Allegiant Air fined $100,000 by U.S. Department of Transportation

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air was fined $100,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday for violations of rules for advertising fares, and for how it reported complaints by disabled passengers.

The fare pricing issue arose because Allegiant's website promoted free flights from Las Vegas and Tampa, Fla., but did not show ancillary fees and taxes on the banner page. This went against rules at the time.

Also, the department found that Allegiant responded to several complaints by disabled passengers, both to the government and the airline directly, by telephone instead of the required writing. Also, the department said not all complaints were counted or properly categorized.

Half of the fine must be paid within the next month, with the rest due only if the airline commits further violations over the next year.

Spirit Airlines was also fined $100,000 for violating the disability reporting rules on Jan. 27. Both Allegiant and Spirit have been loud critics of the new pricing rules, but a department spokesman said the violations predate the new rules.

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.