Frontier vs Southwest Airlines – Comparing the Low-Cost Carriers

Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines are two of the major low-cost carriers in the United States. While both offer affordable fares and a variety of routes, there are some key differences between the two airlines that travelers should be aware of when deciding which one to fly with.

The Business Models

Southwest Airlines is considered a low-cost carrier (LCC), while Frontier Airlines falls into the category of an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). This distinction is important as it reflects the overall approach and service levels of each airline.

As an LCC, Southwest aims to keep costs low by operating a single aircraft type (Boeing 737s), avoiding premium amenities, and offering a more streamlined service model. However, they still include some complimentary extras like free checked bags, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.

On the other hand, Frontier Airlines’ ULCC business model takes cost-cutting measures even further. They charge fees for virtually everything beyond the basic airfare, including carry-on and checked bags, seat selection, and even snacks and drinks on board. This allows Frontier to advertise rock-bottom base fares, but the final ticket price can quickly add up once all the extras are accounted for.

The Unbundling Approach

One of the most significant differences between the two airlines is their approach to unbundling – the practice of separating the airfare from additional services and amenities, which passengers must pay for separately if desired.

Frontier Airlines has fully embraced the unbundling model, offering an extremely bare-bones base fare that covers just the seat and transportation. Everything else, from carry-on bags to seat selection and in-flight refreshments, comes with an additional fee. This approach allows Frontier to advertise incredibly low base fares, but the final cost can quickly escalate once you factor in all the extras.

Southwest, on the other hand, takes a more inclusive approach. While not as comprehensive as major legacy carriers, Southwest does include some amenities in their base fares, such as:

• Two free checked bags per passenger
• No change or cancellation fees
• Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board

This bundled approach means that Southwest’s advertised fares are generally higher than Frontier’s base fares, but the final cost may be more comparable (or even lower) once you factor in the various fees that Frontier charges for additional services.

The In-Flight Experience

The in-flight experience on Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines can vary quite significantly, primarily due to their differing business models and approaches to unbundling.

On Frontier flights, passengers can expect a no-frills experience reminiscent of ultra-low-cost carriers in Europe. The seats are tightly packed together with minimal legroom (28 inches of pitch), and there are no complimentary snacks or beverages – not even water. Entertainment options are also limited, with Frontier charging a fee for access to their in-flight Wi-Fi and streaming services.

In contrast, Southwest offers a more comfortable and inclusive in-flight experience. Their seats have a more generous pitch of 31-33 inches, and passengers can enjoy free snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and access to the airline’s live TV and streaming entertainment portal at no extra charge.

It’s worth noting, however, that Southwest’s in-flight experience is still relatively basic compared to major legacy carriers. There are no individual seatback entertainment systems, and food and alcoholic beverages must be purchased separately.

Frequent Flyer Programs and Loyalty Benefits

Both Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer frequent flyer programs, but the benefits and earning structures differ significantly between the two.

Frontier’s program, called Frontier Miles, is revenue-based, meaning that members earn miles based on the amount spent on their tickets rather than the distance flown. The program offers a fairly standard array of benefits, including priority boarding, free checked bags, and the ability to redeem miles for flights and other travel-related purchases.

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, on the other hand, is widely regarded as one of the most generous and customer-friendly frequent flyer programs in the United States. Members earn points based on the distance flown and the fare class, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions when redeeming points for flights. Additionally, Southwest offers a wealth of additional benefits, including free checked bags, no change fees, and the ability to earn elite status and enjoy perks like priority boarding and bonus points.

Route Networks and Destinations

Both Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer extensive route networks within the United States, but there are some notable differences in terms of their focus cities and the destinations they serve.

Frontier Airlines’ main hub is located in Denver, Colorado, with additional focus cities in Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Trenton. The airline primarily serves domestic routes within the continental United States, with a heavy concentration of flights to and from its focus cities.

Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, has a more decentralized route network with a presence in multiple major airports across the country. Some of Southwest’s biggest operations are based in cities like Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Houston (Hobby), Las Vegas, and Phoenix. In addition to its extensive domestic network, Southwest also offers a growing number of international routes to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

Customer Service and Reliability

When it comes to customer service and operational reliability, Southwest Airlines generally outperforms Frontier Airlines in most industry rankings and surveys.

In recent years, Frontier has faced criticism for its poor on-time performance, significant delays, and a high number of customer complaints related to issues like delayed or lost baggage, cancelations, and other service problems. The airline has taken steps to improve its operations and customer satisfaction, but it still lags behind many of its competitors in terms of overall reliability and customer service ratings.

Southwest, on the other hand, has consistently ranked among the top airlines for customer satisfaction and operational performance. The airline has a reputation for friendly and efficient service, as well as a strong track record of minimizing delays, cancelations, and other operational disruptions. While no airline is perfect, Southwest generally provides a more reliable and customer-focused experience compared to Frontier.

Choosing the Right Airline

Ultimately, the decision between flying with Frontier Airlines or Southwest Airlines will depend on your personal priorities and travel needs.

If your primary concern is finding the absolute lowest base fare, and you’re willing to pay extra for any additional services or amenities, then Frontier Airlines may be the more attractive option. However, if you value a more inclusive and comfortable in-flight experience, along with better customer service and reliability, then Southwest Airlines might be the better choice – even if their advertised fares are slightly higher.

It’s also important to consider the specific routes and destinations you’ll be traveling, as well as any loyalty program benefits or elite status you may have with either airline.

In the end, both Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer viable options for budget-conscious travelers within the United States. By understanding the key differences between these two low-cost carriers, you can make an informed decision and choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs.