[cmyden]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

I'd be curious to hear what your experience is with Allegiant (or if anyone else has any first-hand experience). Please post an update after your trip

Most of the experiences people have told me about seem to be really positive, but here are both sides of the coin:

Positive

The airport in Great Falls is small and so easy compared to Calgary and I found the flights roomy and comfortable. You have to realize it's only 2-2.5 hour flights and it's a no frills deal, meaning no included meal, movies, etc. If you just want to get there I highly recommend it! You can take your whole flight, return and it's still cheaper than just the taxes flying out of Canada!!!

leaving your car at the airport for 4 days is about $23.00 total,

i used to fly out of states and would leave as early as possible so that i could take advantage of the great shopping down there. As well, the scenery is fantastic!! The drive isn't that long and goes by relatively quick

Allegiant was $180 per person including one piece of checked luggage. Way more leg room on their planes than West Jet. Cheap parking at the great falls airport and no line ups like the Calgary airport. It was worth the drive to Great Falls for sure!

Plus the only security is on the drive down, airport is a breeze. Plus Allegiant air plays games and raffles off tickets to shows, fun flights. When booking online watch for the airport shuttle that is already checked off for you when booking.

If flying 2 or more it is cheaper to take a taxi, so you will save some money on the flights. Plus there is no need to check priority booking when booking online, there is a ton of carry on space.

Also Parking in Great Falls is $5 a day. Flown out of Great Falls 4 times to Vegas and thinking of heading back down there next week, if I can find someone to go with.

Allegiant was AWESOME to fly with... and if you purchase before hand, it's only an extra $25 for a checked bag... So you still save a TON.. PLUS, on Allegiant's website, they have great deals with hotels and shows too (like the Blueman group).

Allegiants flights seem setup well as they leave in the evenings and return early afternoon so that you can easily get the drive in. The border crossing isnt too bad, and actually most people on our flight from great falls were form canada. The additional bonus, if you like to shop is you can buy those things you cant get in canada in great falls when you get back and load them into your car without having to worry about how much it weighs!

Negative

I thought this was a good deal but!! They then charge you a fee each way if you wouldlike to pick your seat and for priority seating. If you wish to take a carry on with you, that is free but each checked bag will cost you $35-$50 each way. All said and done, we drove to Vegas (16hours) for less than the flights. If you are going down for a weekend with some buddies I think the flights are a good deal but taking my wife shopping and for sure having more than 1 suitcase, not a good deal.

Well I am apparently the odd one out here but I wouldn't drive!! If you have four people going its $400 bucks saved each but if you are flying down with less the savings becomes less becuase of the fuel cost (probbaly not much less) but lets just say $350 saved if I went by my self. For that $350 dollars I have to drive for 11 hours and probbaly take at least extra day off work to allow for the extra time.......sounds like the 350 well spent to me. But I guess it really comes down to do you ahve more time or money? For me my time is very precious....and that extra 11 hours isn't worth $350...but if I had plenty of time to spare maybe I would consider it......just one mans opinion!

The Carway boarder crossing is only open until 11 or 11:30, so that needs to be accounted for when heading home, rooseville is open 24hours but adds to the total drive time.

I have many friends in Lethbridge , who have driven down to either Kalispell or Great Falls to head to Vegas beware tho of Allegient , they have lots of ADD on prices~

So I think in summary, Allegiant is a fine no-frills budget airline, just beware of the add-ons that they try to include when you book a flight (the shuttle pickup in Vegas, hotels, etc) and beware of the baggage fees ($25 if you book ahead) and the fee if you want to choose your seat. SkyTrax gives them a 3 star rating.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/allegiant.htm

The same as WestJet or AC.

It sounds like the airport is hassle free compared to larger cities as one might expect. Parking is cheap.

And for logistics, just note the border crossing times, weather, and road conditions.