Allegiant Air increases boarding pass and baggage fees

Las Vegas-based low-cost carrier Allegiant Air has increased its boarding pass and baggage fees effective from September 1, 2014. According to the new fees, the passengers are now required to pay $5 for printing a boarding pass at the airport. The fee is applicable per person, each way.

Allegiant Air is presently conducting one of its largest flights operations to/from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which is situated in east Mesa. The airline operates nonstop flights to 34 cities out of Phoenix-Mesa.

However, the passengers can avoid paying the $5 fee by check in online and printing their own boarding pass. They can also use another option of downloading an electronic boarding pass from Allegiant2Go, the airline’s free mobile app.

Micah Lillard, Spokesman of Allegiant Air, said that the airline has announced new fee to ease boarding hassles. The prime objective of the airline is to hasten check in lines at the airport as well as to prompt passengers switching over to paperless boarding passes.

Allegiant Air is however not the first carrier to seek extra fee from the passengers for printing their boarding passes. Spirit Airlines was the first U.S.-based low-cost carrier to charge a $5 boarding pass fee in early 2012. As of now, Spirit Airlines is charging a $10 boarding pass fee since 2013.

Media reports also said that the passengers, who have not paid for their bags when purchasing their tickets, will now be required to pay a higher baggage fees. Allegiant Air has put in place a new three-tier baggage fee system. The passengers will now be able to pay their baggage fees either during the time of booking, pre-departure or at the airport.