Let's Take a Day Trip

Spirit and Frontier Airlines have often become the subject of travel jokes, frequently viewed as rudimentary options in contrast to the more established major carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Although the fees associated with these ultra-low-cost carriers can often frustrate travelers, a little advance planning can lead to quick, affordable trips that may be just as efficient as those offered by larger airlines.

Recently, my son’s uncle reached out to ask if I could bring my son to visit him before the school year begins. Eager to make this happen, I turned to Google Flights in search of tickets. However, when I scanned options for round-trip fares for two people on the major airlines, I was shocked to find prices well over $700. This steep cost seemed excessive for a simple weekend trip.

In an attempt to find more economical options, I removed the filter that restricted my search to the big three airlines. To my surprise, I found a one-way Frontier flight to Atlanta priced at just $88 total, along with a return trip on Spirit to Chicago for $100. I recalled from my earlier days in sports journalism that Spirit often provides cheaper fares when tickets are purchased directly at the airport.

I decided to book the Frontier ticket online, and then purchased the Spirit ticket in person at the airport counter. The result was a delightful surprise: we managed to secure a one way trip for both my son and me for only $44.

Concerns about seating arrangements, which often plague travelers opting for low-cost carriers, turned out to be manageable without incurring additional fees. Prior to our journey, I reached out to Frontier through Twitter to explain that I was traveling with my son, who has autism, and requested that we be seated together. I was pleased to find that they accommodated my request without hesitation. Additionally, when I checked in with Spirit using their mobile app, we were automatically assigned seats next to each other, alleviating any worries I had about separation during the flight.

Regarding baggage, both airlines permit one free personal item per passenger, with dimensions not exceeding 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including any handles and wheels. Frontier officially lists a slightly smaller maximum height of 14 inches, but in practice, enforcement of these dimensions can vary significantly. For our trip, I used a backpack filled with clothes and brought along a grocery sack filled with snacks and other essentials on the Spirit flight. Remarkably, no one measured our bags or questioned their contents during the boarding process, and I noticed that some other passengers managed to place their bags in the overhead bins without any issues.

While these baggage rules are clearly stated in the airlines’ policies, it’s worth noting that enforcement has not been consistent. Frontier, in particular, has faced criticism and legal challenges related to incidents in which passengers with compliant bags have been unexpectedly asked to pay gate-check fees. Spirit continues to offer its basic “Bare Fare” tickets, which charge extra for carry-ons and checked bags unless travelers opt for a bundle. However, purchasing tickets at the airport often allows for some of the lowest prices in the industry, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Through careful planning and a readiness to navigate the specific rules associated with budget airlines, I successfully brought my son to see family for a fraction of the cost compared to the larger airlines. This experience demonstrates that, despite their mixed reputations, Spirit and Frontier can offer substantial savings without requiring too much compromise on comfort or convenience.