You're scrolling through a travel site, and you see it. A flight to the Gulf Coast for less than the price of a fancy steak dinner. It feels like a glitch. Honestly, it's not. But flying Allegiant flights to Fort Myers Florida is a bit like playing a game where you have to know the rules before you roll the dice.
I’ve seen people show up at the gate with a "personal item" that’s actually a full-sized suitcase, only to get hit with a $75 fee on the spot. That’s how a $46 flight becomes a $121 headache real fast. Allegiant is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), which basically means they unbundle everything. You aren't just paying for a seat; you're paying for the right to exist in that seat. Anything else—water, a bag, a specific row—is an extra line item.
The Two-Airport Confusion: RSW vs. PGD
First off, let’s clear up the biggest mix-up. When people talk about Allegiant flights to Fort Myers Florida, they might be talking about two different runways.
For years, Allegiant's bread and butter was Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). It’s about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. It's tiny, easy to navigate, and feels more like a bus station than a major hub. Recently, however, Allegiant expanded its footprint directly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
Why the distinction matters
If you book a flight to PGD, you're looking at a 40-minute drive to get to downtown Fort Myers. If you land at RSW, you're right there. But PGD often has the deeper discounts. You've got to weigh the cost of a rental car or an Uber against the flight savings.
- RSW (Southwest Florida International): Direct access, more car rental options, Concourse B.
- PGD (Punta Gorda): Faster security, cheaper parking, but a bit of a trek to the beach.
Cities Flying Directly to the Sun
Allegiant doesn't fly everywhere. They find small or mid-sized cities that other airlines ignore and bridge the gap. In late 2025 and heading into 2026, they’ve ramped up their direct routes to RSW significantly.
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We're talking about non-stop service from places like Allentown (ABE), Appleton (ATW), and Des Moines (DSM). These aren't daily flights. Usually, they run twice a week—think Thursdays and Sundays. It’s perfect for a long weekend, but if you need to be back on a specific Tuesday for a meeting, you might be out of luck.
Other regulars in the rotation include:
- Cincinnati (CVG)
- Grand Rapids (GRR)
- Indianapolis (IND)
- Knoxville (TYS)
- Columbus (LCK) - Specifically the Rickenbacker International Airport, not the main CMH hub.
The "Airport Hack" No One Believes
Here is the weirdest thing about Allegiant. You can actually save money by leaving your house and driving to the airport just to buy a ticket.
Every ticket booked online includes a "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge." In 2026, this usually sits around $13 to $22 per person, per segment. If you buy the ticket at the airport counter during the very limited hours the agents are there (usually just for an hour after a flight departs), they waive that fee. For a family of four, that’s nearly $100 saved on a round trip. It’s a bit of a hassle, but for the budget-obsessed, it’s a legendary move.
Navigating the Baggage Minefield
Let's talk about the bag. This is where the airline makes its money.
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You get one personal item for free. That’s it. It has to fit under the seat in front of you. Allegiant is strict—the dimensions are roughly 7 x 15 x 16 inches. If your "backpack" is bulging like it’s about to pop, they will make you drop it in the sizer.
If you know you need a carry-on or a checked bag, buy it when you book the ticket. Prices are dynamic. A checked bag might be $35 if you buy it now, $50 if you add it later through "Manage Travel," and $75 if you wait until you're standing at the airport.
Pro-tip for the "One Bag" travelers
There are companies that sell bags specifically designed to maximize Allegiant’s free personal item dimensions. They look like little cubes. If you can fit three days of clothes in there, you are flying for the base fare. No extras. It feels like winning.
The In-Flight Experience (Or Lack Thereof)
Don't expect a TV. Don't expect a cookie. Don't even expect a cup of water unless you want to pay for it.
The seats don't recline. This is actually a plus for some people because it means the person in front of you can't smash your knees. The seats are "pre-reclined" at a slight angle. It’s fine for a two-hour jump from the Midwest, but you'll want to bring your own entertainment. Download your Netflix shows before you leave home because there is no Wi-Fi on these planes.
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When Things Go Wrong
This is the nuance most "travel bloggers" skip. Because Allegiant's schedule is so thin—often just two flights a week—a mechanical delay can be a disaster.
If a major airline cancels a flight, they can usually put you on another one in four hours. If Allegiant cancels a Thursday flight to Fort Myers, the next available seat might not be until Sunday. This is why many veteran Allegiant flyers buy Trip Flex. It’s an add-on that lets you change your flight once without a massive penalty, though you still pay the fare difference.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to book Allegiant flights to Fort Myers Florida, here is how to actually do it without getting ripped off.
- Check both airports: Look at RSW and PGD. Sometimes the $20 difference in flight price isn't worth the $60 Uber ride from Punta Gorda.
- Download the app: Do not pay $5 to have them print your boarding pass at the airport. Use the digital one on your phone.
- Measure your bag twice: Use a tape measure. Include the wheels. Seriously.
- Pack snacks: Buy your water and sandwiches at the terminal shops before boarding. It’s cheaper than the on-board menu.
- Book 6 months out: Allegiant releases schedules in chunks. Prices usually start low and tick up every time 10-15 seats are sold.
The bottom line? Allegiant is a tool. If you use it right, you're getting a direct flight to the Florida sun for less than a tank of gas. If you ignore the fine print, you'll end up frustrated. Stick to the rules, pack light, and enjoy the Gulf.
Plan your ground transportation from RSW or PGD before you land. Rental car prices in Fort Myers can fluctuate wildly based on the season, especially during "Spring Break" or the winter "Snowbird" peak. Checking prices for a car at the same time you book your flight ensures you aren't saving $100 on airfare only to spend an extra $400 on a mid-sized sedan. Be sure to confirm the terminal location at RSW; Allegiant generally operates out of Concourse B, which is shared with other carriers like Southwest and Frontier.