Allegiant, Long an OTA Holdout, Signs an Exclusive Deal With Expedia

Allegiant reached an exclusive 12-month deal with Expedia Group to become the airline’s first authorized online travel agency distributor, and it marks a big shift for the Las Vegas-based travel company.

Allegiant, which for years relied on metasearch brands like Google Flights and Kayak as part of its direct distribution strategy, has avoided selling its flights through online travel agencies. Ryanair had pursued a similar strategy, but has since struck deals with eight or more OTAs.

Ryanair pays no commissions to its OTA distributors — including Expedia Group. Allegiant didn’t detail its business model with Expedia, but analysts will be examining Allegiant’s revenue mix to see whether it changes.

Allegia