Well, I must say Frontier and Spirit have been getting a bad rap. I had the opportunity to fly both of these these a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised. Both of these airlines are CHEAP;thus, expect some discomfort. However, the discomfort I experienced was the online process of purchasing my ticket. Their sights have just too much going on. It’s definitely a new concept that EVERYTHING is a-la-carte. And I do mean EVERYTHING. Your airline ticket is JUST for the flight IF you don’t ask for anything. That’s the key, don’t ask for ANYTHING. They charge for a glass of water, for your seat assignment, for a pillow, for snacks, drinks, your carryon, and your checked luggage. Pack light so that you have only 1 carryon and you still have to pay for it. My discomfort was I had a difficult time paying for it online. Both websites kept having pop-ups for joining their club and other stuff. That made things confusing. At least with Frontier you can call, get a live person and get further instruction. NO phone contact with Spirit. I did not even get a confirmation email from Spirit. Scary. At the airport, though, they were right on. They asked me for my name and the date of the flight and immediately gave me my confirmation information. No problem and I felt truly blessed. I had anticipated a struggle. All went well.
On Spirit there is more room in economy seats than any other airline I have been on. I can actually walk down the isle WITH my hands at my side an NOT bump into anyone. AMAZING! the seats are just as tight a Southwest. The seats do NOT lean back. The seats are not overly padded;thus, not bulky and giving more room. They don’t have all that bulk on the back of the chair with the folding table and pocket space. Definitely NO Frills. If you ask for a seat – you will pay more for the seat. Take what they give you. I lucked up and got a window seat going and an isle seat coming back. The middle seat has more foot space than the window seat and isle seat. So there is some little perk.(haha) I took a small carryon and paid for it while doing my online check in. When you purchase your ticket and/or when you do your online check in is the best time to pay for your bags. It’s cheaper than when you get to the counter and you will pay even more if you wait until you get to the gate. The biggest drawback I experienced was not being able to call anyone for help.
Frontier airline does have the bulky seats; thus, a tight isle to walk down. Again, pay for your carryon when you purchase your ticket or during online checkin. Otherwise, you will pay a grip at the counter and more at the gate. Frontier does have a phone number with real people to talk to for help. I actually like Spirit better than Frontier for the actual plane ride. Frontier’s website is a little bit easier than Spirits. Both have great sales. Just remember, DON’T ASK FOR ANYTHING and pay for your bags when you purchase your ticket. And, yes, I would fly either one again.
