Budget Airlines Comparison - Allegiant vs. Frontier vs. Spirit
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
William
First are you being paid by the big 3 airlines? Some information is totally inaccurate IE I had a flight on spirit ATL to CTG get cancelled and they rebooked me on Delta free that day. Second they tend to except allegiant fly really new planes and spirits on time performance has been pretty good. As far as business travel they do not want you they want to fly people to leisure destinations who have flexibility. As far as seat selection you chose that and the big 3charge for it too. Flying them for SkyMiles and lounge access that's your choice but that's not something everyone needs or really wants and As for your point about basic economy they don't offer that on every week just Routs they can't fill Delta United in American or very very weak position right now they haven't put more seats on the plans they're flying at diminished capacity and they're trying to still attract business travelers aren't coming back that's why they're flying so many times a day. Being able to fight from Atlanta to South and Central America for $70 and you can use a small bag if you want
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First are you being paid by the big 3 airlines? Some information is totally inaccurate IE I had a flight on spirit ATL to CTG get cancelled and they rebooked me on Delta free that day. Second they tend to except allegiant fly really new planes and spirits on time performance has been pretty good. As far as business travel they do not want you they want to fly people to leisure destinations who have flexibility. As far as seat selection you chose that and the big 3charge for it too. Flying them for SkyMiles and lounge access that's your choice but that's not something everyone needs or really wants and As for your point about basic economy they don't offer that on every week just Routs they can't fill Delta United in American or very very weak position right now they haven't put more seats on the plans they're flying at diminished capacity and they're trying to still attract business travelers aren't coming back that's why they're flying so many times a day. Being able to fight from Atlanta to South and Central America for $70 and you can use a small bag if you want
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Collin
It's interesting how all 3 only operate Airbus equipment. I'm not sure if that was a coincidence, or just that the A320 family works better for ULCCs than the 737. That will change though, since Allegiant ordered the Max 7 and Max 8-200.
Spirit and Frontier seem to operate very similarly, serving a mix of both large cities and smaller destinations, and offering both nonstop and connecting flights. Meanwhile, Allegiant almost exclusively serves point to point routes out of smaller airports, and does not sell connecting flights at all.
If a ULCC offered a nonstop to where I wanted to go, and was actually considerably cheaper than a mainline carrier (including fees, then I'd probably take it. However, mainline carriers for the most part have a better product and a far better route network, and I'm someone who often travels to areas more off the beaten path.
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It's interesting how all 3 only operate Airbus equipment. I'm not sure if that was a coincidence, or just that the A320 family works better for ULCCs than the 737. That will change though, since Allegiant ordered the Max 7 and Max 8-200.
Spirit and Frontier seem to operate very similarly, serving a mix of both large cities and smaller destinations, and offering both nonstop and connecting flights. Meanwhile, Allegiant almost exclusively serves point to point routes out of smaller airports, and does not sell connecting flights at all.
If a ULCC offered a nonstop to where I wanted to go, and was actually considerably cheaper than a mainline carrier (including fees, then I'd probably take it. However, mainline carriers for the most part have a better product and a far better route network, and I'm someone who often travels to areas more off the beaten path.
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Merritt
I really enjoyed it. Your video on low-cost air. Airlines, I fly. I've flown frontier. Allegiant and spirit. And I don't like any of them. Yes, it's low cost, but it's low service. I'm 63 years old, and I. And I can remember when flying was a luxury. And you had to get dressed up, and all that stuff to really enjoy the flight event. On the traditional airlines, it's not like it used to be. Now. I'm in a flight program. We have one of the charter companies, and I enjoy that very much to take. To tell you the truth, I'm surprised you're not in that program yourself flying as much as you do. You would really enjoy that. And you would really. You would really get a lot of benefits from it because of the travel that you do during the year. But anyway, that's my opinion on low-cost airlines.
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I really enjoyed it. Your video on low-cost air. Airlines, I fly. I've flown frontier. Allegiant and spirit. And I don't like any of them. Yes, it's low cost, but it's low service. I'm 63 years old, and I. And I can remember when flying was a luxury. And you had to get dressed up, and all that stuff to really enjoy the flight event. On the traditional airlines, it's not like it used to be. Now. I'm in a flight program. We have one of the charter companies, and I enjoy that very much to take. To tell you the truth, I'm surprised you're not in that program yourself flying as much as you do. You would really enjoy that. And you would really. You would really get a lot of benefits from it because of the travel that you do during the year. But anyway, that's my opinion on low-cost airlines.
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Paul
I just flew Allegiant Air in July 2022. I only chose them because they were the only airline that flew non-stop to this small city and its was cheap. I booked a car rental thru them and had to modify it. I was on hold for 30 plus minutes and was disconnected. So I went thru the car rental company canceled the rental and rebooked another car. I called Allegiant after my trip for a refund but had to wait over 2 hours to speak to someone They said they don't refund money only give vouchers. The had to verify my cancellation first. It has been a month and nothing. Call wait times are always 2 plus hours. No online chat.
I did not think about a cancelled flight. They only fly to the city I went to twice per week. That could have been a big problem coming home.
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I just flew Allegiant Air in July 2022. I only chose them because they were the only airline that flew non-stop to this small city and its was cheap. I booked a car rental thru them and had to modify it. I was on hold for 30 plus minutes and was disconnected. So I went thru the car rental company canceled the rental and rebooked another car. I called Allegiant after my trip for a refund but had to wait over 2 hours to speak to someone They said they don't refund money only give vouchers. The had to verify my cancellation first. It has been a month and nothing. Call wait times are always 2 plus hours. No online chat.
I did not think about a cancelled flight. They only fly to the city I went to twice per week. That could have been a big problem coming home.
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Mathman
Id rather do a flight from Delta Frontier is one of the only low cost for my Hometown airport, (KMSN) - Dane County Regional Trax field, in Madison, Wisconsin, and the only flight Frontier has to Las Vegas from here is at 9pm Wisconsin and you wont arrive until 11pm Las Vegas Time! Also Frontier randomly decided to rebook me on 2 SEPARATE FLIGHTS So I ended up canceling my Frontier ticket and booking a Delta Flight the next morning (connecting at KMSP - Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport) to get to Las Vegas at a reasonable time. (FYI: Frontier wanted me to do a flight to DTW then another flight to Las Vegas, which the flight to Las Vegas didnt arrive until 1am Vegas Time. NO THANK YOU to RED-EYE FLIGHTS!
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Id rather do a flight from Delta Frontier is one of the only low cost for my Hometown airport, (KMSN) - Dane County Regional Trax field, in Madison, Wisconsin, and the only flight Frontier has to Las Vegas from here is at 9pm Wisconsin and you wont arrive until 11pm Las Vegas Time! Also Frontier randomly decided to rebook me on 2 SEPARATE FLIGHTS So I ended up canceling my Frontier ticket and booking a Delta Flight the next morning (connecting at KMSP - Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport) to get to Las Vegas at a reasonable time. (FYI: Frontier wanted me to do a flight to DTW then another flight to Las Vegas, which the flight to Las Vegas didnt arrive until 1am Vegas Time. NO THANK YOU to RED-EYE FLIGHTS!
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Har
Buyer Beware! I have flown all 3 carriers. In most ways they are the same. However I will avoid Allegiant at all costs. I had a flight New Orleans cancelled for some unknown weather condition. (80 degrees and sunny over most of North America that day) I spent 3 hours on the ground trying to get someone from customer service by phone or email. No luck. I finally booked a flight home on another airline. It took 3 days for me to get through to customer service. In the end it took Allegiant 2 weeks to refund the return portion of my flight only. Unfortunately they are allowed to do that. I can forgive the cancellation. No excuse for both stranding then abandoning customers!
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Buyer Beware! I have flown all 3 carriers. In most ways they are the same. However I will avoid Allegiant at all costs. I had a flight New Orleans cancelled for some unknown weather condition. (80 degrees and sunny over most of North America that day) I spent 3 hours on the ground trying to get someone from customer service by phone or email. No luck. I finally booked a flight home on another airline. It took 3 days for me to get through to customer service. In the end it took Allegiant 2 weeks to refund the return portion of my flight only. Unfortunately they are allowed to do that. I can forgive the cancellation. No excuse for both stranding then abandoning customers!
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Liz
As an older person who remembers the days of high service American carriers, flying normal flights these days feel like budget trips. And after a Delta Basic Economy flight where I was crammed between two large football players, I promised myself, never again.
I am an infrequent flyer, and am lucky that I can afford to pay extra for a comfortable seat. And after all the budget airline's upcharges, the extra isn't as much as you might think.
My 22 year old kid, however, flies cheap and cheerful.
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As an older person who remembers the days of high service American carriers, flying normal flights these days feel like budget trips. And after a Delta Basic Economy flight where I was crammed between two large football players, I promised myself, never again.
I am an infrequent flyer, and am lucky that I can afford to pay extra for a comfortable seat. And after all the budget airline's upcharges, the extra isn't as much as you might think.
My 22 year old kid, however, flies cheap and cheerful.
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Nora
I hadn't flown in a long time. It is not my favorite mode of transportation.
I flew into Vegas via Allegiant. I went in with low expectations and they exceeded that. And they were on time.
My aunt from SFO, mom from DFW and aunt from Philly all flew Frontier and all got bumped/ delayed an extra day. Ugh. And, my mom got delayed on her leg home another day.
So, your advice on possible delays is real. Decide ahead of time how well you'll be able to absorb those issues.
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I hadn't flown in a long time. It is not my favorite mode of transportation.
I flew into Vegas via Allegiant. I went in with low expectations and they exceeded that. And they were on time.
My aunt from SFO, mom from DFW and aunt from Philly all flew Frontier and all got bumped/ delayed an extra day. Ugh. And, my mom got delayed on her leg home another day.
So, your advice on possible delays is real. Decide ahead of time how well you'll be able to absorb those issues.
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Christopher
I know Im late on the video, but my wife and I have taken about 50 flights including Spirit and Frontier this year alone. I live in Fort Lauderdale and I go to the FLL airport to buy my tickets for Spirit. I usually save 50% on average. I booked a round trip flight from FLL-MSY for 2 people, $54 tax in. Not per, but for both of us. You cant beat that. I also saved $150 on my round trip to Dallas. Its worth paying $3 airport parking.
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I know Im late on the video, but my wife and I have taken about 50 flights including Spirit and Frontier this year alone. I live in Fort Lauderdale and I go to the FLL airport to buy my tickets for Spirit. I usually save 50% on average. I booked a round trip flight from FLL-MSY for 2 people, $54 tax in. Not per, but for both of us. You cant beat that. I also saved $150 on my round trip to Dallas. Its worth paying $3 airport parking.
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Andrew
It's been a lazy Saturday afternoon. So after watching this, I decided to recreate the flights on Microsoft Flight Simulator. Happy to report that leg room was great because I was seated at my computer desk. The lounge was. well, where it always was. Food was. in the kitchen and very delicious. Service was great because. I was flying the plane! So yep, an interesting day. And a lot more comfortable than your real life trip, I'm sure!
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It's been a lazy Saturday afternoon. So after watching this, I decided to recreate the flights on Microsoft Flight Simulator. Happy to report that leg room was great because I was seated at my computer desk. The lounge was. well, where it always was. Food was. in the kitchen and very delicious. Service was great because. I was flying the plane! So yep, an interesting day. And a lot more comfortable than your real life trip, I'm sure!
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Ed
For shorter flights, and depending on the buget for that trip, i would fly them. that said, if i have the extra cash and can afford to fly a main line airline, i would choose them
for longer trips being shoehorned into 29A for 6+ hours is just not an option in my opinion. I would pay the extra and get a better seat on a better airline. Not to mention fly business or first if i can possibly afford it
keep up the great videos
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For shorter flights, and depending on the buget for that trip, i would fly them. that said, if i have the extra cash and can afford to fly a main line airline, i would choose them
for longer trips being shoehorned into 29A for 6+ hours is just not an option in my opinion. I would pay the extra and get a better seat on a better airline. Not to mention fly business or first if i can possibly afford it
keep up the great videos
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Nathanjw
I don't know about frontier or allegiant but spirit tried to rebook me on southwest after my flight was cancelled the next morning because I had a late flight. They can only do it at the airport but yes it's possible. I tried to avoid a layover because so many flights were cancelled I would rather be stuck with family than in Chicago because the second flight got cancelled. It's 2021 Christmas by the way.
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I don't know about frontier or allegiant but spirit tried to rebook me on southwest after my flight was cancelled the next morning because I had a late flight. They can only do it at the airport but yes it's possible. I tried to avoid a layover because so many flights were cancelled I would rather be stuck with family than in Chicago because the second flight got cancelled. It's 2021 Christmas by the way.
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Anish
Since we live in Atlanta, my family and I always fly Delta and my dad has the good sense to book a main cabin seat. Every now and then he'll manage to upgrade one of us to Comfort+ for something good we did. If we want to save money, we fly with Southwest. It's still a low cost carrier, but they actually are good! The service is really nice and much better than what I can say for these three airlines.
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Since we live in Atlanta, my family and I always fly Delta and my dad has the good sense to book a main cabin seat. Every now and then he'll manage to upgrade one of us to Comfort+ for something good we did. If we want to save money, we fly with Southwest. It's still a low cost carrier, but they actually are good! The service is really nice and much better than what I can say for these three airlines.
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Nathanjw
I can get a lot of the extras having a disability like early boarding TSA pre check actually TSA care's is even better highly recommend it if you have special accommodations please share the information. Hidden disability sunflower too can help.
I find pride in going on a trip and getting the extra day because what I didn't pay I used as unpaid PTO because who really wants to go to work.
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I can get a lot of the extras having a disability like early boarding TSA pre check actually TSA care's is even better highly recommend it if you have special accommodations please share the information. Hidden disability sunflower too can help.
I find pride in going on a trip and getting the extra day because what I didn't pay I used as unpaid PTO because who really wants to go to work.
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Garrett
I agree with Jeb at the end, but the problem is that I just don't make enough money to justify the price difference in booking a 'regular carrier' vs the low cost airlines usually. A round trip from Orlando to Reno was $297 on Frontier/Allegiant, and $700+ on the regular carriers. Then, choosing no bag option and ordering throwaway clothes on Amazon to the destination saves money and hassle.
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I agree with Jeb at the end, but the problem is that I just don't make enough money to justify the price difference in booking a 'regular carrier' vs the low cost airlines usually. A round trip from Orlando to Reno was $297 on Frontier/Allegiant, and $700+ on the regular carriers. Then, choosing no bag option and ordering throwaway clothes on Amazon to the destination saves money and hassle.
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Scott
I have flown spirit 10 times I've flown Allegiant and Frontier twice never had a problem know what you're getting into I live in Nashville they're Great Planes to take for QuikTrips to Florida or Charleston. Fort Lauderdale Miami Jacksonville Orlando absolutely next month I have to go to Los Angeles I won't be taking them it on headphones in music on read a book we are there
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I have flown spirit 10 times I've flown Allegiant and Frontier twice never had a problem know what you're getting into I live in Nashville they're Great Planes to take for QuikTrips to Florida or Charleston. Fort Lauderdale Miami Jacksonville Orlando absolutely next month I have to go to Los Angeles I won't be taking them it on headphones in music on read a book we are there
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Americasdream12
If I am looking for value with a smile without all these extra add Ons I will call the friendliest airlines in the skies over the United States which in my opinion is none other than Southwest Airlines. When you book 14 days in advance or more, Southwest is not much more than the cheaper airlines and they fly more than one flight per day most every place I go.
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If I am looking for value with a smile without all these extra add Ons I will call the friendliest airlines in the skies over the United States which in my opinion is none other than Southwest Airlines. When you book 14 days in advance or more, Southwest is not much more than the cheaper airlines and they fly more than one flight per day most every place I go.
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Ali
I dont mind flying either, except I would avoid allegiant if i can because they have a horrible safety record. ive gotten free food on spirit once or twice, the flight attendent decided not to charge me. frontier generally i found to have the best seats out of the 3. overall if your getting a cheap ticket then im ok with it. leg room doesnt bother me much
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I dont mind flying either, except I would avoid allegiant if i can because they have a horrible safety record. ive gotten free food on spirit once or twice, the flight attendent decided not to charge me. frontier generally i found to have the best seats out of the 3. overall if your getting a cheap ticket then im ok with it. leg room doesnt bother me much
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FD_Medic
I love flying for free for my charter and airlines in association with them. No nome of those airlines are in association exept JetBlue. I can fly American, JetBlue, and delta for free plus my charter. So I typically will just skip economy class and wait for hours for first class and business occasional i will settle with premium economy class.
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I love flying for free for my charter and airlines in association with them. No nome of those airlines are in association exept JetBlue. I can fly American, JetBlue, and delta for free plus my charter. So I typically will just skip economy class and wait for hours for first class and business occasional i will settle with premium economy class.
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Bryce
Since I live about an hour's drive from Houston and a 50-minute drive from College Station, most of my flights will likely be on United, American, or Southwest. Although, I've flown Allegiant a couple of times before without any issues (just don't pay for a low-cost carrier and expect a first-class flight, because that's just not going to happen.
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Since I live about an hour's drive from Houston and a 50-minute drive from College Station, most of my flights will likely be on United, American, or Southwest. Although, I've flown Allegiant a couple of times before without any issues (just don't pay for a low-cost carrier and expect a first-class flight, because that's just not going to happen.
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travel
Every one of these airlines uses extremely deceptive advertising to lure you in, then a surprise charge that airlines had never done in the past. If you arent short statured and are a traditional airline consumer, you are going to be tricked into paying slightly less than more traditional airlines with numerous unpleasantries.
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Every one of these airlines uses extremely deceptive advertising to lure you in, then a surprise charge that airlines had never done in the past. If you arent short statured and are a traditional airline consumer, you are going to be tricked into paying slightly less than more traditional airlines with numerous unpleasantries.
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Janet
I just flew Allegiant Airlines this week from Wichita to Las Vegas and I had no complaints at all. A two-hour flight with no stops in Denver, no changing concourses, and no 3-4 hour wait for a connecting flight. Two hours and I was there. At less than half the price of one of the major airlines. I'll take that any time I can.
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I just flew Allegiant Airlines this week from Wichita to Las Vegas and I had no complaints at all. A two-hour flight with no stops in Denver, no changing concourses, and no 3-4 hour wait for a connecting flight. Two hours and I was there. At less than half the price of one of the major airlines. I'll take that any time I can.
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Meme
I fly spirit a lot out of ACY (Atlantic City) to either Ft Laudedale to see family or Orlando to go to Disney. For me it is a cheap way to get there pretty fast. Comfort usually isnt an issue and as for food I usually buy a meal in the airport and bring it on the flight (Example a burger from McDonalds)
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I fly spirit a lot out of ACY (Atlantic City) to either Ft Laudedale to see family or Orlando to go to Disney. For me it is a cheap way to get there pretty fast. Comfort usually isnt an issue and as for food I usually buy a meal in the airport and bring it on the flight (Example a burger from McDonalds)
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Stanley
My home airport is Atlanta. I fly a lot of business trips with the DOD and they book Delta. I usually bite the bullet and use Delta for personal travel too. Costs a bit more, but they are more dependable and I usually can score direct flights to most destinations in the US that I will travel to.
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My home airport is Atlanta. I fly a lot of business trips with the DOD and they book Delta. I usually bite the bullet and use Delta for personal travel too. Costs a bit more, but they are more dependable and I usually can score direct flights to most destinations in the US that I will travel to.
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Ross
The bat part about basic economy on a mainline airline for me:
1) booked United
2) this United plane had DIRECTV (this was after United transitioned it from payed service to free service)
3) cheaper cost, better legroom than ULCCs, and free snacks and drinks.
4) reliable airline.
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The bat part about basic economy on a mainline airline for me:
1) booked United
2) this United plane had DIRECTV (this was after United transitioned it from payed service to free service)
3) cheaper cost, better legroom than ULCCs, and free snacks and drinks.
4) reliable airline.
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Shadow
As a pilot I can tell you that Spirit and Frontier pay their staff the best, and better than most of the legacies. I'd like to know that the people flying my plane have a decent life and are treated well. After all, their mental and physical wellbeing ends up affecting yours
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As a pilot I can tell you that Spirit and Frontier pay their staff the best, and better than most of the legacies. I'd like to know that the people flying my plane have a decent life and are treated well. After all, their mental and physical wellbeing ends up affecting yours
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Ben
I love seeing the comparisons, at first I thought you were just someone wanting to rant or poke fun at an airline but instead its just to help people to be aware before booking with these airlines, so its very helpful, thanks for the videos.
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I love seeing the comparisons, at first I thought you were just someone wanting to rant or poke fun at an airline but instead its just to help people to be aware before booking with these airlines, so its very helpful, thanks for the videos.
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MrCliffda3rd
I've flown Allegiant several times. Only way to go direct to Knoxville from St. Pete Clearwater. Otherwise connections from Tampa via main carriers. They've gotten better since transitioning to an all Airbus A320 fleet.
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I've flown Allegiant several times. Only way to go direct to Knoxville from St. Pete Clearwater. Otherwise connections from Tampa via main carriers. They've gotten better since transitioning to an all Airbus A320 fleet.
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PeshnakMusic
Lived in Vancouver BC. And would drive to Bellingham WA, to fly allegiant to Vegas literally to avoid the cost of flying from Canada. Allegiant would be like minimum $200 cheaper than air Canada/ west jet.
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Lived in Vancouver BC. And would drive to Bellingham WA, to fly allegiant to Vegas literally to avoid the cost of flying from Canada. Allegiant would be like minimum $200 cheaper than air Canada/ west jet.
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747Boy
As a somewhat frequent flyer of Allegiant, its not that bad for a 2 hour flight, which I take their Planes on. The seats are relatively comfortable, the cabin crew are nice, and the tray tables are a good size.
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As a somewhat frequent flyer of Allegiant, its not that bad for a 2 hour flight, which I take their Planes on. The seats are relatively comfortable, the cabin crew are nice, and the tray tables are a good size.
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