How to Use Allegiant Air Internet

Flying has evolved into more than just a means of transport. Today, for many passengers, the in-flight experience matters just as much as getting to the destination. Among the many amenities that airlines offer, onboard Wi-Fi has become almost indispensable.

And Allegiant Air is no exception. With its introduction of in-flight internet services, the question arises: Is Allegiant Air’s internet worth it?

Review: Is their Internet Service Worth It?

The big question that everyone asks when they fly: “Do I splurge on the in-flight Wi-Fi?”

Price, Speed, and Data Allowance: The Triumvirate of In-Flight Internet

• Price: Allegiant Air’s internet service comes with a cost. The pricing varies depending on the length of the flight and the package you opt for. Compared to some of the other airlines, Allegiant’s prices hover around the average mark.
• Speed: No in-flight internet is going to match your home fiber-optic broadband, and Allegiant’s is no exception. It’s suitable for general browsing, checking emails, and perhaps streaming at lower resolutions. But don’t expect to participate in a high-definition video conference while soaring above the clouds.
• Data Allowance: Allegiant offers a data cap which is generally sufficient for basic browsing and streaming. However, if you plan on downloading large files or binge-watching several episodes of your favorite series, you might find yourself reaching this limit.

Real-World Use: What Can You Do With It?

• Work: For simple tasks like emailing, using chat applications, or accessing documents in the cloud, the service is up to the task. However, I recommend not relying on it for tasks that demand high-speed, such as large file transfers or real-time collaborative work.
• Entertainment: Casual browsing, social media scrolling, and music streaming work well. Video streaming at lower resolutions is feasible, but for higher resolutions, you may face some buffering.

Pros and Cons: A Deeper Dive

Pros:

• Staying Connected: For those who can’t afford to be disconnected, even while flying, this service is a godsend.
• Adequate for Basic Tasks: For general browsing and checking emails, Allegiant’s service hits the mark.
• Competitive Pricing: While not the cheapest, Allegiant’s in-flight internet is competitively priced compared to many other airlines.

Cons:

• Limited Speed and Data: This isn’t your ground-based high-speed internet. For more intensive tasks or high-definition streaming, the experience might not be as smooth.
• Extra Cost: If you’re on a tight budget, the added expense might not seem worth it, especially for shorter flights.

What Each Pro and Con Means for You

• Staying connected: For business travelers or those with urgent tasks, this is essential.
• Adequate for basic tasks: For casual users, this service will be sufficient.
• Competitive pricing: Price-sensitive travelers might want to compare with other airlines.
• Limited speed and data: Power users, beware! It might not meet all your demands.

Steps to Decide if Allegiant Air Internet is Right for You

1. Determine Your Needs: Ask yourself what you’ll primarily use the internet for during your flight.
2. Check the Pricing: Before your flight, review the different internet packages Allegiant offers.
3. Estimate Data Usage: If you plan to stream, estimate how much you’ll watch to ensure you won’t exceed the data cap.
4. Consider the Flight Duration: For shorter flights, it might not be worth it. For longer flights, staying connected could be more valuable.
5. Weigh the Pros and Cons: Match them against your needs to make an informed decision.

The In-depth Dive into Allegiant Air Internet

The modern airline passenger demands connectivity. With most of our lives playing out online, staying connected in the sky is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s expected.

Allegiant Air has responded to this demand with its in-flight internet services, but is it worth your bucks? Let’s delve deeper.

How Does It Work? The Tech Behind It

Satellite vs. Air-to-Ground (ATG):

• Allegiant Air primarily uses satellite-based systems for its internet service. This is a system where the plane connects to satellites in orbit to provide a data link.
• Some airlines also use ATG, which means the airplane gets its internet from ground-based cell towers. This method usually has more limited bandwidth than satellite systems.

Why This Matters:

Satellite systems tend to offer more consistent coverage, especially over oceans or remote areas. However, the latency (or lag) can sometimes be higher because the signal has to travel to space and back. If you’ve ever used satellite TV or internet at home, you might have a rough idea of what to expect.

The User Experience

Connectivity Process:

• Once aboard an Allegiant Air flight, you’ll typically find instructions in the seat pocket in front of you or announced by the flight crew.
• Connecting is usually as straightforward as connecting to any public Wi-Fi. Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings, find the Allegiant Air network, and follow the prompts.

I Recommend: Always ensure your device is in airplane mode but with Wi-Fi turned on. This prevents any cellular activities that could interfere with the aircraft’s systems.

Stability and Reliability:

From personal insights and various user feedback, the connection is generally stable. However, like all in-flight internet, there might be occasional drops or lags. This can be due to the plane’s movement, changing satellite connections, or high user demand.

Extra Features and Benefits

Streaming Services Discounts: Some airlines partner with streaming services to offer discounts or free access during the flight. It’s worth checking if Allegiant has any such partnerships during your flight.

Bundled Packages: Occasionally, airlines offer bundled packages, combining Wi-Fi with other services like extra legroom or priority boarding. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy more amenities during your flight.

Device Limit: With Allegiant’s in-flight internet, there might be a device limit per package. This means if you pay for one device, you might not be able to use the internet simultaneously on your phone and laptop without purchasing an additional package.

What’s the Catch? Limitations and Hurdles

VPN Restrictions: If you’re hoping to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access content or for security, you might face some challenges. Some in-flight Wi-Fi services restrict VPN usage due to bandwidth concerns.

High-Bandwidth Activities: Activities like online gaming that require constant high-speed data might not be suitable for in-flight Wi-Fi. While you might be able to log in and play, the experience might not be optimal.

Start and End of Flight: Usually, Wi-Fi services are turned off during take-off and landing for safety reasons. So if you’re on a particularly short flight, your actual usable time could be limited.

Conclusion

Allegiant Air’s internet service is a valuable addition for those who prioritize connectivity on the go. It may not satisfy the needs of power users, but for the average traveler, it offers a decent browsing experience.

As always, I recommend assessing your personal and professional requirements before purchasing.

FAQs

Can I stream movies on Allegiant Air’s internet?

While possible, expect lower resolution streaming for a smoother experience.

Is the internet available on all Allegiant flights?

It’s available on most flights, but always check ahead of time.

How does Allegiant’s internet compare to other airlines?

Price and performance are competitive, though experiences may vary depending on various factors, including flight route and altitude.