Las Vegas-Based Allegiant Bets on Free Drinks, Premium Seats

Las Vegas based budget carrier Allegiant Air is introducing complimentary drink service and debut first-class cabins as it reshapes its onboard experience.

In the latest maneuver in the ultra-low-cost carrier wars, Allegiant says, effective immediately, fliers will receive free in-flight drinks.

The airline is offering Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dasani bottled water, Mr. & Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix, Seagram’s ginger ale, seltzer water, and tonic water, and Minute Maid orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry cocktail.

Allegiant is also offering “elevated beverages,” including La Colombe and Dunkin’ coffees for $5, Core Power Protein Shakes for $6, and Powerade and smartwater for $6. A variety of beer, wine, and spirits remain available.

Previously, Allegiant maintained a pay-for-everything model, with the lone exception being that passengers could request a cup of water. Bottled water and canned drinks, as well as all snacks, were only available for purchase.

Las Vegas Operations

As of June, Allegiant was the seventh-largest airline at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The budget airline served about 900K passengers in and out of Las Vegas year-to-date through June.

Allegiant’s numbers continue to grow following its 2025 acquisition of Sun Country, a $1.5 billion deal that closed in May. Along with merging Sun Country customers, Allegiant is focused on converting Spirit Airlines’ customer base after the airline ceased operations in early May and improving its offering against Frontier.

Along with free non-alcoholic drinks, Allegiant is rolling out a premium class of seats that could help the airline better compete with its primary ultra-low-cost competitor–now that Spirit is no more–Frontier.

Allegiant First, set to take off in spring 2027, will offer an upgraded seating experience. Select aircraft will include eight Allegiant First seats with more legroom and a 37-inch pitch. The class will receive enhanced amenities and upgraded service.

“This is about giving customers more ways to travel with us,” said Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells. “Travelers are increasingly looking for more comfort, more personalization, and more flexibility, and these new offerings are a meaningful step forward in delivering that.”

Allegiant First will complement–not replace–Allegiant Extra, a package that provides an extra-legroom seat, reserved overhead bin space, and complimentary snacks.

Frontier offers five classes of seating, ranging from First Class to Standard. Frontier is the third-largest carrier at LAS, with the airline’s year-through-June passenger count exceeding 2.1 million ticketed customers.  

Las Vegas Turbulence

Harry Reid International served less than 4.3 million passengers in June, a 9.3% year-on-year decline. The airport saw 441,109 fewer passengers compared with June 2025.

The trend has been felt throughout 2026, with the year-to-date passenger count almost 7% lower at approximately 25.8 million passengers.