Frontier Airlines (F9) and Spirit Airlines (NK) both are the top budget airlines in the United States. They offer cheap and reliable flights. They differ in routes, fares, reliability, loyalty programs, In-flight experience, sustainability, and Wi-Fi. Comparing these factors helps travelers choose the best option for their needs and budget.
Let’s see Frontier Airlines vs Spirit Airlines. Here’s what you should consider while choosing any of the airlines:
Table of contents
- Route Networks and Destinations
- Reliability and Performance
- Fare Structures and Hidden Costs
- In-Flight Experience
- Loyalty Programs
- Credit Cards
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Route Networks and Destinations
Winner based on Destinations and Network: Frontier Airlines, but remember Frontier makes frequent cuts and additions to its flights.
Frontier Airline network
According to Flight Connections, Frontier Airlines flies to 77 domestic and 18 international destinations in 12 countries as of July 2024.
Frontier Airlines’ main hub is Denver, with secondary hubs in Las Vegas, Orlando, and Philadelphia.
Spirit Airline network
According to Flight Connections, Spirit Airlines flies to 57 domestic and 28 international destinations in 17 countries.
Spirit Airlines’ main hub is Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with secondary hubs in O’hare – Chicago, Fort Worth – Dallas, Detroit, George Bush Intercontinental – Houston, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
Reliability and Performance
Winner: Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines
In 2024, Frontier Airlines improved its performance significantly. On-time arrivals increased to 71.23%, with 44,832 flights landing on schedule. Delays dropped to 26.91%, affecting 16,936 flights. Cancellations decreased to 1.74%, impacting 1,095 flights.
The airline operated 62,941 flights, showing substantial growth from previous years. This data indicates Frontier’s efforts to enhance reliability and expand operations.
According to the Air Travel Consumer Report by the Department of Transportation (DOT), in April 2024, Frontier Airlines handled 733,709 bags, with 2,895 mishandled, resulting in a rate of 0.39 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned. This rate improved from 0.46 in April 2023.
According to J.D. Power Study, Frontier scores lowest with 472 points, far below average. This shows major problems in meeting customer needs. Frontier’s ultra-low-cost model likely causes low satisfaction. They trail Spirit by 35 points, showing bigger struggles in balancing cheap fares and customer happiness. Frontier must improve services and reliability without big price hikes to raise its ranking.
- On-time Arrival: 71.23%
- Cancellation Rate: 1.74%
- Mishandled Baggage: 0.39 per 100
- Customer Satisfaction Rating: 472 on 1000 point scale
Spirit Airlines
In 2024, Spirit Airlines showed improved performance. On-time arrivals reached 75.26%, with 64,144 flights landing on schedule. Delays decreased to 23.33%, affecting 19,884 flights.
Cancellations dropped to 1.26%, impacting 1,074 flights. Spirit operated 85,227 flights, demonstrating growth. The airline’s reliability improved compared to previous years, with fewer delays and cancellations.
According to the Air Travel Consumer Report by the Department of Transportation, Spirit Airlines performed slightly better, mishandling 0.37 bags per 100 enplaned out of 1,049,935 total bags.
Spirit ranks 11th with 507 points in the 2024 J.D. Power study, below the 613-point average. They beat Frontier by 35 points. Spirit’s cheap fares attract budget travelers but may hurt the overall experience. To improve, Spirit should focus on comfort, service, and reliability while keeping prices low.
- On-time Arrival: 75.26%
- Cancellation Rate: 1.26%
- Mishandled Baggage: 0.37 per 100
- Customer Satisfaction Rating: 507 on 1000 point scale
Fare Structures and Hidden Costs
Winner: Frontier generally offers lower overall costs compared to Spirit, especially for checked baggage and seat selection. Spirit’s higher fees for overweight baggage and more expensive seat selections can add up quickly, making Frontier the more cost-effective choice for most travelers.
Frontier Airlines
Base fares might seem low, but additional fees can significantly increase the total cost. Here’s a breakdown of these extra charges.
Baggage fees are a common add-on. Personal items are included but must not exceed 8″x18″x14″. Carry-on bags cost extra, with a weight limit of 35 lbs. The checked baggage weight limit is 40 lbs. Overweight or oversized bags incur fees between $50 and $100.
Seat selection also adds to the cost. Basic seat selection starts at $15 per flight segment. Priority boarding fees range from $0.99 to $9.99 while boarding first costs between $2.99 and $14.99. Web check-in is up to $5 unless done via the mobile app.
Change and cancellation fees vary depending on the condition. Changing a name on a booking costs $75. Modifications 60+ days before departure are free, but fees range from $49 to $99 within 59 days. Canceling a basic fare costs $99. Additional booking charges include $25 for external reservation handling and $35 for booking through a chat agent. The Early Booking Charge starts at $13.
Other costs include a $99 pet charge, up to $23 carrier interface charge, and a $5 electronic commerce charge per flight segment. Onboard snacks and drinks start at $3.50, and the All-You-Can-Fly Pass is up to $1,999 annually.
Considering these fees helps in budgeting accurately and avoiding surprises. Always check the airline’s policy for the latest details and factor in these additional expenses when comparing fares.
Spirit Airlines
One personal item, like a laptop bag or purse, is included with your fare if it’s smaller than 18″x14″x8″. Any additional or larger bags require extra cost. Overweight baggage (51-100 lbs) costs $125, and oversized baggage (63-80 linear inches) costs $150. Sporting equipment, such as bicycles and surfboards, have fees of $75 and $100, respectively.
Seat selection fees vary depending on demand and seat availability. Spirit assigned seating at check-in is free, while customer-requested regular seats range from $1 to $200. Large Front Seats cost between $12 and $900 in advance, or $25 to $250 for onboard upgrades. Choosing not to select a seat means random assignment at check-in, which may not guarantee sitting with companions.
Membership programs like the Spirit Saver$ Club offer savings on fares and bag prices, costing $69.95 annually. Free Spirit membership is free, providing access to lower fares and additional discounts.
Additional costs include a $150 fee for unaccompanied minors, $125 for pet transportation, and various fees for onboard services. Wi-Fi ranges from $3.99 to $19.99, snacks from $1 to $10, and drinks from $1 to $15.
Booking-related charges include a $25 reservation center booking fee, a $5 group booking fee, and up to $95 for Colombia administrative charges. Same-day confirmed or standby for earlier flights incur the price difference, while a missed flight costs $99.
Reward booking fees vary, with agent transactions costing $25 to $35, and reward redemption fees of $50 for departures within 28 days. Modifying or canceling reward bookings is generally free, except for group name changes within 30 days, which cost $50.
Additional extras, such as shortcut boarding, range from $7.99 to $9.99 each way, and shortcut security costs up to $20. Understanding these fees helps in accurate budgeting and avoiding surprises when booking flights.
Also Read: Spirit Airlines Now Scraps Change Fees Amid New Rule – Aviation A2Z
In-Flight Experience
Winner: Frontier Airlines wins this category due to better Seat comfort and Legroom. Although both airlines lack in-flight entertainment, Frontier gives better comfort while traveling. Both the airlines lack complimentary Food and Drinks but you can purchase them on a flight.
Seat Comfort and Legroom
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines (F9) uses an ultra-low-cost model with a seat pitch of 28 inches. The reduced legroom is a trade-off for lower fares. Frontier’s Stretch Seating offers more space and is available on their A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. Stretch Seats are always compared with the Big Front Seats of Spirit Airlines. Many people prefer Frontier’s Stretch seats because they can recline which is more comfortable than the Big Front Seats of Spirit Airlines.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines’ aircraft have an average seat pitch of 28 inches, the least space among US domestic carriers. However, Spirit Airlines offers Big Front Seats at the front of the plane with up to 11 inches more legroom than standard Deluxe Leather seats. You can purchase Big Front Seats to ensure extra legroom.
Amenities and Entertainment Options
Frontier Airlines
Frontier does not offer Wi-Fi, TV, movies, or other in-flight entertainment. This lack of services, along with no electrical outlets, helps reduce costs. These savings allow Frontier to offer the lowest fares possible to their customers.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit does not provide in-flight entertainment. However, the airline has Wi-Fi packages at extra cost that allow passengers to stream content on their own devices.
Food and Beverages Offerings
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines offers food and beverages for purchase on flights. These items are not complimentary, as the airline prefers to pass cost savings to customers. Passengers can buy wines, beers, and spirits. Frontier accepts Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards on board.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines offers a range of food and drinks for purchase during the flight. There are no complimentary beverages or snacks. Spirit Airlines does not provide any special dietary meals but provides options that meet most dietary needs. For gold members, Spirit Airlines offers free snacks and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Loyalty Programs
Winner: Frontier Airlines wins in the Loyalty Program category. The Frontier Miles program offers better rewards and more benefits at lower elite status levels than Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit program. Spirit’s program has fewer perks and requires more spending to reach higher status levels.
Frontier Miles Program
Earning Structure
Frontier Miles rewards one mile for every mile flown. Additional miles can be earned through travel and shopping partners. Mileage earnings are straightforward and based on flight distance.
Redemption Options
Award flights start at 10,000 miles each way. Frontier Miles is valued at 1.1 cents per mile, offering good value but requiring more miles compared to some airlines.
Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
Elite 20K: Achieved by flying 20,000 miles or 25 segments. Benefits include a free carry-on bag, family points pooling, waived redemption fees, and free seat assignments.
Higher Tiers: Offer discounted or free Discount Den membership and free checked bags. Holding a Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® can enhance earnings with additional miles on eligible purchases.
Free Spirit Program
Earning Structure
Free Spirit points are earned based on ticket cost rather than distance flown, with at least 6 points per dollar spent. Higher ticket prices result in more points. Members earn additional points for certain upgrades.
Redemption Options
Redemption starts at 2,500 points. Members can use points plus cash for quicker award ticket access or to use smaller point totals. Members with a Spirit co-branded credit card or Gold/Silver status can pool points with up to eight others.
Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
Silver Status: Requires 2,000 Status Qualifying Points (SPQs). Perks include priority boarding, seat selection at check-in, same-day standby, and a redemption fee waiver.
Gold Status: Achieved with 5,000 SPQs. Benefits include free checked and carry-on bags, seat selection at purchase, complimentary onboard snacks, and no change fees.
Credit Cards
Winner: Spirit Airlines wins in credit card offerings. They provide two card options, including a no-annual-fee choice, while Frontier has only one card. Spirit’s basic card needs less spending for bonuses and keeps points active longer. Their premium card matches Frontier’s benefits with a lower annual fee and adds a yearly companion voucher. Spirit’s diverse options and flexible terms outperform Frontier’s single card, despite its competitiveness.
Frontier credit card options and benefits
Frontier Airlines offers one credit card: the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®. This card provides 50,000 travel miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. Cardholders can pool miles with family and earn status faster. The card gives a $100 flight voucher yearly. The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $99. Miles stays active if you use the card every six months. The card waives award redemption fees.
Spirit credit card options and benefits
Spirit Airlines offers two credit cards:
- Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard®: Earn 10,000 Bonus Points after spending $500 in 90 days. Get 5,000 bonus points yearly after spending $10,000. Pool points with others. Points don’t expire while the account is open. This card has no annual fee.
- Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 Bonus Points and a $100 Flight Voucher after spending $1,000 in 90 days. The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $79. Get a $100 companion voucher yearly after spending $5,000. Access points pooling, reach elite status faster, and pay no award flight fees. Points don’t expire while you have the card.
Comparative analysis of card value
Both airlines offer valuable credit card options. Frontier’s card provides a higher initial bonus but has a higher spending requirement. Spirit offers two card choices, catering to different spending levels and travel needs.
Frontier’s card offers mile pooling and status acceleration. Spirit’s cards provide point pooling and faster elite status earning. Both waive award redemption fees.
Spirit’s no-annual-fee card suits occasional travelers, while its premium card matches Frontier’s offering. Frontier’s single card balances benefits and costs for regular flyers.
Spirit’s cards prevent point expiration as long as the account is open. Frontier requires card use every six months to keep miles active.
Overall, both airlines’ cards enhance their loyalty programs, offering ways to earn more rewards and enjoy additional perks when flying with their respective carriers.
Bottom Line
Frontier and Spirit Airlines both offer cheap flights with different strengths. Frontier has more domestic routes and updates them often. Spirit leads in on-time arrivals and fewer cancellations.
Frontier costs less for baggage and seats, and offers better seat comfort. Their loyalty program, Frontier Miles, gives better rewards at lower levels. Spirit wins with credit cards, offering more choices and flexibility.
Choose between them based on your travel needs and destination. Check each airline’s fees, routes, and rewards to get the best deal. Both airlines need to improve customer satisfaction but still provide affordable travel options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frontier offers more domestic routes and lower fees. Spirit provides better reliability and credit card options. Choose based on your travel needs, destination, and budget preferences. Both airlines offer affordable flights.
Frontier Airlines offers cheap fares but ranks low in customer satisfaction. It has average on-time performance and baggage handling. Safety isn’t a major concern, but service quality needs improvement. Consider your priorities when choosing Frontier.
Frontier Airlines maintains safety standards required by US regulations. It has a poor reputation for customer service issues, not safety concerns. The airline’s low ratings primarily reflect service quality, not flight safety.
Frontier Airlines is owned by Indigo Partners LLC, which owns 80.9% of the Airline. IndiGo Airline in India does not own Frontier Airline. Indigo Partners LLC is different from IndiGo Airlines.
According to the data, The Vanguard Group, Inc. owns a 9.52% stake in Spirit Airlines. The Vanguard Group Inc. is the Majority shareholder of Spirit Airlines.
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The post Frontier vs Spirit: Which low-cost Airline is Best? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.