Allegiant Air Adds Free Drinks and New First Class Seats

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company is overhauling its inflight experience. The airline announced two major changes on July 29. Free beverage service starts Aug. 1 across all flights. A new premium seating option, Allegiant First, follows in spring 2027. The moves mark a shift for the carrier, long known for its ultra-low-cost, fee-based model. They also come months after Allegiant completed its acquisition of rival Sun Country Airlines. Company leaders frame the changes as part of a broader push toward more comfort and flexibility for leisure travelers, as the airline's network continues to expand.

Free Drinks Roll Out Across All Allegiant Flights

Starting Aug. 1, all Allegiant passengers receive complimentary drinks during flights. The lineup includes soda, juice, and water at no charge. This ends a longstanding fee many budget carriers still apply to basic refreshments. Allways Rewards Visa cardholders get extra perks. They can choose one additional elevated beverage per flight. Options include coffee, protein shakes, sports drinks, or alcohol with a mixer. Alcoholic selections carry a value cap of $16. Cardholders must be 21 or older with valid identification to receive alcoholic drinks. The beverage rollout applies network-wide immediately, without requiring passengers to book a specific fare type or cabin.

New First Class Cabin Debuts on Select Routes in 2027

Allegiant First will debut on select aircraft starting spring 2027. Each configured plane will carry eight premium seats. They sit in a two-by-two layout at the front of the cabin. The seats offer a 37-inch pitch and five-inch recline. Calf rests and adjustable headrests round out the design. Seats are expected to go on sale in mid-August 2026, well ahead of the actual flights. The new cabin will complement, not replace, the airline's existing Allegiant Extra product, which offers seven inches of extra legroom, priority boarding and reserved bin space.

Why the Airline Is Expanding Its Premium Travel Options

The changes align with Allegiant's broader push to modernize its customer experience. They also expand the airline's ancillary and premium travel offerings. Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells addressed the timing amid the Sun Country integration. "This is about giving customers more ways to travel with us," Wells said. He noted the combined airline sees an opportunity to expand complimentary and premium services further.

The strategy targets a wider range of leisure travelers. That range spans budget-conscious flyers to those seeking a more elevated vacation experience. The shift comes months after Spirit Airlines, once a major budget carrier, ceased all operations in May.

Allegiant's approach mirrors a wider trend among discount carriers introducing premium cabin options to diversify revenue and attract new customer segments.