Flight Review: Allegiant 737-8 Max 200 PIE-GSP Legroom+

We’re heading home from Florida and we booked a perfectly timed direct flight from PIE to GSP. I’ve ridden on and reviewed Allegiant on their A320s a few times and honestly, I’m always impressed. There’s something fantastic about a cheap, no frills airline. As a note, you can save money buying Allegiant flights in person at the airport, I did that for this flight.

Anyway, this is the first time I’ve ridden on their 737 Max. They ordered these a few years ago to replace their older a320 aircraft. The 737-8-200 is the high capacity 737max specifically targeted to low cost carriers. The plane has an extra set of exit doors behind the wing to allow a more dense configuration.

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Yes, these Legroom+ seats are behind the exit row near the middle rear of the plane, they are not at the front of the plane. Yes, that’s weird, but whatever.

Bottom Line: I loved this flight. Allegiant is no frills but perfectly pleasant. A direct flight is always a win and when it’s cheap, I’m happy to be repeat business.

In This Trip

Allegiant 737-8 Boarding

Boarding started right on time here at St Pete. We’re boarding by stairs/ramps here, no jet bridge. Like other low cost carriers, allegiant uses both the front and rear doors on the 737 max. 

We boarded when they called for small kids, we’re traveling with Violet today. She has her own seat to make it easy. This is a no brainer on such an inexpensive airline like allegiant. 

Allegiant 737-8Max Cabin

We boarded from the front even though our seats are behind the wing(more on that later). This was recommended to us by the ground staff because we have the baby in her carseat. As odd as it sounds, Allegiant has very wide aisles on their planes. This does mean the seats are smaller, but it also means the planes board faster. ULCC logic is wild.

Allegiant charges for checked bags and carry on bags. Allegiant actually charges more money for a carry on vs carry on. Because of this, in my experience, there’s usually plenty of overhead space.

Allegiant 737-8Max Legroom+ Seats

We paid a little extra to sit in the Legroom+ seats that are located just behind the wing. We also purchased carry on baggage. The Allegiant 737 Max has very normal 3-3 seating.

These seats might be in an odd location, but they have a lot of legroom and are quite comfortable. We’re on the left side of the plane, just behind the emergency exit.

The oddity of Allegiant is that the seat bottoms, where you sit, are very short. On normal seats it’s so they can cram more in, on these extra legroom seats, they’re a little odd. 

Allegiant 737-8Max Legroom+ Seat Features and Comfort

First and foremost is legroom. The Allegiant 737-8Max Legroom+ seats are exactly the same as every other seat, just with more seat pitch. As a comparison, I’m very comfortable at 5’8″ tall. So I’m not a big guy, but I have a lot of legroom.

The price for these really isn’t that high in comparison with the regular seats. As an example, on this trip, an aisle or window seat, behind the wing, was $18. These legroom+ seats were $32. Not bad.

The tray table is noticeably smaller than you’d fine on most economy seats. I assume that’s because Allegiant will never serve you a full meal and they want to save weight.

In each seat there is USB power to charge devices. Both USB-A and USB-C though the USB-C is only 15 Watts so you won’t be charging a computer, just smaller stuff like phones and tablets.

There are Legroom+ dedicated overhead bins in this section. I don’t think it matters as none of the bins are full, but just something to note.

Allegiant 737-8Max Pushback and Takeoff

Boarding completed right on time and the flight attendants gave their welcome and short briefing. The pilots also told us it will be a pretty smooth flight up to Greenville, but might be a little rough just before landing due to weather. 

Push back was right on-time. The flight attendants gave their safety briefing as we headed to the runway. It’s a little hot here on the ground, summertime in Florida…

We took off towards the north just a few minutes after we pushed back from the gate. 

As we climbed the cabin started to cool and the flight attendants gave their announcements about the up coming drink and snack service. Allegiant does not accept cash, card only, pretty normal these days. An “interesting” part of the announcement was they enabled the power outlets in seat. Prior to this they did not work. I’ve not heard that before. 

Allegiant In Flight Drinks and Snacks

Allegiant In Flight Drink and Snack Menu

Allegiant In Flight Drink and Snack Menu

Allegiant In Flight Drink and Snack Menu. The prices aren’t amazing, but that’s ok. In total this is a very cheap way to travel. 

The flight attendants began their service and both Val and I opted for a drink. We brought some sandwiches from home for lunch. The milk box is for baby Violet.

Allegiant 737-8 Max In Flight

Unfortunately the previous weather forecast was inaccurate, the pilot told us he’d have to keep the seat belt sign on. It’s just a little rough. The bad news for me, I have to pee. I didn’t before we boarded, I’m dumb.

Allegiant 737-8 Max Lavatory

The good news is that the seatbelt light quickly went off and the flight was nice and smooth. The lavatory at the rear of the plane was small but clean. The tiny sink was a little annoying to use but whatever, ULCC things.

Allegiant 737-8 Max Descent and Landing

I headed back to my seat with about 25 minutes left in the flight. The seat belt sign was turned back on and the flight attendants came through to collect trash.

Outside, we had descended below the clouds and could see the mountains towards the north.

Just a few minutes later we landed into GSP right on time.

Allegiant 737-8 Max Final Thoughts

I love Allegiant. Not because it’s luxurious, but because it’s unapologetically cheap. This flight, for 3 people, with Legroom+ seats, carry on bags, and some drinks on the plane was less than $200 total for everyone.

The Legroom+ seats are pretty spacious, even if they are in a weird spot on the plane behind the wings. I will say the seat bases are pretty short so they’re not amazingly comfortable, but these are short flights so I’ll live. The drinks onboard aren’t super cheap, but it’s palatable for the cost of the tickets.

The Allegiant 737s are a nice upgrade over the older A320s in the fleet. Those were starting to show their age and the 737s are brand new. The inclusion of onboard power ports in each seat is another welcome upgrade.

I’ll gladly fly with Allegiant again, in fact I already have more flights booked.