Allegiant Airlines Adds Free Drinks and Unveils New First-Class-Style Seating
Allegiant Air is making two major changes designed to improve the passenger experience: free nonalcoholic drinks on every flight and a new premium cabin called Allegiant First.
Beginning August 1, 2026, passengers on all Allegiant flights will receive complimentary inflight beverage service. Travelers will be able to choose from sodas, juice and water at no additional charge.
The change is noteworthy for an airline known for its à la carte business model, under which passengers generally pay separately for extras such as carry-on bags, checked luggage, advance seat assignments and priority boarding.
Allegiant First Arrives in Spring 2027
The airline also announced plans for Allegiant First, a new premium seating option scheduled to begin appearing on select aircraft in spring 2027.
The new cabin will include just eight seats positioned at the front of the aircraft in a two-by-two configuration. Each seat is expected to feature:
- A 37-inch seat pitch
- Five inches of recline
- A calf rest
- An adjustable headrest
- Additional legroom
- Enhanced onboard amenities and service
Allegiant First passengers will also receive priority check-in and priority boarding. The fare will include one personal item, one carry-on bag and one checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds.
That baggage allowance could provide meaningful savings for travelers. Under Allegiant’s regular pricing structure, one personal item is free, while carry-on and checked bags typically cost extra. Standard checked bags are generally limited to 50 pounds before overweight charges apply.
When Will Allegiant First Tickets Go on Sale?
Allegiant expects Allegiant First seats to go on sale in mid-August 2026, with the first premium-cabin flights launching in spring 2027.
However, the airline has not yet announced:
- Which routes will offer Allegiant First
- Which aircraft will receive the new cabin
- How much the premium seats will cost
- Whether every flight on a selected route will include the new seating
Allegiant said additional information about routes, aircraft deployment and onboard features will be released later in 2026.
The airline also emphasized that Allegiant First will complement—not replace—its existing Allegiant Extra seating. Allegiant Extra is currently offered on select flights and provides additional comfort and convenience without creating a separate eight-seat cabin.
Extra Beverage Benefits for Allegiant Credit Card Holders
Allways Rewards Visa cardholders will continue receiving an additional complimentary beverage option on each flight.
Eligible cardholders may select one canned drink, coffee, juice, sports drink, protein shake, alcoholic drink or alcohol-and-mixer combination valued at up to $16. Alcohol is available only to passengers age 21 or older with valid identification.
A Significant Shift for the Budget Airline
Allegiant has built its business around offering relatively low base fares while allowing customers to pay only for the extras they choose. Free drinks and a premium front cabin signal that the airline is trying to appeal to a wider range of leisure travelers.
Budget-conscious passengers can continue purchasing Allegiant’s traditional fares, while customers seeking more space, included luggage and priority service will have a higher-end option.
The changes also come as Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines continue their integration. Allegiant said the new premium seating and complimentary beverage offerings are expected to help create more consistency across the combined airline operation.
Allegiant’s Growing Gulf Shores Presence
The announcement may be especially interesting to travelers considering a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Allegiant began commercial service at Gulf Shores International Airport in 2025 and has continued adding seasonal nonstop destinations. Recent expansion elsewhere in the region includes new Allegiant nonstop flights at Punta Gorda Airport and five additional SRQ routes for 2026. Gulf Shores officials announced five additional routes for 2026, bringing the airport’s announced network to 13 nonstop destinations.
Travelers should remember that Allegiant First will initially be available only on select aircraft. There is currently no confirmation that Gulf Shores flights—or any particular Florida Suncoast routes—will receive the new cabin.
For additional information about flying into Gulf Shores International Airport and planning an Alabama Gulf Coast vacation, visit Gulf Coast Journeys.
What Allegiant Travelers Should Know
The free beverage program begins across the Allegiant network on August 1, 2026. Allegiant First tickets are expected to become available in mid-August, but travelers should carefully review the aircraft, seat type and included benefits before booking.
Routes, prices and aircraft assignments are expected to be announced later in 2026.
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