Originally Posted by
beyondhere
I also try to buy tickets at the airport counter, but I tend to go with Spirit as mentioned, but similar idea. With Spirit though, it's $21 checked bag cost (as I'm a $9 Fare Club member) if bought online at time of ticket purchase. I have to consider that if I need to take a bag, sometimes the airport counter savings (if a bag is needed) is minimal.
Like what iahphx mentioned, there are times also the Spirit ticket counter is incredibly busy, while usually not. Once I was in DFW ready to buy a ticket, but the line was long. At PHL, I can get parking at Terminal E for $4 and typically make it in/out in 30 minutes. ACY has free parking for the first 30 mins or so, but it's ticket sales counter closes at 6pm.
I have Frontier's "elite status." which gives me a free full-sized carry-on bag, and free advanced seat assignments.
For me, the limited networks is the biggest drawback to the LCCs. My travels are typically from CLE to LAS, PHX and MCO... all serviced NS by Frontier.
I only fly Frontier or Spirit if it is a NS route... and I allow an extra day at the end of my trips to ensure getting home in time to get back to work.
I did have an excellent experience with Frontier during hurricane Irma a couple weeks ago, A relative called me at 2AM the day before Irma was supposed to roll through Orlando. I was able to snag her the last 2 seats at the low mileage redemption price to get her and her friend out of Orlando that morning.
I will also add that I have found Frontier front-line staff to be much more friendly and accommodating than any of the three remaining US legacy carriers.