Allegiant Airlines is making a major change. 

Allegiant is a low-cost discount airline that mostly serves small and medium-sized cities. The airline dates back to 1997 and was founded in Fresno, Calif.

The airline is shaking up its flight schedule in a big way, now, though. 

Unfortunately, the change could hurt some passengers who thought their travel plans were all set. Many travelers will need to modify their itineraries once Allegiant Airlines’ change goes into effect.

Allegiant Airlines passengers hoping to fly out of this West-Coast airport will be out of luck.

Image source: Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Allegiant Airlines cancels flights that it operated for 17 years

Aviation Week recently reported that Allegiant was pulling out of a key airport: The airline has decided to stop all operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

This news may come as a surprise, because the airline has operated out of LAX for a very long time. 

In fact, the airline first started serving LAX in May of 2009 and, years later, made a major commitment to the airport when Allegiant established LAX as a base hub in 2016.

Now, less than a decade later, it’s leaving altogether.

These will be Allegiant’s last routes from LAX

Allegiant’s last routes from LAX will run on January 3, 2026. These include:

  • LAX to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
  • LAX to Bellingham, Washington

Both flights had originally been scheduled to operate twice per week during the entire winter season. 

The wholesale cancellation of these flights could affect any travelers who booked travel to their destination with Allegiant Airlines this winter before the routes were cut.

Why Allegiant Airlines canceled these longstanding flights for good

Allegiant Airlines provided a statement to Aviation Week about the change, stating:

We’ve proudly served LAX for nearly 17 years so the decision to leave is not one we made lightly. It is driven by Allegiant’s long-term strategic goals and reflective of our flexible business value. With LAX’s per-passenger costs projected to reach nearly $64 by 2031 (per Fitch Ratings), we’ve chosen to pivot toward a more sustainable and value-oriented model in the LA basin.

The airline will operate primarily out of Burbank instead. The spokesperson also commented on how this will help customers and staff:

Burbank’s lower operating costs and streamlined gate and facility usage allow us to offer more attractive fares to our customers while creating a better working environment for our team members. With a new terminal slated to open in late 2026, the BUR experience is only set to improve. We’re confident that this transition to Burbank will better serve our customers and position Allegiant for continued success in Southern California.

Travelers are likely to be caught off guard, since this reflects a big shift from the airline’s stance just a short time ago. 

While Allegiant had revealed in March that it would close the LAX crew and aircraft base in September, the airline had initially said it would use other bases to keep serving LAX.

Now it has become clear it won’t be doing that.

What options do LAX travelers have?

With Allegiant discontinuing these routes, travelers are left with far fewer options to fly out of LAX. 

Specifically, Delta Air Lines is now the only airline with a direct link between LAX and Cincinnati. The good news is that Delta’s flight will operate six times per week.

More on travel:

  • U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengers
  • Delta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will like
  • United Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response 
  • TSA issues stern warning on item over 13 million Americans use

Still, those who had Allegiant flights booked to or from LAX after the change goes into effect will need to explore whether Delta Air Lines is the right choice for them to fly or whether they should be looking into alternative travel plans, such as leaving from Burbank or taking a non-direct flight and making a connection.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)

Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

Related: Delta Air Lines cancels flights permanently starting in January