A Popular Budget-Friendly Airline Is Ending Its Service In Some Cities, Including San Antonio

Travelers looking for cheap flights out of San Antonio will soon have one fewer option. Allegiant Air, the budget airline known for its à la carte pricing and service in smaller cities that have fewer direct flight options from the major carriers, has announced it's pulling operations at five airports across the U.S., including San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The move is part of a company strategy to consolidate routes and focus on more profitable areas. The other affected airports include Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), El Paso International (ELP), Grand Junction Regional (GJT) in Colorado, and Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT) in Mississippi. Flights on these routes have already been nixed and are no longer available for booking. So, if you've used Allegiant to travel from San Antonio, you'll now have to look for alternative airlines or consider flying out of other hubs.

This announcement comes as part of a wave of changes Allegiant Air has made over the last year. In June 2024, the airline announced plans to shut down its crew and aircraft base in Austin, Texas, which had been open for almost three years, by early 2025. While this cut down on some routes, the airline still operates flights from Austin as well as Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU). Similarly, the carrier closed its crew base in Los Angeles in March 2025, while continuing to offer flights originating from other bases.

Allegiant's exit from San Antonio and four other airports is a perfect example of just how quickly things can shift for low-cost airlines. One major reason budget airlines might be endangered is increasing competition from legacy airlines, which often introduce lower-price fare options and other perks to entice customers. With Allegiant pulling out of these markets, it presents a ripe opportunity for other carriers to attract Allegiant's former customer base. While these exits may be disappointing news for faithful Allegiant flyers, some — especially those who agree the carrier has the world's most uncomfortable plane seats — might find new favorites with alternatives like Frontier or Southwest Airlines.

For travelers in these cities, it means fewer nonstop routes, especially to vacation hotspots that were once a quick, affordable hop away. But if you're in one of the cities affected by Allegiant's exit, don't give up on scoring a great travel deal just yet. Be sure to compare your departure airport options. For San Antonio residents, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) may offer more choices, especially for low-cost carriers.

Also, being more flexible in your travel is one key for getting the cheapest flight for any trip. Travelers who can adjust their dates, fly midweek, fly with a layover, or even hop on a red eye will often find better prices. It might not be as convenient as a direct Allegiant flight, but with some planning and a few hacks, travelers can still save big on flights.