is Allegiant Air a member of Star Alliance?

Unfortunately, being an ultra-low-cost carrier, Allegiant Air is not a member of the Star Alliance. Additionally, it does not carry the IOSA Certificate.

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THE AUTHOR

David Sanchez

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