Outside of the Disney Bubble
Will the Frontier/Spirit Merger Be Good or Bad for Customers?
Frontier Airlines has put in a bid to buy Spirit Airlines for billions of dollars. Both airlines fly in and out of Orlando International Airport, and the planes are often filled with families on a Walt Disney World vacation.
Related: Frontier and Spirit Airlines to Merge
If the merger is approved, it will become the fifth largest airline in the United States. Is this a good thing or a bad thing for customers? Arguments can be made on both sides.
We’ll start with the good. With the merger, Frontier states that more markets will be serviced. Frontier has been expanding over the past few years, and the merger will help the growth to continue. More markets means that more people will be able to save money on airfare.
The flip side of the argument is that it is going to be bad for customers because there will be less competition. When people talk about no frills airlines, often Frontier and Spirit are the two that are mentioned. In markets that both airlines currently service, there will be one less choice, which could raise prices.
Related: What You Need to Know About No Frills Airlines
Then again, the competition is already there, but many people are unaware of it. Several airlines now offer a “basic” option when booking. If you choose this fare, you will pay for your seat, your carry on, and your checked bag. These airlines include American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.
When booking on any airline, double check to see what is included in the price before you buy. It is not uncommon to see a price that is low, but there are several things that are not included. Be prepared to pay extra for your seat selection, your carry on bag, and your checked bag.
We remain cautiously optimistic that the Frontier/Spirit merger will be a good thing. We have flown both airlines several times, and we hope that the low fares will continue.
Related: More on the Frontier/Spirit Merger
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