When flying on a budget, comfort is often compromised. Among Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines—America’s major ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs)—the competition for customer satisfaction, legroom, and seat experience is intense. Each airline uses similar fleets based on the Airbus A320 family. Understanding the differences in seat configurations and cabin layouts can help travelers find a balance between savings and comfort.
Allegiant Air was founded in 1997 with John Redmond as CEO. It positions itself as offering "affordable, accessible, spacious travel." Allegiant's fleet mainly consists of Airbus A319s and A320s, offering about 30 inches of pitch in standard seats. The airline also provides “Legroom+” seats with extra space at the front and exit rows.
Spirit Airlines was founded in 1983 and operates from multiple hubs including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Spirit emphasizes that their Big Front Seat isn’t first class but offers more comfort with up to 36 inches of pitch and 22-inch width. Spirit is noted for its onboard amenities, being the only ULCC providing WiFi for a fee.