Allegiant Air does not guarantee families will sit together. They recommend advance seat selection to help families sit next to each other. Federal regulations require children under 14 to be seated with an adult. Reserving seats early can prevent seating issues for families during flights.
When families do not reserve seats together, the airline tries to facilitate requests at check-in. However, this does not guarantee that families will be seated side-by-side. It is essential to understand that Allegiant does not offer free seat assignments unless specifically included in promotional offers.
While Allegiant aims to prioritize family seating, passengers should still proactively choose their seats during the booking process. This ensures a smoother experience for those traveling with children or in groups.
Given these policies, travelers should consider planning early. Doing so can enhance the likelihood of securing desired seating arrangements. Next, we’ll explore tips for selecting the best seats on Allegiant flights to maximize comfort and convenience for families.
Does Allegiant Airlines Guarantee That Families Sit Together?
No, Allegiant Airlines does not guarantee that families sit together. The airline assigns seats during the booking process but does not ensure adjacent seating for family groups.
Families may sit apart due to the availability of seats at the time of booking. Allegiant’s seating policy encourages customers to purchase seat assignments for adjacent seats to increase the likelihood of sitting together. Without reserved seating, families could end up in different rows depending on the flight’s occupancy and booking patterns. This policy affects the travel experience for families wishing to stay together during the flight.
What Are the Specific Policies Regarding Family Seating on Allegiant Airlines?
Allegiant Air has specific policies that aim to keep families seated together, although they vary based on the type of fare purchased and available seating. Families who have purchased tickets at the same time are typically assigned seats together unless otherwise specified.
- Same Reservation Seating: Families booking tickets together usually receive adjacent seats.
- Seat Assignment Fee: Passengers may incur additional fees for seat selection.
- Children Under 14: Allegiant prioritizes seating for children under 14 next to at least one adult.
- Customer Service Assistance: Families can request help with seat assignments by contacting customer service.
To navigate the complexities of family seating on Allegiant Airlines, it’s important to understand the nuances of their policies.
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Same Reservation Seating: Allegiant Air’s policy ensures that families booking on the same reservation often receive seats together. This means that if a family purchases all their tickets at once, the airline typically aligns the seating arrangements to accommodate them as a unit. This may not always guarantee three or more seats together if the flight is fully booked.
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Seat Assignment Fee: Customers can choose their seats during the booking process, but this may come with an additional fee. Allegiant’s fare structure often includes low base prices but charges for specific seat selection. This has raised some opinions, as some families feel it is unfair to pay extra for guaranteed seating together.
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Children Under 14: Allegiant prioritizes seat assignments for minor children, specifically those under 14 years old, ensuring they sit next to at least one adult. This policy emphasizes child safety and parental support during flights, aligning with the airline industry’s family-friendly trends.
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Customer Service Assistance: Allegiant encourages families who have concerns about seating to reach out to customer service. This proactive approach allows families to explain their situations and seek alternate arrangements if they feel their needs are not met during ticket purchasing.
Overall, Allegiant’s family seating policy aims to facilitate a cohesive travel experience for families while navigating the challenges of air travel.
How Can Families Increase Their Chances of Being Seated Together on Allegiant?
Families can increase their chances of being seated together on Allegiant Airlines by booking early, selecting seats during the reservation process, and considering the use of family seating features.
Booking early: Families should book their flights as soon as possible. Allegiant Airlines often fills seats quickly. According to industry data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2022), early bookings lead to better seat selection opportunities.
Selecting seats: Families should take advantage of the seat selection option when purchasing tickets. Allegiant allows passengers to choose their seats for a fee. This ensures families can secure adjacent seats. A study by Airlines for America (2021) highlighted that selecting seats decreases the likelihood of being separated.
Using family features: Allegiant offers specific options for families traveling together. By indicating that they are traveling as a family during the booking process, families can receive favorable seating arrangements. Allegiant’s customer service can also assist in specific requests for adjacent seating, if informed early.
Traveling at off-peak times: Families may find better seating availability if they travel during off-peak times. Research shows that flights during weekdays or non-holiday periods generally have more empty seats, improving the chances for families to sit together.
By following these strategies, families can significantly enhance their likelihood of being seated together on Allegiant Airlines.
Are There Fees for Selecting Seats Together on Allegiant Airlines?
Yes, Allegiant Airlines charges fees for selecting seats together. These fees apply if passengers wish to choose specific seats to ensure they sit next to one another. The charges vary based on the seat location, such as standard or premium seating options.
Allegiant Airlines offers both assigned seating and standard seating for general boarding. While standard seating is free, passengers opting for assigned seating can pay a fee. This fee allows travelers to select specific seats when booking their flight, ensuring that families or friends can sit together. Premium seats may come with higher charges. Overall, the primary distinction lies in the opportunity for choosing exact seating versus relying on boarding order.
The benefits of selecting seats together include enhanced comfort and convenience for families and groups traveling together. Research indicates that approximately 80% of travelers prefer sitting next to those they know. This ensures a more enjoyable travel experience and minimizes the stress related to traveling, especially for families with young children. Allegiant’s seat selection feature directly addresses this need.
On the downside, the fees for seat selection can add significant costs, especially for large families or groups. Depending on the route and the number of passengers, these fees can accumulate. For example, a family of four might pay up to $80 just for preferred seating. Additionally, some passengers might find the fees frustrating, especially if they were not aware of them before booking.
It is advisable for travelers to assess their seating needs ahead of booking. Families traveling with young children should consider selecting seats together to facilitate a smoother travel experience. On the other hand, solo travelers or those on tighter budgets might choose standard seating and see where they are placed during boarding. Understanding the pricing structure and weighing the importance of seat selection will help passengers make informed decisions.
What Should Families Do if They Are Separated During Boarding?
If families are separated during boarding, they should quickly communicate and follow certain procedures to reunite.
- Notify airline staff immediately.
- Use available communication devices.
- Follow boarding announcements closely.
- Arrange a designated meeting point.
- Stay calm and patient.
These steps outline the basic actions families must take when faced with separation. However, different airlines may have specific procedures, and perspectives may vary on how best to handle such situations.
1. Notify Airline Staff Immediately:
Notifying airline staff immediately is crucial when families are separated during boarding. Airline personnel are trained to help resolve issues like this efficiently. By informing them of the separation, families ensure that any necessary steps can be taken promptly. For instance, United Airlines emphasizes reporting any issues to flight attendants to ensure all customers are accounted for before takeoff.
2. Use Available Communication Devices:
Using available communication devices includes utilizing smartphones to contact other family members. This action is effective for quick updates and reassurance. According to a 2019 American Airlines survey, 70% of travelers rely on their smartphones for travel-related communications, demonstrating the importance of technology in these situations.
3. Follow Boarding Announcements Closely:
Following boarding announcements closely allows families to understand any changes or plans announced for their flight. Airlines often provide updates regarding delays or other essential information. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends attentiveness to airport announcements as a safety measure.
4. Arrange a Designated Meeting Point:
Arranging a designated meeting point before boarding can minimize confusion if family members become separated. This strategy involves selecting a location within the airport to reconvene if necessary, such as a specific gate or a prominent landmark. A 2021 report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that pre-planned meeting points significantly reduce anxiety for traveling families.
5. Stay Calm and Patient:
Staying calm and patient is essential during stressful travel situations. Maintaining composure helps families think clearly and take appropriate actions without escalating tension. Psychology experts highlight the importance of a calm demeanor, which leads to better decision-making in high-stress environments.
By taking these steps, families can effectively reunite after being separated during boarding, thereby ensuring a smoother travel experience.
How Does Allegiant’s Family Seating Policy Compare With Other Airlines?
Allegiant’s family seating policy allows families to sit together by offering the option to select seats at the time of booking for a fee. This practice contrasts with many airlines that automatically assign seats, which may or may not keep families together. Allegiant prioritizes family seating by encouraging early booking, as families can choose adjacent seats for a fee. Other airlines, such as Southwest and JetBlue, tend to have distinct family-friendly policies, often allowing children under a certain age to sit close to an adult without additional fees. Allegiant’s approach places the onus on families to ensure they sit together by selecting seats during booking. In summary, Allegiant’s family seating policy focuses on optional paid seat selection, while other airlines frequently provide automatic seat assignments that may include family seating without charges.
What Are the Family Seating Policies of Competing Airlines?
The family seating policies of competing airlines vary significantly. Each airline has its own approach to ensuring that families can sit together during flights.
- Seat Selection Fees: Airlines may charge for seat selection to guarantee family seating.
- Block Seating Policies: Some airlines reserve blocks of seats for families traveling together.
- Child Age Policies: Age restrictions for lap children can affect seating arrangements.
- Companion Seating Guarantees: Certain airlines offer guarantees for companions to sit together.
- Family Boarding Procedures: Some airlines provide early boarding for families with young children.
Given these varying policies, it’s essential to examine each one closely to understand the details and implications for families traveling together.
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Seat Selection Fees: Many airlines require payment for selecting specific seats, including those next to each other. For example, American Airlines and Delta charge fees ranging from $10 to $50 depending on the flight duration. This policy affects families as they may face additional costs to ensure they sit together.
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Block Seating Policies: Airlines like Southwest and JetBlue offer block seating policies. These policies allow families to reserve adjacent seats during the booking process, which can mitigate the chances of being separated. This practice can be beneficial during busy travel seasons when flights are more crowded.
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Child Age Policies: Policies regarding children, particularly those under the age of two who can fly as lap children, can impact seating arrangements. Airlines like United allow one lap child per adult, while others may charge for every child. This can complicate travel arrangements for larger families.
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Companion Seating Guarantees: Certain airlines, like Alaska Airlines, provide guarantees that companions, such as parents with minor children, will sit together. This eliminates uncertainty and helps families feel more secure when booking their flights.
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Family Boarding Procedures: Family boarding options can ease the travel experience. Airlines such as Southwest offer early boarding to families with young children, giving them extra time to settle in and ensure that they are seated together before the other passengers board the aircraft.
In summary, the family seating policies of competing airlines can differ widely, affecting costs, convenience, and overall travel experience for families.
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