When it comes to budget-friendly air travel, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are two names that often pop up. You’ve probably wondered which one’s the better option. Is it Spirit with its ultra-low-cost model? Or Frontier with its emphasis on green operations?
We’ll be diving deep into this comparison, looking at factors like pricing, customer service, and overall experience. It’s not just about who’s cheaper—it’s about getting the most bang for your buck. So, buckle up as we explore Spirit Airlines vs Frontier Airlines to help you make an well-informed choice for your next trip.
Pricing Comparison
Airfare can make or break your travel plans. So let’s dive methodically into a comprehensive pricing comparison between Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Notoriously known as ultra low-cost carriers, both Spirit and Frontier have attractive base fares. You’d often find Spirit Airlines’ prices to be lower than Frontier’s. But wait. This is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ve got to consider all those ancillary services which aren’t covered by the base airfare.
Spirit Airlines charges for both checked and carry-on bags, apart from personal items which come at no extra cost. These fees aren’t consistent and might change according to your destination and tier of seating. The ‘Bare Fare’ – Spirit’s lowest fare – entices you with prices which are hard to resist, but remember, it’s as barebones as it gets.
On the other hand, Frontier Airlines also charges for checked and carry-on luggage, with exemptions for personal items like backpacks or purses. The one advantage you have with Frontier is the availability of ‘The Works’ bundle. This offers you several benefits such as a full refund option, no change fees, seat selection and a free carry-on bag. Though it’s more expensive than Spirit’s fare tiers, it offers increased flexibility and convenience, making it a worthy deal for many travelers.
The final verdict on pricing? It’s all about how much you’re willing to pay for convenience. Both airlines offer competitively low base prices but the add-ons do rack up. You’ve got to strategize intelligently and consider what you truly need for your travel. Remember, cost efficiency doesn’t always translate to comfort or convenience, It’s always a tightrope walk between the two.
Customer Service Difference
Let’s jump into the crucial aspect that can make or break your journey – customer service. Perceivably, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have different ways of serving their customers.
Spirit Airlines is renowned for its energetic flight crew. You’re likely to feel the vibrant aura the moment you step onboard. Now don’t expect elegance, Spirit Airlines loves to keep things fun and casual. Onboarding and off-boarding times are fairly quick as Spirit values punctuality. But, it’s essential to remember that customer service might feel rushed due to their emphasis on efficiency.
Frontier Airlines, on the other hand, leans towards a more classic approach. You’ll notice this in the professional demeanor of their staff. Although not as lively as Spirit, Frontier maintains a calm and composed environment throughout the flight. They focus on providing undivided attention to each passenger. So if you’re someone who prefers a more personalized experience, Frontier might be your go-to choice.
Keeping in mind the different aspects of customer services provided by the two airlines, the following table summarizes key features:
| Aspect | Spirit Airlines | Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Style of Service | Fun and Casual | Professional |
| Focus | Efficiency | Personalized Attention |
| Onboarding times | Quick | Standard |
One further point to consider is the resolution of complaints or issues. In case of any unforeseen circumstances or mishaps, both airlines have customer service available 24/7. But, the speed of resolving issues may vary. Often, customers express that Spirit Airlines tends to resolve issues quickly, focusing more on solutions than explanations.
Remember, your experience with any airline can significantly depend on individual interactions. Both Spirit and Frontier Airlines strive to provide a satisfactory customer service experience. It’s all about what suits your style and preference.
In-flight Experience
Making a choice between Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines isn’t just about customer service. It’s also about who can deliver the ultimate in-flight experience.
Spirit Airlines keeps you entertained with an engaging atmosphere. You won’t be getting free snacks or Wi-Fi on your flight, but you’ll hardly notice it due to the energy and spirit the crew provides. Everything boils down to bare fares. You’re only paying for your seat and one small item to carry on. Anything else like additional luggage, snacks, or preferential seating comes at an extra cost. This model allows Spirit Airlines to offer some of the most competitive ticket prices in the industry.
Switching gears to Frontier Airlines, they also operate with a low-cost model but somehow manage to squeeze a bit more into your ticket price. With Frontier, you get a comfortable leather seat and more legroom standard on most flights. Sipping on a complimentary beverage onboard is always a plus. But similar to Spirit, extras such as snack boxes, Wi-Fi, and extra hand luggage will cost you.
Let’s look at what average comforts you get with each airline:
| Average Comforts | Spirit Airlines | Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Seat Comfort | Moderate | High |
| Extra Legroom | No | Yes |
| Free Beverage | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | At a cost | At a cost |
| Snacks | At a cost | At a cost |
Indeed, the in-flight experience varies between these two airlines. Spirit’s lively environment may keep you entertained and forget about the lack of complimentary inclusions. On the other hand, Frontier’s offer of extra comfort may appeal more to those willing to pay a tad higher for their airfares. At the end of the day, deciding on which airline to fly with will boil down to what’s more important to you – the bottom line cost or additional in-flight features. Either way, you’re sure to find a balance that suits your style and budget with both Spirit and Frontier Airlines.
Baggage Policies
It’s important to familiarize yourself with an airline’s luggage policies when planning your trip. You might find differences in terms of allowances, restrictions, and charges for checked and carry-on bags. Given this, let’s jump into the baggage policies of Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Spirit Airlines is known for their “bare fare” approach, meaning you only pay for what you use. When it comes to baggage, they permit a small personal item for free, but charges apply for additional carry-on and checked bags. The cost depends on when you decide to add them, whether at the time of booking, before boarding, or at the airport. Adding bags earlier is generally less expensive.
As for Frontier Airlines, they also allow a free personal item. But, carry-on and checked bags incur costs. These costs can vary based on when you pay and the size or weight of your baggage. Just like Spirit, Frontier encourages passengers to pay for bags at the time of booking to take advantage of lower prices.
To further illustrate these points, let’s compare the typical costs associated with baggage for both airlines.
| Spirit Airlines | Frontier Airlines | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | Free |
| Carry-On | Starts at $26 | Starts at $30 |
| First Checked Bag | Starts at $21 | Starts at $34 |
The figures above showcase the starting prices for baggage with both airlines. Remember, prices can increase based on when you choose to add them and other factors such as bag size or weight. We recommend checking each airline’s website for the most current and detailed information.
About baggage policies, Spirit and Frontier have similar approaches, both offering a free personal item while charging for additional carry-on and checked luggage. The critical difference lies in the pricing structure which could have an impact on your budget depending on your travel needs and timing of booking.
Overall Performance and Reputation
When it comes to overall performance and reputation, both Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines have their strengths and shortcomings. You may wonder, how do these airlines compare?
Spirit Airlines is notorious for its ‘no-frills’ approach. They’re focused on providing the lowest possible fare and then allow you to add the extras you want, like baggage. But, this method might not go down well with everyone. Some passengers appreciate the cost-saving measures, while others find it cumbersome having to pay for every additional feature. Spirit also has a mixed reputation when it comes to punctuality. Yet, the airline’s consistent low fares continue drawing travelers.
Frontier Airlines, on the other hand, generally receives more positive reviews compared to Spirit. Their base fares are often low, similar to Spirit, even though additional charges apply for bags and seat selection. They’re frequently praised for their customer service and typically have a better on-time performance record than Spirit. But, you should be aware that comfort levels in terms of seating and in-flight services are pretty similar to Spirit, given the focus of both airlines on budget travel.
Let’s explore some stats that throw light on the airlines’ performance. Here are the figures for late flights, denied boardings, and mishandled baggage in 2020.
| Metric | Spirit Airlines | Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Late Flights | 21% | 16% |
| Denied Boardings | 1 per 10,000 | 0.5 per 10,000 |
| Mishandled Bags | 5 per 1,000 | 4 per 1,000 |
As you navigate your way through choosing the best low-cost airline for your needs, remember that it’s often the ‘extras’ that can make or break your travel budget and experience. Keep these factors in mind while planning your trip. With this understanding, you will be better equipped to make the right choice based on performance, reputation, and, not to forget, the all-important cost factor.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, it’s all about what matters most to you. If you’re a budget traveler who doesn’t mind paying for extras, Spirit’s low fares might be your best bet. On the other hand, if customer service and on-time performance are high on your list, Frontier seems to have the edge. Remember, it’s not just about the ticket price – the overall experience matters too. So, weigh your options carefully, consider the factors that are important to you, and make an well-informed choice. After all, the best airline is the one that meets your travel needs and expectations.
What is Spirit Airlines’ approach?
Spirit Airlines uses a “no-frills” approach. They offer low fares for their flights, but charge for additional features such as seat selection and baggage.
How is Frontier Airlines described?
Frontier Airlines typically receive positive reviews for their customer service and on-time performance, making them a favorite amongst customers.
What are some statistics regarding late flights for both airlines?
In 2020, both Spirit and Frontier Airlines had several instances with late flights. Exact figures were not provided in the article.
How have passengers been denied boarding for both airlines?
Details on denied boarding were mentioned in the article, but specific data for Spirit and Frontier Airlines in 2020 was not given.
What does the article advise when choosing a low-cost airline?
The article advises considering factors including additional costs (“extras”), performance, reputation, and overall cost when choosing a low-cost airline.
Which airline had more mishandled baggage incidents in 2020?
The article mentions mishandled baggage for both airlines in 2020, but the specific airline with more incidents is not identified in the article.
