Low Cost Airline Showdown: Frontier Airlines vs Spirit

Low cost airline travel has reshaped the way people fly. Budget flights turn once-expensive airfare into accessible options for weekend trips, quick business hops, and spontaneous getaways. Today’s travelers focus less on luxury and more on transparent pricing, route availability, and whether the savings are actually worth it.

Two names dominate this budget space in the U.S. Both promise ultra-low fares, extensive networks, and a pay-for-what-you-use approach. Initially they seem almost identical. But once you dig into fees, comfort, reliability, and overall value, the differences start to matter.

This guide clearly compares Frontier and Spirit to help you choose the airline that best fits your travel style.

Understanding the Ultra Low-Cost Airline Model

The low cost airline model is built around unbundling. You pay a base fare for the seat and add extras only if you need them. This keeps headline prices extremely low but shifts control and responsibility to the traveler.

Common features across ultra low cost airlines include:

• Very low base fares

• Charges for bags, seat selection, and onboard snacks

• Tighter seating layouts

• High aircraft utilization to keep costs down

This model rewards travelers who plan ahead and travel light. It can frustrate those expecting a traditional airline experience.

Fees: Where the Real Cost Lives

When comparing Frontier Airlines vs Spirit Airlines, the base fare alone never tells the full story.

Frontier usually advertises slightly cheaper initial fares. However, fees can rise quickly if you are not careful. Spirit often starts a bit higher but can be easier to predict once extras are added.

Major fee differences

• Spirit’s carry-on fees are often higher, especially close to departure

• Frontier offers bundled fares that may save money if you need bags

• Both airlines charge for seat selection unless you accept random assignment

For example, let’s take a look at baggage fees of both the airlines - 

Airlines	Carry On	Checked Bag	Overweight Bag
Spirit Airlines	$35 - $45 (at booking or online check-in), $55 at the airport	(First): $54 - $74 (at booking), $70 - $79 at online check-in.	41–50 lbs: $75-$100+ (varies by route & time of purchase)   51+ lbs: Additional fees apply, often exceeding $100+
Frontier Airlines	Often higher than Spirit, with costs added during booking or at the airport.	(First): $29 - $63 (at booking), rising to $79 - $92 at the airport.	41–50 lbs: $75  51–99.99 lbs:  $100   100+ pounds bags - not accepted

Please note

Spirit’s Saver$ Club offers lower fares for bags. 

The Winner 

For travelers who pack light and skip extras, Frontier often wins on price. For those adding bags and seats, Spirit can be more straightforward.

Baggage Rules 

Baggage is where most travelers overspend unintentionally. As mentioned above, both airlines charge for:

• Carry-on bags

• Checked bags

• Overweight luggage

The Winner: Spirit

Spirit’s baggage system is slightly clearer, while Frontier rewards early planning more aggressively.

Seat Comfort and Onboard Experience 

Neither airline is about luxury, but comfort still matters on longer flights.

Spirit’s seats are slightly wider, and legroom feels marginally better for many travelers. Frontier’s seats are thinner but lighter, contributing to cheaper fares.

Here, take a look at seat selection fees for both - 

Spirit Seat Selection Fees		Frontier Seat Selection Fees
Assigned Seating at Check In	Free	From $15 per passenger, per flight segment  (Non-refundable)
Guest-Requested Seat Assignments / Regular Seats	$1 to $200
Big Front Seats (at airport)	$12 to $900
Big Front Seats (onboard upgrades—depending on flight length)	$25 to $250

What you should expect onboard

• No free snacks or drinks

• No seat-back screens

• Limited recline or none at all

The Winner 

So, Frontier vs Spirit in terms of overall onboard experience -

• Spirit has a small edge if physical comfort is your top concern.

• If price beats everything else, Frontier still holds strong appeal.

Routes, Schedules, and Reliability

Frontier focuses heavily on leisure routes and secondary airports. This can mean fewer daily flights but less congestion and sometimes cheaper airport fees.

Spirit concentrates on major metro areas with more frequent departures, making it easier to rebook if something goes wrong.

In terms of reliability:

• Spirit generally performs better on on-time arrivals

• Frontier cancellations can be harder to recover from due to fewer flights per route

The Winner: Spirit 

Both Frontier and Spirit operate flights throughout the U.S. and to international destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, with Spirit offering additional routes to Central and South America.

For tight schedules or connecting plans, Spirit feels safer. For flexible trips, Frontier works well. 

Loyalty Programs 

Rewards rate
When comparing Frontier vs. Spirit, loyalty programs matter and Frontier’s miles come out slightly ahead. Take a look - 

• Frontier Miles

  • Earn miles for every $1 spent on flyfrontier.com

  • Additional earning through select travel and shopping partners

  • Award flights start at 10,000 miles one-way (higher than some competitors)

• Spirit Free Spirit

  • Redemptions start as low as 2,500 points

  • Points + cash option helps stretch smaller balances

  • Point pooling available for cardholders and Silver/Gold members (up to 8 people)

The Winner

Frontier

Which Airline is Better for You?

Choosing between Frontier vs Spirit depends less on the airline and more on your travel style.

Frontier is better if you:

• Want the lowest possible fare

• Travel light

• Are flexible with timing

Spirit is better if you:

• Want slightly better comfort

• Need more frequent flights

• Value predictability over the cheapest headline price

There is no universal winner, only a better fit for different travelers.

Frontier Airlines vs Spirit Airlines At a Glance

Both airlines operate large domestic networks, expanding international routes, and fly similar aircraft. Still their approach to fees, comfort, and service feels different in practice.

Features	Frontier Airlines	Spirit Airlines
Base Fares	Often lowest advertised prices; rewards light packers	Slightly higher but more predictable with extras
Carry-On Bag Fee	Often higher than Spirit; added at booking or airport	$35–$45 (booking/online), $55 at airport
Checked Bag Fee (1st)	$29–$63 (booking), up to $79–$92 at airport	$54–$74 (booking), $70–$79 online check-in
Overweight Bag (41–50 lbs)	$75	$75–$100+ (route/time dependent)
Overweight Bag (51+ lbs)	$100 (up to 99.99 lbs); 100+ lbs not accepted	Additional fees often >$100+
Seat Comfort	Thinner seats, limited recline	Slightly wider seats, marginally better legroom
Onboard Experience	No free snacks/drinks, no screens; basic	No free snacks/drinks, no screens; small comfort edge
Network	Focused on western U.S. hubs	A strong presence in the eastern U.S.
Routes & Reliability	Leisure/secondary airports; fewer flights, flexible timing; more cancellations	Major metros, frequent flights; better on-time arrivals
Loyalty Program	Frontier Miles: Earn per $1 spent; awards from 10,000 miles one-way	Free Spirit: Redemptions from 2,500 points; pooling options
Best For	Lowest fares, light travel, flexible schedules	Predictability, comfort, frequent flights

Who is the Winner - Spirit or Frontier?

Both airlines succeed at what they are designed to do: make flying affordable. If you treat them like budget tools rather than full-service airlines, they deliver excellent value. The smartest travelers pick a low cost airline after comparing total cost, not just ticket price, and choose accordingly.

These air carriers are major players in the game of budget airlines and offer pretty similar experiences. However, Spirit wins the game with better reliability, lower fees, international routes, and superior elite status benefits among other features. 

Whether you choose Frontier or Spirit for your next budget flight, count on Wizfair Travels for bookings. Our experts help you plan a trip that suits your pocket and meets your preferences in the best way. So, contact us for an affordable flight booking now!

FAQs

Is Frontier or Spirit cheaper overall?

Frontier often has lower base fares, but total cost depends on baggage and seat fees added during booking.

Which airline is more comfortable?

Spirit seats are slightly wider and feel more comfortable, especially on longer flights.

Do both airlines charge for carry-on bags?

Yes, both charge for carry-on bags unless bundled or included in specific fare options.

Which airline is more reliable?

Spirit generally has better on-time performance and more frequent routes.

Are Frontier and Spirit safe airlines?

Yes, both meet FAA safety standards and operate modern Airbus aircraft.

Which airline is better for families?

Spirit can be easier for families due to clearer seating and scheduling options, though both require careful planning.