The TRUTH About America's CHEAPEST Airlines
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Date: 2026-09-04
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Comments and reviews: 20
TheWalterHWhite
I'll never fly Frontier again. Last time I flew, the flight was delayed by 5 hours. The TSA staff left at 8 pm, so we were essentially stuck inside the airport if we wanted to catch the flight. No food options at the airport past 8 pm. Because of the delay, we would have to book a hotel and lose half a day of travel. In all, driving would have gotten us there in 3 hours extra, wouldn't have to rent a car, wouldn't be at the mercy of the airline, and we wouldnt have to book a hotel. Due to gas prices it was the economic and fastest travel option. We ended up losing money, time, and our minds. I called Frontier to see about a voucher or something. They offered 50 dollars. I asked for $75 - 100 to cover food and partial lodging; they declined. I told them Per law, I can cancel and you have to refund me twice the ticket price ($560 bucks. Then I take my money, book through a competitor, and pocket the change. She said Yes that's true, do you want me to process that She gave zero cares. I'd lose another 12 hours waiting for the next flight so I sucked it up, took my $50 bucks, and waited. They know their customer base. People who fly ULCC don't have many options typically. I picked Frontier out of spite for SouthWest. After they did away with the very thing that made people pick them, I said to hell with them.
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I'll never fly Frontier again. Last time I flew, the flight was delayed by 5 hours. The TSA staff left at 8 pm, so we were essentially stuck inside the airport if we wanted to catch the flight. No food options at the airport past 8 pm. Because of the delay, we would have to book a hotel and lose half a day of travel. In all, driving would have gotten us there in 3 hours extra, wouldn't have to rent a car, wouldn't be at the mercy of the airline, and we wouldnt have to book a hotel. Due to gas prices it was the economic and fastest travel option. We ended up losing money, time, and our minds. I called Frontier to see about a voucher or something. They offered 50 dollars. I asked for $75 - 100 to cover food and partial lodging; they declined. I told them Per law, I can cancel and you have to refund me twice the ticket price ($560 bucks. Then I take my money, book through a competitor, and pocket the change. She said Yes that's true, do you want me to process that She gave zero cares. I'd lose another 12 hours waiting for the next flight so I sucked it up, took my $50 bucks, and waited. They know their customer base. People who fly ULCC don't have many options typically. I picked Frontier out of spite for SouthWest. After they did away with the very thing that made people pick them, I said to hell with them.
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kellyconstenius676
We have flown many many times between Denver and Minneapolis.
I am really sad that Southwest does not offer the free bag option any longer. That always made the slightly higher price well worth it. Plus they had multiple flights each day. We would always book the cheapest flight. Get there early and almost always get a earlier flight on standby.
So mainly switched to Frontier. But I am now getting mad at them.
I am 6 foot 4 so I pay extra for a exit seat. On a A320 it is one seat number. Three times now they have changed planes to an A321 but left me with the same seat number. That is not an exit seat. Paid extra but had to sit in a standard seat.
Flight attendants just say. Nothing we can do that is you assigned seat.
This last time I booked the 2: 20 pm flight to Madison from Denver. I booked that flight because I take Bustang bus from Granby to Union station $7 for disabled. Then $9 for the train to the airport. Get there about 12: 30 pm. Lots cheaper than driving and parkjing.
They discontinued that flight after I booked it. Changed me to the 10: 30 am flight. I can cancel the flight but it is non refundable. And they dont have a useable flight for me.
I booked with Southwest. Still cheaper to eat the Frontier flight and pay for South West.
Done with Frontier.
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We have flown many many times between Denver and Minneapolis.
I am really sad that Southwest does not offer the free bag option any longer. That always made the slightly higher price well worth it. Plus they had multiple flights each day. We would always book the cheapest flight. Get there early and almost always get a earlier flight on standby.
So mainly switched to Frontier. But I am now getting mad at them.
I am 6 foot 4 so I pay extra for a exit seat. On a A320 it is one seat number. Three times now they have changed planes to an A321 but left me with the same seat number. That is not an exit seat. Paid extra but had to sit in a standard seat.
Flight attendants just say. Nothing we can do that is you assigned seat.
This last time I booked the 2: 20 pm flight to Madison from Denver. I booked that flight because I take Bustang bus from Granby to Union station $7 for disabled. Then $9 for the train to the airport. Get there about 12: 30 pm. Lots cheaper than driving and parkjing.
They discontinued that flight after I booked it. Changed me to the 10: 30 am flight. I can cancel the flight but it is non refundable. And they dont have a useable flight for me.
I booked with Southwest. Still cheaper to eat the Frontier flight and pay for South West.
Done with Frontier.
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YourSolventUncle
The real twist is that America’s cheapest airlines aren’t actually cheap they’re strategically priced illusions that only look affordable until you zoom out. I’m sitting here thinking wow, the entire lowfare model is basically a psychological game. The ticket might be $49, but the average U. S. traveler ends up paying 38% more after bags, seat selection, early boarding, and those sneaky airport counter fees. And here’s the part nobody expects: the airlines know exactly what they’re doing because data from 2026 shows that ultralowcost carriers make over 70% of their profit from addons, not fares. So the real twist is that the cheap ticket is just the bait the business model is everything that happens after you click continue. It’s wild how you think you’re saving money until you realize the cheapest airlines are quietly the most expensive if you breathe wrong during checkout.
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The real twist is that America’s cheapest airlines aren’t actually cheap they’re strategically priced illusions that only look affordable until you zoom out. I’m sitting here thinking wow, the entire lowfare model is basically a psychological game. The ticket might be $49, but the average U. S. traveler ends up paying 38% more after bags, seat selection, early boarding, and those sneaky airport counter fees. And here’s the part nobody expects: the airlines know exactly what they’re doing because data from 2026 shows that ultralowcost carriers make over 70% of their profit from addons, not fares. So the real twist is that the cheap ticket is just the bait the business model is everything that happens after you click continue. It’s wild how you think you’re saving money until you realize the cheapest airlines are quietly the most expensive if you breathe wrong during checkout.
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Xedgehog1
I've gone to Florida annually every 6 months to annually, and typically fly American from ILG to MCO. I typically price out air fares for the trip on the big three Premium airlines as well as Frontier, Spirit (RIP, Avelo and Southwest. When I price out the low cost carriers, the air fares for what I want (I. e. pick seats, a checked bag, carry on) they usually end up coming in at nearly the same pricing as basic economy on American. Factor in ground transportation or parking, and the only airline that actually ends up being cheaper (or dead comparable) is Avelo, as ILG is in town, as opposed to driving or riding 90 minutes to PHL. So low cost carriers really add all the extras together with less availability and the premium carriers add it all in basic fee with frequency and reliability of flights being in the ticket price.
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I've gone to Florida annually every 6 months to annually, and typically fly American from ILG to MCO. I typically price out air fares for the trip on the big three Premium airlines as well as Frontier, Spirit (RIP, Avelo and Southwest. When I price out the low cost carriers, the air fares for what I want (I. e. pick seats, a checked bag, carry on) they usually end up coming in at nearly the same pricing as basic economy on American. Factor in ground transportation or parking, and the only airline that actually ends up being cheaper (or dead comparable) is Avelo, as ILG is in town, as opposed to driving or riding 90 minutes to PHL. So low cost carriers really add all the extras together with less availability and the premium carriers add it all in basic fee with frequency and reliability of flights being in the ticket price.
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jeb_brooks
I’m ok with the ultra no frills on these inexpensive airlines. The seats on Frontier are ok for a short flight but not good for a 3 hr flight. They’re equivalent to what you might carry into a high school stadium and clamp on to bleachers. The good thing about Frontier is that they are much less expensive for a last minute booking a day or two out. Haven’t flown Frontier much but in 2018 I had an early morning flight from CLT to DIA and in the middle of the night I got an email advising me my flight was canceled. Basically, they said good luck. I had to book last minute with Delta to make my Frontier connection from DIA to FAT but the Delta ticket was a ton of money and the amount Frontier sent me a check for didn’t cover the Delta flight, it cost me about $200 extra. Not fun.
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I’m ok with the ultra no frills on these inexpensive airlines. The seats on Frontier are ok for a short flight but not good for a 3 hr flight. They’re equivalent to what you might carry into a high school stadium and clamp on to bleachers. The good thing about Frontier is that they are much less expensive for a last minute booking a day or two out. Haven’t flown Frontier much but in 2018 I had an early morning flight from CLT to DIA and in the middle of the night I got an email advising me my flight was canceled. Basically, they said good luck. I had to book last minute with Delta to make my Frontier connection from DIA to FAT but the Delta ticket was a ton of money and the amount Frontier sent me a check for didn’t cover the Delta flight, it cost me about $200 extra. Not fun.
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larrysorenson4789
Years ago my business had me flying from Phoenix to six cities in the region. I travelled almost every day. America West Airlines served them all and the fare to each was the same: $25. 00.
They sold ticket books. You simply tore off a ticket and got on the plane. No reservations, no hassle, nothing. It was wonderful.
Destinations included:
Tucson, San Diego, Ontario, LAX, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Burbank.
And the Vegas flights stopped at Flagstaff which included a low pass over the Grand Canyon.
That was my all time favorite flight.
I was on the runway in Vegas when the temperature reached 122 degrees and the plane couldn’t take off.
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Years ago my business had me flying from Phoenix to six cities in the region. I travelled almost every day. America West Airlines served them all and the fare to each was the same: $25. 00.
They sold ticket books. You simply tore off a ticket and got on the plane. No reservations, no hassle, nothing. It was wonderful.
Destinations included:
Tucson, San Diego, Ontario, LAX, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Burbank.
And the Vegas flights stopped at Flagstaff which included a low pass over the Grand Canyon.
That was my all time favorite flight.
I was on the runway in Vegas when the temperature reached 122 degrees and the plane couldn’t take off.
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patrisio3
I don't mind not reclining for a 1 to maybe 3 or 4 hour flight. Longer than that, I recline. but only a little at a time bit by bit and not one big swoop. The human back is not designed to sit up-right or close to up-right for a long time. The downward and upward pressure on the back is too much. The worst is when people bend forward to lay their head on the tray. horrible position for the back You think you are fine, but you really aren't. The pain from the damage might not be felt for days or even weeks afterwards. I know some people don't like it, but the more the back is reclined, the better for the back.
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I don't mind not reclining for a 1 to maybe 3 or 4 hour flight. Longer than that, I recline. but only a little at a time bit by bit and not one big swoop. The human back is not designed to sit up-right or close to up-right for a long time. The downward and upward pressure on the back is too much. The worst is when people bend forward to lay their head on the tray. horrible position for the back You think you are fine, but you really aren't. The pain from the damage might not be felt for days or even weeks afterwards. I know some people don't like it, but the more the back is reclined, the better for the back.
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scottbartlett2087
We flew Allegiant and was very surprised at how nice it was, it was way cheaper than the cost of gas would have cost us. My biggest complaint is the folks that don't adhere to the rules, tossing their book bags right up in the carry on compartments as soon as they board the plane knowing they did not pay for a carryon. Then the stewardesses having to ask who's bags they are to make them move them to make room for someone that actually did pay for a carry on. The having attitude about having to move them. Put yer damn book bag under the seat unless you paid to have stowed in the overhead.
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We flew Allegiant and was very surprised at how nice it was, it was way cheaper than the cost of gas would have cost us. My biggest complaint is the folks that don't adhere to the rules, tossing their book bags right up in the carry on compartments as soon as they board the plane knowing they did not pay for a carryon. Then the stewardesses having to ask who's bags they are to make them move them to make room for someone that actually did pay for a carry on. The having attitude about having to move them. Put yer damn book bag under the seat unless you paid to have stowed in the overhead.
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nramos33
Here's the think I don't get about the paper copy of a ticket. I've used nothing but apps since for 10 years and I haven't had an issue once. But I have seen people unable to find paper copies and panic. Recently, I also had a friend stuck waiting to print a paper copy because machines weren't working and they refused to use an app. And for extra fun, their ticket didn't have their TSA Precheck. Meanwhile, that happened to me too, but they app updated and added my pre-check after a minute or two. You can't update your paper ticket unless you re-print.
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Here's the think I don't get about the paper copy of a ticket. I've used nothing but apps since for 10 years and I haven't had an issue once. But I have seen people unable to find paper copies and panic. Recently, I also had a friend stuck waiting to print a paper copy because machines weren't working and they refused to use an app. And for extra fun, their ticket didn't have their TSA Precheck. Meanwhile, that happened to me too, but they app updated and added my pre-check after a minute or two. You can't update your paper ticket unless you re-print.
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cubswin101
IMHO, Allegiant = WORST of these 3.
Not about the free drink. it's the Airline Employees you interact with.
Breeze best of the 3, Frontier staff about what I would expect. Allegiant - Nasty Employees, on multiple trips to various locations. It seems like Allegiant must purposely hire Angry, Upset people who they can count on to hate their jobs and the company's customers. That tells me the company leadership places no value on people Allegiant hires.
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IMHO, Allegiant = WORST of these 3.
Not about the free drink. it's the Airline Employees you interact with.
Breeze best of the 3, Frontier staff about what I would expect. Allegiant - Nasty Employees, on multiple trips to various locations. It seems like Allegiant must purposely hire Angry, Upset people who they can count on to hate their jobs and the company's customers. That tells me the company leadership places no value on people Allegiant hires.
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vrgnofephrata
Hey Jeb! In regards to your Allegiant flight:
-We are in the process of retrofitting our fleet with nicer seats including bigger tray tables and on our Boeing aircraft USB outlets
-We do not currently offer wifi on any of our flights: (
-We do offer coffee in the form or Dunkin Donuts branded ice coffee and La Columbia black ice coffee
I'm glad your flight went well, you should come over to the east coast and fly one of our new 737s some time: )
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Hey Jeb! In regards to your Allegiant flight:
-We are in the process of retrofitting our fleet with nicer seats including bigger tray tables and on our Boeing aircraft USB outlets
-We do not currently offer wifi on any of our flights: (
-We do offer coffee in the form or Dunkin Donuts branded ice coffee and La Columbia black ice coffee
I'm glad your flight went well, you should come over to the east coast and fly one of our new 737s some time: )
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larrynovak7042
I'd pay less & not get a snack or beverage. We have refillable water bottles & bring our own snacks. As for location of seat I'm 6'1 1 tall & have never been in a seat that touched my knees. We flew Spirit a lot from here in Detroit. LGA, FLL, TPA. On time & never checked a bag. Also bought our tickets at the ticket counter a few weeks before the flight & saved an average of $24 per ticket. I hear Frontier is similar but have never flown Frontier.
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I'd pay less & not get a snack or beverage. We have refillable water bottles & bring our own snacks. As for location of seat I'm 6'1 1 tall & have never been in a seat that touched my knees. We flew Spirit a lot from here in Detroit. LGA, FLL, TPA. On time & never checked a bag. Also bought our tickets at the ticket counter a few weeks before the flight & saved an average of $24 per ticket. I hear Frontier is similar but have never flown Frontier.
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jeb_brooks
I don't fly Allegiant anymore, despite the fact that the airport is the closest one to me and they fly to a destination I frequent. My reason is (and important to note in case you aren't aware) - they close their ticket counter 45 minutes prior to the flight. Even if you're there 48 minutes before the flight, you aren't able to check bags, even if you've paid for 2 of them. And an upgraded seat. And a carry-on. They just say it's their policy.
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I don't fly Allegiant anymore, despite the fact that the airport is the closest one to me and they fly to a destination I frequent. My reason is (and important to note in case you aren't aware) - they close their ticket counter 45 minutes prior to the flight. Even if you're there 48 minutes before the flight, you aren't able to check bags, even if you've paid for 2 of them. And an upgraded seat. And a carry-on. They just say it's their policy.
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1974kenm
For me, flight duration plays a major role. Hopper/Short flights like LAX -> LAS or LAX -> SBA, cheapest makes sense. For longer flights, paying more for comfort and room is appealing. It seems your travel aligned with this - relatively short flights. Spirit (RIP) from DTW to LAX used to be hard to turn down, but then as they added more and more fees, it started to be close to the same as the Delta flight (checked bags, assigned seats, etc.
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For me, flight duration plays a major role. Hopper/Short flights like LAX -> LAS or LAX -> SBA, cheapest makes sense. For longer flights, paying more for comfort and room is appealing. It seems your travel aligned with this - relatively short flights. Spirit (RIP) from DTW to LAX used to be hard to turn down, but then as they added more and more fees, it started to be close to the same as the Delta flight (checked bags, assigned seats, etc.
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nvorkinn
I have absolutely no qualms about reclining if the seat allows. I don't think you need to ask the person behind either. But all within reason - I'm not going to recline from take off to landing, but for a few hours after the meal service/buy-on-board is perfectly fine. What I actually find more annoying are people seated by the windows who shut the blinds for the whole flight, and in the US you can even do it doing take off and landing - nuts.
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I have absolutely no qualms about reclining if the seat allows. I don't think you need to ask the person behind either. But all within reason - I'm not going to recline from take off to landing, but for a few hours after the meal service/buy-on-board is perfectly fine. What I actually find more annoying are people seated by the windows who shut the blinds for the whole flight, and in the US you can even do it doing take off and landing - nuts.
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jenniferoutlaw1975
This is a helpful comparison! If I'm going somewhere that would take 4-8 hours to drive and only be there for 1-4 days, the low cost carriers are worth it for the cost of gas and time. If it would take 1-2 days to drive &/or be there 5-8 days, I go with the next tier so I can take a carry-on. Farther &/or longer than that, probably going to compare the mid-range w/upcharges vs. the big carriers like United, etc.
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This is a helpful comparison! If I'm going somewhere that would take 4-8 hours to drive and only be there for 1-4 days, the low cost carriers are worth it for the cost of gas and time. If it would take 1-2 days to drive &/or be there 5-8 days, I go with the next tier so I can take a carry-on. Farther &/or longer than that, probably going to compare the mid-range w/upcharges vs. the big carriers like United, etc.
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JDgo
Balderdash; around 1966 I flew Bonanza Airline from Las Vegas to LAX for $11. 00! The downside was my seat was at the rear of the plane, left side with a view of the side mounted (DC-9) engine and it howled and screamed in my ear all the way to L. A. What a gawd awful trip! I think I'd choose Breeze from the three you tested. .. well, maybe Allegiant because it flies to where I'd want to go, (makes sense, Lol)
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Balderdash; around 1966 I flew Bonanza Airline from Las Vegas to LAX for $11. 00! The downside was my seat was at the rear of the plane, left side with a view of the side mounted (DC-9) engine and it howled and screamed in my ear all the way to L. A. What a gawd awful trip! I think I'd choose Breeze from the three you tested. .. well, maybe Allegiant because it flies to where I'd want to go, (makes sense, Lol)
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samkashdan7423
I fly Allegiant between Newark and Asheville. They don’t fly everyday, but the flights are generally less expensive. I generally end up paying for a package that includes a checked bag, carryon, and seat selection. That comes with more legroom. The premium package increases the price significantly, but it is still cheaper than American, United, and Delta. It is also cheaper than driving.
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I fly Allegiant between Newark and Asheville. They don’t fly everyday, but the flights are generally less expensive. I generally end up paying for a package that includes a checked bag, carryon, and seat selection. That comes with more legroom. The premium package increases the price significantly, but it is still cheaper than American, United, and Delta. It is also cheaper than driving.
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stevenhutson871
I only travel for business, 3-5 days, so I always need multiple changes of clothes. So a checked bag and personal item (my computer bag. I have looked into these cheap carriers, and their cheap fares always cease to be cheap after all of the fees. The one time I flew Spirit (my conference host made the reservation, it made me six hours late. Boo.
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I only travel for business, 3-5 days, so I always need multiple changes of clothes. So a checked bag and personal item (my computer bag. I have looked into these cheap carriers, and their cheap fares always cease to be cheap after all of the fees. The one time I flew Spirit (my conference host made the reservation, it made me six hours late. Boo.
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mattfrohardt
Just did a round-trip (DSM to PIE) family of 5 on Allegiant. I jumped on exactly 24 hours before the flight time and reloaded the check-in page until it opened up. Both plane trips were completely full. But it sat all 5 of us together in sequential rows on the same side of the plane, on both trips. I'm never paying for reserved seats again.
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Just did a round-trip (DSM to PIE) family of 5 on Allegiant. I jumped on exactly 24 hours before the flight time and reloaded the check-in page until it opened up. Both plane trips were completely full. But it sat all 5 of us together in sequential rows on the same side of the plane, on both trips. I'm never paying for reserved seats again.
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