Spirit vs. Frontier: Black-Friday Dogfight Over Low-Cost Flights

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  Travel and Leisure on Fri, Nov 28th, 2025 by Orlando Sentinel
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Spirit and Frontier Go Head‑to‑Head in Black‑Friday “Dogfight” to Re‑Claim Low‑Cost Travelers

On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Orlando Sentinel’s travel desk reported a fierce “dogfight” between two of the country’s biggest low‑cost carriers—Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines—as each offered historically steep air‑travel discounts to entice budget‑conscious shoppers during the year‑end holiday shopping season. While both airlines have long been known for aggressive pricing, the scale of the discounts, the timing of the promotions, and the sheer number of routes involved raised eyebrows among industry analysts and consumers alike.

What the Promotions Look Like

Spirit Airlines announced that, for a limited time, customers could book round‑trip fares on many of its “short‑haul” routes at as low as 45 % off regular prices. The airline’s press release, which was linked in the article, highlighted popular segments such as Orlando‑Dallas, Tampa‑San Antonio, and Chicago‑Orlando. For the most heavily promoted flights, Spirit advertised $10‑to‑$25 base fares for the one‑way leg, with an additional “Spirit Extra” fee of $25 for carry‑on luggage, seat selection, and in‑flight food. While the low sticker price was striking, the article’s author noted that the “real cost” could climb quickly when those optional fees are added.

Frontier, meanwhile, took a more aggressive approach. According to a Frontier press release linked in the piece, the airline was offering up to 60 % off fares on a wide swath of flights that included the same core routes as Spirit, plus additional services such as Dallas‑Fort Worth, Phoenix‑Orlando, and Miami‑Orlando. Frontier’s promotional language described the discounted tickets as “Deep‑Red” fares, a brand of heavily discounted seats that typically exclude carry‑on bags and other amenities. The article clarified that the discount applies to the base fare only; customers must pay separate fees for checked luggage, priority boarding, and seat selection, similar to Spirit’s model.

Both airlines made the discounts available through a combination of website banner ads, email alerts, and social‑media push notifications. The Sentinel article included screenshots of the promotional landing pages and mentioned that both carriers were encouraging customers to book “now” to secure the best fares before the limited‑availability “deal” expires on December 2.

Why the Deal Matters

The author of the article cited a conversation with an industry analyst at the airline research firm Avian Insights, who explained that the two carriers are engaged in a “price war” for market share in the post‑pandemic recovery. With travel demand rebounding, the “Black Friday” period is a prime opportunity to capture new customers, many of whom are looking for budget options amid rising fuel and labor costs. The analyst noted that while the discounted fares may look enticing, the extra fees often push the final price back into the same range as other low‑cost competitors, such as Southwest and Allegiant.

Another link in the article led to a recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece that argued the competition may ultimately benefit consumers by pushing down the overall price floor for budget travel. However, the article also warned of potential “price‑matching” backlash from other airlines that could result in a more widespread industry price squeeze.

How to Make the Most of the Discounts

The Sentinel’s travel editor offered several practical tips for consumers:

1. Book Early: Because the discounted seats are limited, the article suggested reserving seats within 48 hours of launch to guarantee the lower fare.
2. Read the Fine Print: The author highlighted that the “Spirit Extra” and “Frontier Red” fees are non‑refundable and cannot be waived, even if the flight is canceled or rescheduled.
3. Check for Complimentary Items: Both carriers occasionally offer free carry‑on items for early‑booked passengers during promotional periods; consumers should verify whether this applies by reviewing the booking confirmation email.
4. Use Airline Apps: The article noted that both Spirit and Frontier push notifications on their mobile apps often provide instant fare alerts, sometimes even before the website updates.
5. Compare with Other Airlines: The author encouraged readers to compare the final total—including fees—against other low‑cost carriers using the Google Flights comparison tool or the Skyscanner price alert feature.

Broader Industry Context

The Sentinel piece linked to a Travel Weekly feature that described how the two airlines’ discount strategy is part of a larger trend among U.S. budget carriers to capture “last‑minute” shoppers during holiday sales. According to that feature, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue have also released Black‑Friday deals, although those discounts tend to be less steep. Meanwhile, the New York Times linked article quoted a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) who said the DOT is monitoring these aggressive pricing strategies to ensure they do not contravene antitrust regulations or violate consumer‑protection laws.

Takeaway

In the end, the Sentinel’s coverage portrays the Spirit–Frontier Black‑Friday battle as both a boon and a warning for travelers. The discounts represent a rare opportunity for budget‑conscious passengers to save on flights that otherwise can be pricey, especially during the holiday season. However, the accompanying fees and limited seat availability mean that savvy travelers need to approach the offers with a clear understanding of the final cost. As the industry continues to adjust to post‑pandemic dynamics, the intense competition between low‑cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier may push airlines to innovate further—whether through new fee structures, improved customer service, or more transparent pricing models. For now, consumers who want to get the best deals will need to act quickly and read every line of the fare breakdown.