While traditional carriers dominate North American short-haul freight, Allegiant Air has quietly developed an alternative through third-party logistics partnerships. Known primarily for its low-cost passenger service, the airline now offers cargo solutions across the continental U.S. and Caribbean region.
The Regional Cargo Specialist
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air operates a unique point-to-point regional network that bypasses congested hub airports. Its cargo services leverage three strategic hubs:
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Phoenix (PHX)
Key Statistics:
- Network Coverage: 120 airports across North America, with 90% serving secondary U.S. cities
- Operational Capacity: Las Vegas hub handles over 200 daily flights connecting 50 domestic and 10 Caribbean airports
Cargo Tracking: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Official Tracking Channels
Users can track shipments through Allegiant Air's official website by navigating to "Cargo" then "Track Your Shipment" or accessing the direct tracking page.
2. Air Waybill Number Format
The tracking system requires a complete Air Waybill (AWB) number in the format "WG-XXXXXXXX" where:
- "WG" represents Allegiant's IATA code
- The 8-digit number serves as the unique shipment identifier
3. Status Interpretation
The tracking system provides real-time updates every 30 minutes, displaying key statuses including:
- Booked
- In Transit
- In Transit - Transfer
- Delivered
- Customs Clearance
Transit Time Analysis
Average delivery times vary by route:
- Domestic U.S.: 1-2 days (e.g., Los Angeles to New York)
- U.S.-Caribbean: 2-3 days (e.g., Las Vegas to San Juan)
Factors Affecting Transit Time:
- Weather conditions (summer thunderstorms may increase delays by 25%)
- Flight scheduling (regional aircraft average 8 hours daily utilization)
- Customs processing (averages 24 hours in U.S., up to 48 hours in Caribbean nations)
Special Cargo Considerations
Allegiant accepts specialized shipments with specific requirements:
- Perishables: Requires 48-hour advance notice with temperature control between -18°C to 4°C
- Live Animals: Must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations and use approved containers
- Dangerous Goods: Limited to certain classes (e.g., lithium batteries require UN38.3 certification)
Asian Market Access
While Allegiant doesn't operate directly in Asia, cargo can be routed through partner networks:
- International carriers (DHL, FedEx) handle Asia-North America trunk routes
- Allegiant provides final regional distribution within North America
This regional specialization positions Allegiant as an efficient solution for North American short-haul freight, particularly for time-sensitive shipments to secondary markets.