Allegiant Air Launching First Class Cabin, Adding Free Drinks In Economy

Allegiant Air, historically known as one of the United States’ most disciplined ultra low cost carriers, has just announced plans to significantly improve its passenger experience. This includes introducing a first class product, and also adding free drinks in economy.At this point I don’t think it’ll surprise anyone, but clearly this premium trend isn’t just a fad, but is a fundamental industry shift. Allegiant First product launches in the spring of 2027Allegiant adds free non-alcoholic drinks in economyBottom line Allegiant First product launches in the spring of 2027Allegiant has announced plans to introduce a first class product, which will be branded as Allegiant First. This will be debut and be phased in on select aircraft as of 2027, and represents the latest step in the company’s long term strategy to modernize customer experience while expanding ancillary and premium travel offerings for leisure focused travelers.Allegiant First is coming to select Allegiant planesAllegiant First will consists of eight seats, spread across two rows, in a 2-2 configuration. Seats will have 37″ of pitch, 5″ of recline, calf rests, and adjustable head rests. There will also be enhanced amenities and upgraded service elements, though details about the onboard product aren’t otherwise known yet.The cabin will provide passengers with priority access to check-in and boarding, and Allegiant First fares will include one personal item, one carry-on bag, and one checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds.Flights with the new product are expected to go on sale as of mid-August 2026, with the product launching in the spring of 2027. The cabin will debut on flights to and from Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda (PGD). Allegiant First will complement, and not replace, Allegiant Extra, which is Allegiant’s extra legroom economy seating option. The Allegiant First product will have 37″ of pitchWith this development, I think it’s interesting to note that Southwest is the only major carrier in the country that hasn’t (officially) announced plans to introduce first class, though we also have reason to believe that’s coming…Allegiant adds free non-alcoholic drinks in economyIt’s not just those willing to pay for first class who are getting an upgrade, but also those in economy. As of August 1, 2026, Allegiant is rolling out a free beverage service onboard all flights, instead of charging for virtually everything. Free drinks include water, soft drinks, juices, etc., so that’s an upgrade. There are still upgraded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase, like cold brew, bloody mary mix, etc.Allegiant non-alcoholic drink selectionThese updates of course follow Allegiant acquiring Sun Country, and the idea very much seems to be to create a new set of product offerings for the combined passengers of both airlines. Here’s how Allegiant Chief Commercial Officer Drew Wells describes this:“This is about giving customers more ways to travel with us. As we bring together two highly complementary leisure airlines, we see significant opportunity to expand complimentary and premium offerings in a way that strengthens the customer experience and supports the long-term growth of the combined company. Travelers are increasingly looking for more comfort, more personalization and more flexibility, and these new offerings are a meaningful step forward in delivering that.”Bottom lineAllegiant is improving its passenger experience. Starting in the spring of 2027, we’ll see the airline introduce a first class product, with select flights having a dedicated cabin with eight seats. On top of that, and more immediately, Allegiant is adding free non-alcoholic drinks in economy, rather than having a full buy on board model.These are all great updates for passengers, and I look forward to learning more about the new first class.What do you make of Allegiant’s passenger experience updates?