Travel pro advises caution about low-cost carrier deals
Sep 26, 2012, 10:20 AM | Updated: 10:20 am
PHOENIX — Allegiant Air’s rapid expansion out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is good news for travelers but 92.3 KTAR national travel expert Kari Mollan said there are things to keep in mind before booking December flights.
“If something happens and you have your life savings into a wonderful destination and you’re delayed, I wouldn’t take the chance,” she said.
Starting in December, Allegiant will offer nonstop one-way fares out of Gateway for $83 for twice weekly flights to Telluride, Colo. Trips to the Rocky Mountain ski paradise must be booked by Oct. 2.
Mollan said if a flight is cancelled low-cost airlines don’t have much in the way of backup aircraft to get passengers to their destination.
“They will offer a refund on the ticket but if you’ve already paid $4,000 for a condo-and-ski package in the Rockies and you can’t change your dates, there’s the issue.
“Typically the low-cost carrier tickets cannot be brought over to a major airline for a flight. You walk up to a major carrier like Delta and United and they’ll say ‘too bad, so sad.”
Mollan recommended paying for flights on a low-cost carrier with a credit card because that offers bankruptcy protection because you don’t know if they’ll still be in business or even flying your market.”
Overall, Mollan gives Allegiant high marks.
“As far as low-cost carriers go they definitely have a niche market of people who are not frequent flyers and want the discount.
“They’re bringing competition to the market for the bigger airlines. They’re a fine airline if you want to go from point A to B. But you need to realize there will be a lot of hidden fees with the cheaper flights like baggage fees, seating-assignment fees and so on. If you’re OK with bare-bones traveling, they’re a fine carrier.”
