If you’re considering booking a flight with Allegiant Air, you might be wondering: “How safe is this budget airline?” With its ultra-low fares and focus on leisure travel, Allegiant Air has become a popular choice for vacationers—but does it compromise on safety?
In this detailed guide, we’ll examine Allegiant Air’s safety record, fleet maintenance, pilot training, and how it compares to major carriers. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to whether Allegiant Air is a safe choice for your next trip.
Allegiant Air’s Safety Overview: Key Facts
Before diving deep, here’s a quick snapshot of Allegiant Air’s safety standing:
✅ FAA-Approved – Fully compliant with U.S. aviation regulations.
✅ No Fatal Crashes – Zero passenger fatalities in its history.
⚠️ Past Maintenance Concerns – Faced scrutiny in a 2018 60 Minutes report.
🔄 Ongoing Improvements – Invested heavily in fleet upgrades since 2018.
Now, let’s break down the details.
1. Allegiant Air’s Safety Record: Incidents & Accidents
No Major Fatalities (But Some Close Calls)
Unlike some budget airlines globally, Allegiant Air has never had a fatal crash. However, it has experienced:
- Mid-air engine failures (e.g., a 2016 incident where a plane made an emergency landing).
- Aborted takeoffs due to mechanical issues.
- In-flight smoke/fumes reports (rare but documented).
2018 60 Minutes Report: What Happened?
A critical 60 Minutes segment highlighted Allegiant Air’s higher-than-average mechanical failure rates between 2016–2018. The report cited:
- Over 100 serious mechanical incidents in two years.
- Aging MD-80 fleet (older planes prone to issues).
Allegiant’s Response:
The airline disputed some claims but acknowledged room for improvement. Since then, it has:
- Retired older MD-80s (phased out by 2018).
- Modernized its fleet with newer Airbus A320s (average age: ~14 years).
2. Fleet Safety: What Planes Does Allegiant Air Use?
Current Fleet (2024)
| Aircraft Model | Number in Fleet | Average Age |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319 | 35 | ~19 years |
| Airbus A320 | 77 | ~12 years |
| Airbus A321 | 8 | ~6 years |
Are Allegiant’s Planes Safe?
- Airbus A320 family has an excellent global safety record.
- Older A319s are well-maintained but not as fuel-efficient as newer models.
- No more MD-80s (previously a concern for reliability).
3. Pilot Training & Crew Experience
Allegiant Air’s Pilot Standards
- FAA-certified training programs (same as major airlines).
- Minimum 1,500 flight hours required (standard for U.S. airlines).
- Regular simulator checks to ensure proficiency.
How It Compares to Delta or American Airlines
While Allegiant Air meets FAA requirements, larger airlines often have:
- More extensive training programs (e.g., Delta’s advanced simulators).
- Higher pay scales, which can attract more experienced pilots.
That said, no evidence suggests Allegiant pilots are less skilled—just that the airline has a smaller operation.
4. Maintenance & Safety Inspections
Allegiant’s Maintenance Practices
- Follows FAA Part 121 regulations (same as American, United, etc.).
- Contracts with reputable third-party providers for heavy checks.
- Increased oversight since 2018 to address past concerns.
Recent Improvements
- Newer planes = fewer maintenance issues.
- More in-house technicians (reducing reliance on outsourcing).
5. How Allegiant Air Compares to Other U.S. Airlines
| Safety Factor | Allegiant Air | Southwest | Spirit | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet Age | ~14 years | ~12 years | ~7 years | ~15 years |
| Fatal Accidents | 0 | 1 (2018) | 0 | 2 (last in 1996) |
| FAA Violations (2020–2024) | 1 minor | 0 | 2 minor | 0 |
Verdict: Allegiant Air is comparable to other budget carriers (like Spirit) but trails legacy airlines (e.g., Delta) in fleet modernity and historical performance.
6. Passenger Safety: In-Flight Protocols
COVID-19 & Cleanliness
- Enhanced cleaning between flights.
- HEPA filters on all planes (standard for modern aircraft).
Emergency Preparedness
- Standard FAA-mandated briefings.
- Crew trained for emergencies (medical, turbulence, evacuations).
7. Expert Opinions: Is Allegiant Air Safe in 2024?
- AirlineRatings.com gives Allegiant a 6/7 safety score (same as JetBlue).
- FAA audits confirm compliance with U.S. standards.
- Aviation analysts say its safety is “adequate for budget travel.”
8. Tips for Flying Safely on Allegiant Air
If you book with Allegiant Air, maximize safety by:
- Choosing newer A320/A321 flights (avoid older A319s if possible).
- Checking the FAA’s Airworthiness Directives for any recent issues.
- Packing light (reducing reliance on checked bags, which face delays).
Final Verdict: Is Allegiant Air Safe?
Yes, but with caveats. While Allegiant Air isn’t the safest U.S. airline (like Delta or Alaska), it:
✔ Meets all FAA safety standards.
✔ Has no fatal crashes.
✔ Improved significantly since 2018.
