Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines compete directly in the ultra low cost carrier segment, targeting price sensitive travelers who want predictable fees and basic amenities. Both brands emphasize point to point routes, dense seating, and à la carte add ons that can push final costs higher when selections are added.
For travelers comparing options, understanding policy differences and operational traits helps avoid surprises at check in, security, and the boarding gate.
| Carrier | Base Fare Example | Checked Bag Fee | Seat Selection Fee | Refundability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | From $29 | $30 first, $35 second | $8 to $18 | Non refundable, changes fee applies |
| Spirit Airlines | From $29 | $30 first, $40 second | $8 to $20 | Non refundable, changes fee applies |
| Typical Main Cabin Seat Pitch | About 31 inches | Varies by route | Additional cost for preferred rows | Varies by fare class |
| Loyalty Program | 0 dollars annually for basic earning, points based on fares paidPoints or tiers with qualifying spend |
Frontier Airlines Route Network And Expansion
Key Domestic And Select International Focus
Frontier Airlines emphasizes leisure and secondary city traffic, using smaller hubs to feed larger connecting markets. The carrier often undercuts legacy carriers on price to popular vacation destinations during peak seasons while maintaining mostly domestic operations with a few Caribbean and Mexican resorts.
Spirit Airlines Route Focus And Point To Point Strategy
High Density Metro And Sun Destinations
Spirit Airlines concentrates on major origin markets and high demand leisure cities, relying on a simple point to point model rather than complex connecting flows. Its strategy centers on rapid turnarounds at congested airports that competitors serve intensively, keeping unit costs low through standard aircraft and simplified ground procedures.
Seat Comfort And Cabin Configuration Comparisons
Cabin Layout And Extra Fee Categories
Both airlines use single class cabins, yet seat width, recline, and overhead bin access differ subtly between types of aircraft. Frontier introduces more premium cabin options on select aircraft, while Spirit maintains strict à la carte pricing for every additional feature, including carry on bags and advance boarding selections.
Pricing Transparency And Hidden Cost Risks
Baggage, Seat Selection, And Change Penalties
Price comparisons between Frontier Airlines vs Spirit must include bag fees, seat charges, and change penalties to reveal true trip cost. Travelers booking directly with the airline online typically see clearer breakdowns, whereas third party sites sometimes obscure fees until late in the booking flow, increasing risk of budget overruns.
Travel Considerations And Recommendations
- Compare total trip cost including bags, seats, and change fees before booking.
- Book directly through the airline website for clearer pricing and faster support.
- Leverage credit card points or cash back offers to offset base fare increases.
- Check aircraft type for legroom differences on your specific route.
- Monitor fare alerts for off peak dates to maximize savings on both carriers.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do Frontier and Spirit charge the same for checked bags?
Checked bag fees are similar, with Frontier at $30 for the first and $35 for the second checked bag, while Spirit charges $30 for the first and $40 for the second checked bag.
Which airline offers better seat selection options?
Frontier provides more flexibility with paid premium seating and occasional fare classes that include earlier boarding, whereas Spirit sells advance seat assignments within a narrower fee range and prioritizes boarding by fare tier alone.
How do change and cancellation policies differ? Both carriers treat basic tickets as non refundable, charging change fees and fare differences, yet Frontier may offer slightly more leeway on certain higher booking tiers while Spirit applies stricter change rules across standard fares. Can I earn or redeem miles effectively on these carriers?
Frontier offers multiple ways to earn miles through fare classes and elite qualifying, plus partner redemptions, while Spirit does not operate a traditional loyalty program, making frequent flyers better off choosing a Miles earning strategy outside these brands.