Three things reshaped low-fare flying in 2026. Spirit Airlines stopped all flights on May 2. Allegiant completed its purchase of Sun Country on May 13. And Southwest, after charging for bags since 2025, switched to assigned seats in January. Here is how the remaining options compare.
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The short version
| Frontier | Southwest | Allegiant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Large, daily service from big cities and many mid-size ones | Very large, frequent service | Smaller cities to leisure spots, often a few days a week |
| Free bag | Personal item only | Personal item and carry-on | Personal item only |
| Checked bag | Paid, price varies by route and timing | Paid on most fares ($45 first bag on tickets booked from April 9, 2026) | Paid |
| Seats | Assigned at check-in or paid | Assigned since January 27, 2026 | Assigned at check-in or paid |
| Change fees | Up to $149 on Basic, $0 on bundles | Depends on fare tier | Paid unless you buy flexibility |
| Unlimited pass | Yes, the GoWild Pass | No | No |
Frontier
Often the lowest base fare on the route, as long as you follow the bag rules. Frontier is also the only one of the three with an all-you-can-fly subscription, the GoWild Pass, and a fare club, Discount Den. Frontier has added several routes that Spirit used to fly. Its bundles remove change fees (see Frontier bundles explained).
Southwest
Southwest is no longer the "bags fly free" airline. Its fares now come in four tiers (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra), with two free checked bags only on the top tier and for some elites and cardholders. It still includes a free carry-on, which can make it cheaper than Frontier for a traveler who needs an overhead bag.
Allegiant (now with Sun Country)
Allegiant flies from smaller airports straight to vacation spots like Las Vegas, Orlando and Florida's Gulf Coast, often on a few days a week rather than daily. Sun Country is owned by the same company since May 2026, but the two still operate as separate airlines with separate loyalty programs, with a full combination expected over the next two years.
Former Spirit flyers
If you used to fly Spirit, Frontier is the closest match: the same unbundled model, many of the same airports, and a personal item included on every fare. Check which nonstops Frontier flies from your city on our Frontier route pages. Any Spirit credits or refunds now go through Spirit's bankruptcy process, not another airline.
Which one should you book?
- Traveling light, flexible dates: Frontier, and if you fly often, the GoWild Pass.
- Need a carry-on, one or two trips: compare Southwest's total against Frontier's Economy bundle.
- From a small city to a beach: Allegiant may be the only nonstop.
Always compare the total with bags and seats, not the headline fare.
Quick answers
Is Spirit Airlines still flying?
No. Spirit stopped all flights on May 2, 2026 and is being wound down in bankruptcy court. Frontier, Southwest and Allegiant now cover many of its former routes.
Is Frontier cheaper than Southwest?
Frontier's base fares are often lower, but Southwest includes a free carry-on. If you need an overhead bag, compare Southwest's total against Frontier's fare with a carry-on or the Economy bundle.
Did Allegiant buy Sun Country?
Yes. The deal closed on May 13, 2026. The two airlines still operate separately for now, with a full combination expected by about 2028.
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