This month, Frontier Airlines became the third US airline to announce they will charge carry-on luggage fees. Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Airlines already do so. Attempting to be “ultra-cheap” airlines in the mold of Ryanair, these airlines advertise their “innovative pricing” models, where their airfare includes a seat to your destination and virtually nothing else. If you want more, other than inflight lavatory use or some water to drink, you’ll have to pay a fee.
Are these new cheap carriers really so cheap?
I fly often for work and leisure, and Frontier’s new fee structure piqued my curiosity. I decided to look into Frontier and Spirit, which both fly out of my home area. I’m happy to save a buck, if it ends up actually being a saving and makes sense.
I decided to compare the dominant airline at Philadelphia International Airport, US Airways, with both Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines to see if these “ultra-cheap” airlines really offered me savings I could use. I know my comparison isn’t strictly scientific. I only compared flights on one route each, on one day for each route. Nevertheless, I think the comparison is fair. After all, I’m only trying to determine if the “ultra-cheaps” really belong to that market niche.
I started with US Airways vs. Frontier Airlines flying to Orlando, Florida, in early July, after Frontier starts that service. Orlando hosts several conventions and workshops I periodically like to attend.
US Airways flies to Orlando from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is very close to home. Frontier will go to Orlando from New Castle Airport (ILG), just southwest of Wilmington, Delaware, about a 45-minute drive for me. That’s not a problem. Last December I flew to Buenos Aires out of Newark International (EWR), a lot further away from home than Wilmington.
The airfare for the Frontier round trip non-stop flights is $223.51 including taxes. On the same dates for flight times I like, the airfare for US Airways, between PHL and Orlando (MCO) round trip non-stop flights is $281, $57.49 more than Frontier.
While this isn’t true for everyone, on most trips I have a carry-on bag and a personal item, plus one checked bag. My carry-on has my emergency clothing, drugs, valuables, etc., while my personal item has my camera gear. My checked luggage has the rest of my belongings.
On Frontier, the carry-on will cost me $25 each way, and my checked bag $20 each way, both at the time I purchase my ticket. My personal item, which fits under the seat in front of me, is free. On US Airways, the carry-on and personal item are free, but the checked luggage will cost $25 each way at the time I purchase my ticket.
So, the Frontier flights total $313.51, while the US Airways flights total $331. We’re down to a of $17.49 difference.
I then looked at US Airways vs. Spirit Airlines flying to Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Florida, later this month. I have a close friend there and need to visit more regularly. Both airlines fly out of PHL, which makes it easier for me. The Spirit Airlines flight makes one stop, while US Airways flies non-stop. If Spirit is truly “ultra-cheap,” I can stand a layover.
The airfare for the Spirit Airlines flights is $297.58, including taxes. The airfare for the US Airways flights is $235.00. Spirit will charge $90 for my carry-on and checked luggage with a paid “club” membership. US Airways will charge $50 for the same bags.
So, the Spirit flights total $387.58, while the US Airways flights total $285. That makes US Airways $102.58 less expensive than the “ultra-cheap” Spirit Airlines.
By the way, on both Frontier and Spirit, inflight beverages other than water will cost $2. On a short flight, that likely doesn’t matter, but I can’t deny it would be a pain in the neck to have to ante up. On US Airways, soda, juice, coffee, tea and water is free.
As I look at the results of my comparison exercise, I come to two definite conclusions.
First, just as I would never call US Airways “ultra-cheap,” I can’t call Frontier or Spirit “ultra-cheap” either, at least for typical travelers, those who fly with a carry-on and a checked piece of luggage, or even ones who use no checked luggage.
Second, this exercise proved what I’ve said about making airline reservations since the airlines began unbundling services which had hitherto been included in their basic airfare: check the bottom line before making your purchase. That cheap looking Frontier airfare quickly increased by $90 or slightly more than 40 percent, because I was taking a carry-on bag and checking a suitcase.
One thing about Frontier I haven’t mentioned — starting July 1, when the fee changes begin, mileage earned on tickets bought from third-party websites will only earn 25 percent of miles flown. Do I hear ouch from those of you who book with Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia?
After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a Public Health Engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a well known corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned travels the world writing about travel and photography, as well as running photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s Photography Blog and Galleries.
