In recent years, budget airlines have been all the rage, offering travelers affordable options to get from point A to point B without breaking the bank. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. Let’s compare the top three budget carriers in the US: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a major airline founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is the world’s largest low-cost carrier, operating over 4,000 daily flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
One of the hallmarks of this airline is its dedication to providing excellent customer service. The airline is known for its fun-loving culture, friendly staff, and easy-to-use booking system. Southwest also prides itself on offering affordable fares, with no hidden fees or charges.
Known for its fun-loving culture and brightly colored planes, Southwest Airlines focuses on providing excellent customer service It has consistently ranked as one of the top airlines in the US.
One of the biggest selling points of Southwest is its lack of baggage fees. That’s right, you can check up to two bags for free on any Southwest flight, which can save you a significant amount of money compared to other airlines. It is also known for its flexible booking policies, allowing customers to change or cancel their flights without penalty.
But don’t let the lack of baggage fees fool you, Southwest still offers plenty of amenities on board. In-flight entertainment is provided through the airline’s free Wi-Fi service, and snacks and drinks are offered on all flights.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Miramar, Florida. Founded in 1980, it operates flights to over 75 destinations in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet and offers a range of seating options, including regular seats and “Big Front Seats” that are similar to first-class seats on traditional airlines. Spirit also offers a loyalty program, Free Spirit, which allows frequent flyers to earn points towards free flights, seat upgrades, and other rewards.
Unlike SWA, Spirit Airlines takes a no-frills approach to air travel. The airline is known for its low fares and numerous fees, which can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
One of the biggest criticisms of Spirit is its baggage fees. Unlike Southwest, Spirit charges for all bags, including carry-on bags. Additionally, Spirit charges for things like seat assignments and even water on board.
But if you’re willing to sacrifice a few amenities, Spirit can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The airline has consistently ranked as one of the cheapest airlines in the US, and if you can pack light, you can save a significant amount of money on your airfare.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in Denver, Colorado, that was founded in 1994. The airline operates flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Like other budget airlines, Frontier offers low fares and charges fees for many extras, including carry-on and checked bags, seat assignments, and onboard refreshments. Passengers are allowed to bring one small personal item on board for free, but any other bags or items must be paid for.
This airline operates an all-Airbus fleet and offers a range of seating options, including standard seats and “Stretch” seats with extra legroom.
It is known for its low fares and numerous fees. But unlike Spirit, Frontier offers a few more amenities on board, including free in-flight entertainment and complimentary drinks.
One of the biggest selling points of Frontier is its frequent flyer program, which offers some of the best rewards in the industry. FRONTIER Miles allows frequent flyers to earn points towards free flights and other rewards. It also has a unique animal-themed branding that sets it apart from other airlines.
However, Frontier charges for all bags, including carry-on bags, and fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
So, which budget airline is the best? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you value customer service and a fun-loving culture, Southwest is a great option. If you’re looking for the cheapest fares possible and are willing to sacrifice a few amenities, Spirit might be the way to go. And if you’re looking for a unique frequent flyer program and don’t mind paying a few extra fees, Frontier is worth considering.
A vlogger shares his first class flight experience with Spirit Airlines in this video: