Allegiant Air Carry-On Baggage Size and Weight Limitations

6. What Happens If You Go Over the Carry-On Limits?

From my own personal experience, the last thing you want is to be caught at the gate with an oversized or overweight carry-on. The frustration of being told that your carry-on doesn’t meet Allegiant’s requirements can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you’ve already settled into the boarding process.

Here’s what can happen if your carry-on exceeds the size or weight limits:

1. You’ll Be Forced to Check Your Bag

If your carry-on doesn’t fit within the guidelines, you may be asked to check your bag. At this point, you’ll face the cost of checking in your luggage, which can range from $15 to $50 or more, depending on your route. Additionally, checking in your carry-on means you’ll have to wait for your bag at baggage claim after the flight, which can delay your arrival time. This can easily be avoided with a bit of foresight and preparation, which is why I recommend paying attention to the size and weight specifications as early as possible.

2. Excess Baggage Fees at the Gate

If your carry-on is over the weight limit, expect to be charged additional fees. Allegiant is quite strict when it comes to excess weight, and you won’t be able to simply move a few items to your personal item or purse to make the weight limit. At the gate, the fee can be anywhere from $20 to $40, depending on the severity of the weight discrepancy. This is something I personally learned the hard way, and it’s definitely worth double-checking your bag at home before heading to the airport.

3. Possible Delays in Boarding

If your bag is flagged as oversized or overweight, it can also delay your boarding process. While the crew may be understanding, the check-in staff and gate attendants are typically stricter when it comes to these types of discrepancies. It’s not worth the stress, so ensure you have a handle on your bag’s size and weight before leaving for your flight.

7. The Importance of Efficient Packing

Efficient packing is not only about saving space but also about keeping your items organized and easily accessible during the flight. The less you need to access your carry-on while in-flight, the better.

How to Organize Your Carry-On

Here are some of my favorite tips to keep my carry-on organized while ensuring that I don’t exceed Allegiant’s size or weight limits:

1. Use Packing Cubes: These are essential for keeping clothing organized and compact. You can store your shirts, pants, and socks in separate cubes to avoid rummaging through your bag mid-flight. I often use a packing cube for my daywear and one for my sleepwear and intimates.
2. Compression Bags for Clothes: If you’re trying to maximize space in your bag, compression bags are a fantastic tool. These bags allow you to squeeze out excess air, compacting your clothing even further. Just make sure to avoid overpacking, as it can put undue strain on the bag and make it harder to manage.
3. Pouches for Toiletries and Electronics: I always use small pouches or ziplock bags for toiletries, which not only meet the TSA 3-1-1 liquid requirements but also prevent leaks from ruining your other items. I also use a pouch for my chargers and cords, making it easy to grab when needed.
4. Zippered Pockets for Essentials: Use the front and side pockets of your carry-on bag to store essentials like your boarding pass, passport, and phone. I always place my wallet, keys, and sunglasses in these pockets for easy access during the flight.

Pro Tip for Packing Smart: Use a Backpack

While a rolling carry-on is a great choice for many, I’ve found that a well-organized backpack is the best option for packing light while still staying organized. It’s much easier to pack a backpack efficiently than a hard-shell suitcase because of the flexible compartments and easy access to every pocket. I prefer a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment and multiple small pouches for my personal items.

One key pro tip from my own experience is to look for a backpack that fits under the seat in front of you, which can often be more convenient during the flight. This allows you to store your essentials close by, eliminating the need to rummage through overhead bins.

Go shop these Essentials Now

You will need them:

• > Soft duffel bags
• > A digital portable luggage scale
• > Hard-shell suitcases
• > Packable snacks
• > Water bottle for traveling on plane

8. Items to Avoid Bringing in Your Carry-On

While we’ve already touched on some prohibited items in your carry-on, I wanted to dive into a bit more detail about items that people sometimes forget are restricted. While it may seem obvious, certain items can be easy to overlook.

1. Sporting Goods and Large Equipment

If you’re traveling with items such as a skateboard, golf clubs, or tennis rackets, these items will need to be checked in rather than brought as carry-ons. Allegiant’s carry-on policies do not accommodate these larger items. While you may be able to bring a small, compact sports item like a yoga mat or a pair of hiking poles, anything too bulky will require special handling and checking.

2. Sharp Objects

Scissors, razors, knives, or anything sharp should be left out of your carry-on luggage. These items are often confiscated at security, and the fines can be hefty. So, make sure your toiletries are appropriately packed in compliance with TSA guidelines. I recommend keeping sharp objects like scissors in your checked luggage or, if it’s absolutely necessary, buy travel-sized versions for your carry-on.

3. Large Liquids and Gels

The 3-1-1 rule applies to all liquids and gels that you carry onboard. This includes shampoo, lotion, deodorant, and toothpaste. If your bottles exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), you’ll either need to leave them behind or place them in your checked luggage. From my personal experience, I learned the hard way that items like toothpaste or hand cream should always be placed in your quart-sized bag, no matter how small they seem.

4. Electronics with Large Batteries

While small electronic devices like your phone and laptop are perfectly fine in your carry-on, larger electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries (such as drones or power tools) might not be allowed. Allegiant’s carry-on policy prohibits these types of devices unless they are specially packed and approved by the airline. Always check in advance if you plan to travel with any gadgets that fall into this category.

9. Understanding the Allegiant Air Checked Baggage Policy

While carry-ons are the main focus here, you may be wondering what the checked baggage situation looks like. If you’re traveling with larger items or need more space, Allegiant offers checked baggage options. Here’s what you need to know about checked baggage:

1. Weight Limits for Checked Bags

The checked baggage weight limit on Allegiant is 40 pounds (18 kg) per bag. If your checked bag exceeds this weight limit, you will incur additional fees. This is another area where careful packing and weighing can save you a lot of money.

2. Size Restrictions for Checked Bags

The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are 80 inches (203 cm) in total length, width, and height combined. This is much more generous than the carry-on restrictions, but you should still be mindful of packing efficiently to avoid any additional fees or complications.

3. Fees for Checked Bags

Allegiant’s checked baggage fees vary depending on when you book them. Purchasing checked baggage ahead of time online can save you some money, while fees at the gate are typically higher. The fees can range from $18 to $50, depending on your route and the weight of your checked bag.

10. Final Packing Checklist for Allegiant Air

Before I wrap up, here’s a final packing checklist to make sure your carry-on stays within the limits and you avoid any last-minute hassles:

1. Weigh your bag at home to avoid overweight baggage fees.
2. Measure your carry-on to ensure it fits within the size limits.
3. Pack only the essentials in your carry-on and personal item, leaving room for souvenirs or additional items you may pick up along the way.
4. Double-check the prohibited items list to avoid having to leave anything behind at security.
5. Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and keep your clothing organized.
6. Consider the weather and type of trip – are you traveling for business or leisure? Adjust your packing accordingly.
7. Check the Allegiant baggage policy before your flight to ensure there have been no recent changes to size, weight, or fees.

 Let Me Know Your Thoughts!

I truly hope this guide has helped clear up any confusion about Allegiant Air’s carry-on baggage policies and has given you the tools you need to travel stress-free! Packing smart and understanding the rules will not only save you time but also help you avoid unexpected fees.

Have you flown with Allegiant Air before? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Do you have any packing tips or stories you’d like to share? Leave a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going. I always love to hear feedback and learn about your travel tips too!