Frontier vs Spirit: Which Budget Airline is Best for Your Travel Need

Many travelers find themselves comparing Frontier vs Spirit Airlines when it comes to planning a trip. Of course, between the two most popular ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States, they surely are top choices for reasonable travel. While they are both promising in terms of cheaper fares, their baggage fees, personal item policies, and seating options are highly varied.

In the detailed comparison below, we take you through the very essential differences between Frontier Airlines vs. Spirit, giving a deep dive into baggage fees, personal item policies, and all other crucial considerations. If you are an avid traveler or a complete newbie when it comes to flying, it’s good to know where the differences lie so you make an informed choice for your next trip.

Quick Compare: Frontier Airlines vs Spirit Airlines

Both Frontier and Spirit are classified as ULCCs, and by definition, no frills are at the core of the base fares. This increasingly popular method of pricing for ultra-budget-conscious travelers often requires passengers to pay for ancillary services, including baggage, seat selection, or in-flight amenities.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines has a focus on ecologically friendly operations, puts new fuel-efficient aircraft into operation, and uses sustainable practices. It has the family-friendly attribute; its “Kids Fly Free” promotion is available with a Discount Den membership. And of course, there’s Frontier’s animal-themed tail designs that make the brand fun.

Spirit Airlines

Obviously, Spirit Airlines competes by offering base fares as low as possible. Customers pay for their ticket and a single personal item with its “Bare Fare” pricing. Everything else-carry-on and checked baggage, plus drinks and snacks-is extra. Its kooky branding and a sense of humor make Spirit stand out from the competition.

The bottom line in comparing Frontier Airlines vs Spirit is that both are ideal for the budget traveler; however, your ultimate decision rests on your particular needs, ranging from baggage to seat comfort.

Frontier vs Spirit Baggage Fees: What to Expect

Of the largest expenses to flyers for traveling on ULCCs are baggage fees. While both Frontier and Spirit charge carry-on and checked luggage, their pricing for the items differs in some ways.

Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees

Baggage fees with Frontier differ depending on when and where you pay for them, whether:

• Carry-on bags: range in price from $30 to $55
• The checked baggage ranges in price, starting at $30 for the first bag and higher with each subsequent bag after that.
• Overweight and oversized bags have fluctuating prices depending on their size and weight; the prices range between $50-$150.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

Spirit works much the same way, where their baggage fees inflate if you show up at the airport or at the gate:

• Carry-on bags: Generally range between $35 and $65.
• Checked baggage: The first bag is $31; additional, far more expensive.
• Overweight and oversized bags: Starts at $50, as high as $150, depending on weight and size.

Though Spirit’s carry-on fees are often a bit higher than Frontier’s, Spirit allows savings with bundled deals $9 Fare Club, for example, has discounts on baggage and fares.

For the traveler doing a Frontier vs Spirit baggage fees comparison, it all comes down to timing of your booking, and just how big your luggage is.

Frontier vs Spirit Personal Item Policies: What’s Free?

Both airlines offer one free personal item, but these size restrictions are tight. Understand the limits to avoid those nasty gate fees.

Frontier Airlines Personal Item Policy

• Measurements: 14″ x 18″ x 8″.
• Able to fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Purses, laptop bags or small backpacks

Spirit Airlines Personal Item Policy

• Measurements: 18″ x 14″ x 8″
• Must also fit under the seat.
• Examples: Small backpacks, handbags, or briefcases.

In comparing Frontier vs Spirit personal item policies, Spirit offers slightly larger dimensions. However, both airlines strictly enforce these rules, so it is important to measure your bag in advance to avoid unexpected fees.

In-Flight Experience: Frontier Airlines versus Spirit Airlines

Besides policies on baggage and personal items, in-flight experience is another point of competition for these airlines.

Frontier Airlines

• Seats: The slimline seats Frontier uses accommodate more people but can get uncomfortable during longer flights. The airline offers “Stretch Seats” featuring more leg room and recline, but at higher costs.
• Food and Drinks: Snacks and beverages are available for sale. No food or drink service is free.
• Extras: Fron-tier, from time to time, runs promotions – discounts for members of its Discount Den program for example.

Spirit Airlines

• Seating: Spirit’s basic seats are no different than Frontier’s-no much padding and no recline. Spirit’s “Big Front Seat,” on the other hand, is a larger seat with more legroom and wider armrests perfect for passengers looking to spend their extra bucks for comfort.
• Snacks and Drinks: Like Frontier, everything on the plane is extra.
• Amenities: The humor in their announcements and the brand itself adds some vibrancy to the process.

In terms of Frontier Airlines vs Spirit, for longer flights, the Big Front Seat option has some serious perks in comfort.

Extra Baggage Fees

Ultra-low-cost carriers are notorious for their additional fees. Both Frontier and Spirit charge for a range of services, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

Frontier Airlines Extra Fees

• Seat Selection: Costs range from $5 to $50, depending on the seat location.
• Printing Boarding Passes: $10 at the airport.
• Priority Boarding: Available for nominal extra cost

Spirit Airlines Extra Fees

• Seat Selection: Costs range from $1-$50.
• Printing Boarding Passes: $25 at airport
• Bundles: Spirit does offer bundled packages that include seat selection, baggage, and other perks at a discounted price.

Comparing Frontier vs Spirit baggage fees against these added fees, Frontier may still look cheaper to the light traveler whereas Spirit bundles are, in fact, cheaper for frequent travelers.

Frequent Flyer Programs: Earning Miles on a Budget

The two airlines have loyalty programs through which they reward frequent flyers.

Frontier Airlines

• Program: Frontier Miles – rewards passengers by distance flown.
• Discount Den Membership: This is a given that one has to avail the best offers and deals, with the “Kids Fly Free” program.

Spirit Airlines

• Program: Rewards under Free Spirit are issued based on cash spent, not miles flown.
• $9 Fare Club: Discounts on fares and baggage fees with an annual membership fee.

Comparing Frontier Airlines vs. Spirit for loyalty programs, the cash-based reward system at Spirit caters to the frequent short-haul flyer, while Frontier’s caters more to the longer-distance travelers.

Frontier Vs. Spirit Which Airline is Right for You?

Deciding between flying Frontier vs. Spirit depends on what you consider important when traveling:

• Use Frontier: For those with less luggage, love the eco-efficiency, and have slightly cheaper baggage.
• Spirit: For travelers who enjoy package deals or require larger sizes for personal items to travel in comfort with the Big Front Seat.

This would mean, in this instance that one will receive complete value for their money by ascertaining the differences between Frontier Airlines and Spirit.

Conclusion 

Though the pioneering low-cost carriers include Frontier and Spirit Airlines, differences in baggage allowance, personal items, and seating comfort persist. If one looks upon each and every aspect, then he/she can decide accordingly, keeping in view the budget and requirements of a trip. Whether you’re analyzing Frontier vs. Spirit baggage fees or debating the benefits of Frontier vs. Spirit personal item policies, planning ahead is the key to a stress-free experience. With a little research and preparation, you’ll be ready to fly without breaking the bank.

FAQ’s 

What happens if my personal item exceeds the size limit?

Both are very strict about those size limits. If your personal item is too large, you might need to pay for it as if it were a carry-on, which can be much more expensive at the airport gate.

Are there any hidden fees when flying Frontier and Spirit Airlines?

Yes, both airlines charge for extras such as seat selection, early boarding, or printing your boarding passes at the airport. Check the fees before you book, so you are prepared for any additional costs.

Which airline is better for long flights?

Spirit’s Big Front Seat offers better comfort for long flights, but it comes at an additional cost. Frontier’s Stretch Seats are another option for more legroom, but their standard seats may not be ideal for extended travel.

Which airline is cheaper, Frontier or Spirit?

Although both carriers offer ultra-low-cost fares, the overall cost is dependent on the passenger’s specific needs. If a traveler can pack lightly, Frontier will be a little more economical, but Spirit offers better deals if a consumer uses bundled packages, including its $9 Fare Club.

Are there differences in customer service between Frontier and Spirit?

The customer experiences for both airlines would also vary because the airlines focus on their low costs rather than higher-quality services. This would imply that moderate expectations must be set and one should not be surprised to see minimum service levels.

Can I Bring my food on Frontier and Spirit Flights?

Yes, passengers are allowed onboard with food and non-alcoholic beverages that comply with TSA regulations.