Budget airlines often divide opinions sharply. Some travelers swear by them for short trips, while others avoid them altogether. However, recent developments in the airline industry suggest that even the most skeptical flyers might want to reconsider. A new report by Going highlights how recent disruptions and operational challenges at full-service airlines have allowed budget carriers to shine.
The Rise of Budget Airlines
Avelo Airlines is a prime example, achieving the best on-time performance among all domestic carriers in July. Major low-cost carriers in the U.S. such as Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Avelo, Breeze, Spirit, and Sun Country are gaining recognition for outperforming full-service airlines in key areas.
Understanding Low-Cost Carriers
Katy Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson for Going.com, explains the misconception around budget airlines. “People often think budget airlines equate to cheap in a bad sense. In reality, the term ‘Low-Cost Carrier’ refers to how the airline operates to keep costs low for both the business and the passengers.” The differences between budget and full-service airlines primarily revolve around seating, amenities, and customer policies.
Seating Differences on Budget Airlines
Budget airlines typically use slimline seats with less padding to maximize space and fuel efficiency. This often results in seats that feel harder and spaces that are more cramped. Reclining seats are less common, and many budget carriers offer only one class of seating. However, some, like Spirit, have introduced seats with extra legroom, and Southwest is planning to follow suit.
In-Flight Entertainment and Food Options
In-flight entertainment is usually minimal on budget airlines. If available, passengers often need to stream content on their own devices, much like on some full-service airlines’ smaller planes. Food and drink options are generally limited, with items available for purchase, and hot meals are rare.
Cancellation and Change Policies on Budget Airlines
One area where budget airlines fall short is in customer protections. According to the Airline Customer Service Dashboard, carriers like Frontier and Allegiant are not obligated to offer the same coverage for flight disruptions as full-service airlines. “Budget carriers do not have interline agreements, meaning they cannot rebook you on another airline,” says Nastro. “With smaller networks and fewer global alliances, options for rebooking are limited.”
New Perks for Budget Travelers
Despite these limitations, budget airlines are making strides to improve customer experience. Frontier recently eliminated change fees, and Spirit has removed both change and cancellation fees. These changes mark a significant shift, as budget airlines have historically been the most restrictive in this regard. Spirit has also introduced new price bundles that offer more perks and transparent pricing for add-ons like WiFi and carry-ons.
Baggage Policies and Customer Service Improvements
Baggage policies on budget airlines differ from those of full-service carriers, with more restrictive carry-on allowances and higher fees. However, checked baggage is generally reliable. According to Air Travel Consumer Reports, Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier consistently rank among the top airlines with the lowest mishandled baggage rates. Additionally, customer service is improving. Frontier, which previously eliminated human customer service, has reintroduced the option to speak with a representative 24 hours before a flight.
Why Budget Airlines Are Worth Considering
Even if you’ve never flown with a budget airline, now might be the time to give them a try—or at least appreciate their role in the market. “Competition is the single biggest reason we see cheap flights,” says Nastro. “Budget carriers help put pressure on legacy airlines, which translates to better prices for travelers. Even if you never fly on a budget carrier, having them in the mix is great for our wallets.”
Conclusion
As budget airlines continue to improve and expand their services, they are becoming an increasingly viable option for travelers. Whether you’re looking to save money or simply want more choices, budget airlines offer a compelling alternative to traditional full-service carriers. With recent enhancements in seating, pricing policies, and customer service, now may be the perfect time to consider flying with a budget airline.