HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. — As planes took off and landed throughout the picturesque blue sky over Lehigh Valley international Airport on Tuesday morning, more than two dozen Allegiant pilots stood stock-still and silent.
Instead of flying, they carried signs reading “Ready to Strike” and “5 Years, Zero Contract, No Confidence in Allegiant Management.”
The informational picket line was among 22 such demonstrations across Allegiant airport bases throughout the country, with pilots calling out the airline for failing to finalize contract negotiations after nearly five years.
“We have a substandard contract currently that does not compensate us in a way that would promote pilot retention, and with us losing pilots, if we're not competitive enough in the market to replace those pilots, the math on that equates to staffing shortages that we're concerned would result in our inability to continue to service the routes that our customers depend on."Allegiant Air Captain Andrew Pennartz
While US Flight Co. says typical starting pay for a First Officer at most low-cost carriers such as Allegiant is $85,000 to $120,000, a year, a March 2025 article on Business Insider says Allegiant First Officers tend to be paid $48,500 to $174,000.
According to Allegiant Capt. Andrew Pennartz, pilots with the airline have operated under the same contract since 2016, skewing toward the lower end of that spread.
“We've been negotiating for a new contract since 2021,” Pennartz said.
“A lot of our other peers have already negotiated working under their contracts, and in some cases, we're making up to 80 percent less than what our peers are in the industry for compensation, work rules and benefits.
"And it's time for Allegiant to give us a contract that we deserve.”
Pennartz said numerous delays have impaired negotiations, with Allegiant pilot representatives “working diligently to get to the negotiating table to get a deal done, and it just hasn’t happened.”
'Inability to continue'
A website detailing information about the strike states Allegiant pilots are not pleased with Executive Chairman Maury Gallagher, who the Allegiant Pilots Association of Teamsters Local 2118 targeted with a no-confidence vote.
In that poll, 98% of Allegiant pilots expressed they did not believe Gallagher could exercise sound judgment and restraint in operations and decisions that affect the company’s employees, passengers and long-term success.
Also, 97% of Allegiant pilots are ready to strike after 1,600 days without a new pilot contract, the site states.
In lieu of investing in pilots, the website says, the airline dropped $725 million in the construction of Sunseeker Resort in Florida, which later was sold at a near $500 million loss.
That, Pennartz said, leads to fewer pilots flying for Allegiant.
And fewer flights for passengers.
“We have a substandard contract currently that does not compensate us in a way that would promote pilot retention," Pennartz said.
"And with us losing pilots, if we're not competitive enough in the market to replace those pilots, the math on that equates to staffing shortages that we're concerned would result in our inability to continue to service the routes that our customers depend on.”
Allegiant responds
In an emailed statement, Allegiant spokesman Hector Mejia said the airline continues to negotiate with the Teamsters Local 2118, "with the mediation assistance of the National Mediation Board."
"Allegiant has offered a competitive package — including an immediate 50% average increase in hourly wages that scales to 70% over 5 years," the statement said.
"Additionally, we have offered a 50% increase in direct contribution to pilots’ retirement benefits, improvements in long-term disability benefits, and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements designed to honor seniority and protect our business model."
"We are operating our full schedule and do not anticipate any disruptions related to the informational picketing," it said. "Our customers can continue to book and travel with confidence."Allegiant Airlines statement
Further, Allegiant said it "has been accruing a retention bonus since June 2023 that represents an 82% pay increase for first-year first officers and a 35% pay increase for all other pilots."
That money will be paid out in a lump-sum cash payment to individuals once a new contract is ratified, the airline said. For senior captains, that retention bonus has exceeded $200,000 and counting, it said.
The airline said the Tuesday event was "not a work stoppage, nor is one imminent."
"We are operating our full schedule and do not anticipate any disruptions related to the informational picketing," it said. "Our customers can continue to book and travel with confidence."
It said labor law in the airline industry requires several conditions to be exhausted, none of which are, before a work stoppage.
"It is important to note that none of these conditions have been met, and the Teamsters Local 2118 cannot legally call for a strike, a slow-down, or any other kind of 'self-help' action until all of them have been met," the airline's statement said.
'Want to be able to serve our customers'
As cars drove by and honked in support of the picketers Tuesday, a digital panel truck looped the grounds displaying slogans and references to the Allegiant Pilot Strike website.
Pennartz encouraged any Allegiant customers to check out the site to see exactly what pilots have been dealing with, and how it would inevitably affect their travel — just as holiday season travel kicks into high gear.
“We're out here just trying to spread the word that we, as a pilot group, want to be able to serve our customers."Allegiant Capt. Andrew Pennartz
“If they wanted to show their support by going through even social media platforms and just expressing their desire for us to get a contract so that they could continue to fly with us, that would be greatly appreciated,” Pennartz said.
For now, Pennartz and the local Allegiant pilots say they simply want a chance to provide safe, reliable routes for passengers with a good, seasoned crew.
They just need the airline to come to the table and be willing to compromise, Pennartz said.
And if that doesn't happen, those pilots are ready to strike.
“We're out here just trying to spread the word that we, as a pilot group, want to be able to serve our customers,” Pennartz said.
“We want to continue to be able to provide the routes, but we are concerned that if the delays continue, we could have staffing shortages that would impact our ability to do so.”
