Which is better Frontier or Spirit

Comparison Table: Frontier vs Spirit

The main differences between the Frontier and the Spirit.

1. Price: The Battle of the Budget Airlines

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are both ultra-low-cost carriers, meaning they offer some of the cheapest base fares in the industry. However, the low prices come with a catch: both airlines charge extra fees for almost everything, from carry-on bags to seat selection.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier often advertises fares as low as $29 one-way, but these fares are typically for short-haul flights and require booking well in advance. Frontier's "Discount Den" membership can save frequent flyers even more, but it comes with an annual fee.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit is known for its "Bare Fare" pricing model, which starts at $35 one-way. Like Frontier, Spirit charges for extras like checked bags, carry-ons, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport.
  Case Study: A round-trip flight from Denver to Las Vegas might cost $100 on Frontier and $110 on Spirit. However, if you add a carry-on bag and seat selection, the total cost could jump to $150 on Frontier and $160 on Spirit. In this case, Frontier is slightly cheaper, but the difference is minimal.

2. Fees: The Hidden Costs

Both airlines are notorious for their à la carte pricing models, but there are some differences in how they charge for extras.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier charges for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and even water on board. However, Frontier offers a "Works" bundle that includes a carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding for a discounted price.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit also charges for carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat selection. Spirit's "Bundle It" option allows passengers to save on these extras by bundling them together. However, Spirit's fees are generally higher than Frontier's.
  Case Study: A passenger traveling with a carry-on and a checked bag might pay $60 in fees on Frontier and $70 on Spirit. If you're a frequent traveler, Frontier's "Discount Den" membership could save you more in the long run.

3. Route Network: Where Do They Fly?

Both Frontier and Spirit operate primarily in the United States, but they have different route networks.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier focuses on smaller airports and secondary cities, which can sometimes mean longer drives to the airport but less crowded terminals. Frontier's hub is in Denver, but it also has a strong presence in cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Atlanta.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit has a more extensive route network, with hubs in Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, and Las Vegas. Spirit also offers more international destinations, including flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
  Case Study: If you're flying from Chicago to Cancun, Spirit might be your only option, as Frontier doesn't fly to Cancun. However, if you're flying from Denver to Orlando, both airlines offer multiple daily flights, giving you more flexibility.

4. Customer Experience: Comfort and Service

When it comes to customer experience, both airlines have their strengths and weaknesses.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier's seats are known for being slim and lacking in padding, which can make long flights uncomfortable. However, Frontier has recently introduced "Stretch Seating," which offers more legroom for an additional fee.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit's seats are also slim and lack padding, but they do offer "Big Front Seats," which are wider and more comfortable. Spirit's cabin crew is known for being friendly, but the overall experience is no-frills.
  Case Study: A passenger flying from New York to Miami might find Frontier's "Stretch Seating" more comfortable than Spirit's standard seats. However, if you're looking for a wider seat, Spirit's "Big Front Seats" might be worth the extra cost.

5. Loyalty Programs: Earning and Redeeming Miles

Both airlines offer loyalty programs, but they differ in how you earn and redeem miles.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier's "Frontier Miles" program allows passengers to earn miles based on the distance flown. Miles can be redeemed for flights, but blackout dates and restrictions apply. Frontier also offers a co-branded credit card that earns additional miles.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit's "Free Spirit" program is more flexible, allowing passengers to earn miles based on the amount spent. Miles can be redeemed for flights with no blackout dates, and Spirit also offers a co-branded credit card.
  Case Study: A frequent flyer who spends $1,000 on flights might earn 5,000 miles on Frontier and 10,000 miles on Spirit. If you're looking for more flexibility in redeeming miles, Spirit's "Free Spirit" program might be the better choice.

6. On-Time Performance and Reliability

When it comes to on-time performance, both airlines have room for improvement.

• Frontier Airlines: According to recent data, Frontier has an on-time arrival rate of around 75%, which is slightly below the industry average. Frontier also has a higher rate of flight cancellations compared to Spirit.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit's on-time arrival rate is slightly better, at around 78%. However, Spirit also has a higher rate of flight cancellations compared to larger carriers like Delta or American Airlines.
  Case Study: If you're flying from Los Angeles to Dallas, you might have a slightly better chance of arriving on time with Spirit. However, both airlines are prone to delays and cancellations, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.

7. Environmental Impact: Which is Greener?

Both airlines have made efforts to reduce their environmental impact, but there are some differences.

• Frontier Airlines: Frontier has invested in a fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A 320 neo aircraft, which produce fewer emissions than older planes. Frontier also offers a carbon offset program for passengers who want to reduce their environmental impact.

• Spirit Airlines: Spirit has also invested in fuel-efficient Airbus A 320 neo aircraft, but its fleet is slightly older than Frontier's. Spirit does not currently offer a carbon offset program.
  Case Study: If you're environmentally conscious, Frontier might be the better choice due to its newer fleet and carbon offset program.

Author's view

1. When to choose Frontier: Frontier Airlines is often a better choice for travelers looking for low-cost domestic flights within the United States. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize affordability over additional amenities. Frontier is also a good option for those who are flexible with their travel dates and times, as they often offer lower prices for off-peak flights.

2. When to choose Spirit: Spirit Airlines is another low-cost carrier that is suitable for travelers who are looking for the cheapest possible fares and are willing to forgo certain comforts. Spirit is a good choice for short-haul flights where the primary concern is getting from point A to point B at the lowest cost. It is also a viable option for travelers who do not need to check baggage, as Spirit charges extra for checked luggage.

recommend：Frontier Airlines Flights and Reviews

recommend：Spirit Airlines Flights and Reviews

FAQs

Which airline is cheaper, Frontier or Spirit?

Both Frontier and Spirit are known for their low-cost fares, but the exact price can vary depending on the route, time of booking, and additional fees. Generally, Spirit tends to be slightly cheaper, but it's best to compare prices for your specific travel dates.

Which airline has better customer service, Frontier or Spirit?

Customer service experiences can vary, but Frontier is often rated slightly higher in terms of customer satisfaction compared to Spirit. However, both airlines are budget carriers, so expectations for service should be adjusted accordingly.

Which airline has more legroom, Frontier or Spirit?

Frontier typically offers slightly more legroom compared to Spirit. However, both airlines charge extra for seats with more legroom, so it's worth checking the seat options when booking.

Which airline has fewer fees, Frontier or Spirit?

Both Frontier and Spirit are known for their à la carte pricing models, which means they charge fees for many services that are included in the ticket price on other airlines. Spirit tends to have more fees, especially for carry-on bags, while Frontier may offer slightly more flexibility with their pricing.

Which airline has a better loyalty program, Frontier or Spirit?

Frontier's loyalty program, Frontier Miles, is generally considered more rewarding compared to Spirit's Free Spirit program. Frontier offers more opportunities to earn and redeem miles, especially for frequent travelers.

Which airline is more reliable, Frontier or Spirit?

Both Frontier and Spirit have similar on-time performance records, but Frontier has a slightly better reputation for reliability. However, delays and cancellations can happen with any airline, so it's always a good idea to check the flight status before traveling.

Which airline has better in-flight amenities, Frontier or Spirit?

Neither Frontier nor Spirit offers many in-flight amenities, as both are budget airlines. However, Frontier may offer slightly more options for in-flight purchases, such as snacks and beverages, compared to Spirit.