What is a "no frills" airline

[BobH]

Can anyone point out the difference between a so called "no frills" airline like SW or Jetblue vs an American or Delta etc? There may have been a difference at on point a long time ago when SW first came out, but it seems like the differences now are only in how they advertise themselves to the public. For example the only differences between them is whether you get an assigned seats or get pretzels. As far as pricing I have seen that you can get gouged just as easily by a "low cost" ailine as by a major carrier.

 

[NotUrsula]

As far as I can tell, the only remaining real difference is the presence of a 1st class section on the plane.

 

[Lewisc]

The maximum fares (fully refundable) tend to be a bit lower with the "no frills" airline. Available fares tend to be closer as people are grabbing the cheaper seats on the discounted airlines and the traditional airlines are being forced to lower prices to compete.

The "full service" airlines are dropping things like meal service and are becoming more like the "no frills" airline.

 

[mudnuri]

is seat assignments- SW does not preasign seats..it is on a first come basis upon entry to the plane...you are given a #'d card at check-in, and then upon boarding, they load you via the numbers...

The biggest difference for me is that the SW flight attendants are the FUNNIEST I've had...having flown all domestic carriers in the last 10 years, they are by far the nicest....

Brandy

 

[SnackyStacky]

Be careful in calling them "no frills"!!!

Not all discount carriers are created equal. JetBlue, I find, is a LOT better than any of the major carriers I've flown. JetBlue provides you with snack, beverage, and free DirecTV. None of my flights with JetBlue have been delayed, or late, and the staff has ALWAYS been incredibly helpful. My service with JetBlue has always been BETTER than the service I've had with Delta, United, and a slew of other domestic carriers.

I also enjoy Southwest's direct flight from Buffalo to Orlando. They have snacks. It's true that they don't have seat assignments, but as long as you get there early, I've never had a problem sitting with everyone in my party. The service is also better than that which I've had with the major domestic carriers.

My first choice is always JetBlue, second choice is Southwest. I then check Orbitz for any better fares. I usually end up flying with one of my first two choices.

 

[inkkognito]

The lack of assigned seats isn't necessarily a difference. ATA has always offered them, even back before 9/11 when they were considered a no-frills airline because they have no first class section and do not serve food. They still have those differences as well, but of course the other airlines have stopped their food service so that no longer matters. I like ATA because they have nice, new planes with in-flight entertainment and leather seats with adjustable headrests (on most of their aircraft, anyway). I have never been able to find a Southwest fare cheaper than ATA. United and American used to match them occasionally, but not anymore, so now we're on ATA once or twice a month.
Barb
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