Ultra-low cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier make their money by charging extra fees for … well, practically everything. But now they're giving something away.
Late last week, Frontier Airlines announced it would begin offering fares with free carry-on bags and free change and cancellation fees, abandoning the pure a la carte structure where travelers pick and pay for the extras they want. Spirit Airlines took it one step further: Over the weekend, the airline quietly changed its policies to extend free change and cancellation to all fares – and unlike Frontier, Spirit isn't selling a cheaper “basic” ticket that excludes that flexibility.
On the other hand, you'll still have to pony up to bring anything beyond a personal item like a carry-on or checked bag with Spirit. Frontier, meanwhile, introduced several bundles that ensure passengers get at least a free carry-on bag so long as they don't book the cheapest ticket type.
Spirit doesn't appear to have made a formal announcement on its new policies but began advertising these changes on its website over the weekend. One Mile at a Time was the first to flag Spirit's decision to match Frontier.
Previously, Spirit charged escalating fees based upon how far in advance you changed or canceled your flight. While you could change or cancel a Spirit flight for free 60-plus days in advance, changing a flight within two months of departure would cost $69 per ticket – and $119 within the final six days before departure.
“As we have said, Spirit has been evaluating changes to our product and strategy that will help us better compete, elevate the guest experience, and return to profitability,” an airline spokesperson said.
There could be more changes coming for Spirit, too: “ We have many other enhancements in the works and look forward to sharing more soon,” the statement concluded.
It's a major change for a pair of airlines that are practically synonymous with the word “cheap.” Just don't think they're doing it out of the goodness of their hearts to cut passengers a better deal.
Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and others have been struggling financially for the last year and change as more travelers gravitate toward legacy airlines like Delta, United, and American … or head abroad to destinations where budget airlines don't fly. Their low-fare, high-fee business model that reshaped the U.S. airline industry – and forced bigger carriers to implement basic economy fares to compete – is now a question mark.
Those “free” changes could be Spirit and Frontier's way of trying to level the playing field. But it could cost passengers – whether you fly Spirit or not.
Spirit's cheap fares keep airfare prices low across the board as major carriers often slash their own fares to compete. By re-bundling change fees into their unbundled fares, the airline could easily raise fares to offset that lost revenue.
Regardless, the flying experience on Spirit isn't changing anytime soon.
You'll still get just 28 inches of legroom with Spirit's standard seats, and no complimentary in-flight snacks or beverages. And while you no longer have to pay change or cancellation fees, you'll still have to pay for extras like baggage fees or even choosing a seat.
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