While flying on a low-cost airline, it’s likely you’ll have the bare minimum of an acceptable travel experience. Squeezed in next to your fellow fliers like sardines in a tin can, paying al la carte for everything from a cup of water to carrying too big of a purse, and being penalized for daring to bring anything other than a backpack is definitely not for the weak of spirit.
If you’re anything like this writer, every time you choose a low-cost flight, you may find yourself wondering if it was really worth the money you saved to travel like this.
That said, while low-cost travel is the opposite of a luxury experience and doesn’t pretend to be anything else, it serves many purposes. It allows lower-income households to still enjoy vacations or grab a quick flight at the last minute to see family or friends.Â
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The low-cost carrier market is supposedly thriving, with its market size expected to surge from USD 203.15 billion in 2024 to an estimated USD 679.93 billion by 203, according to research firm Market Research Future.
Related: Delta head sends strong message on ‘broad economic uncertainty’
But while that may be the case, one high-profile airline known for its low-cost flights seems to be having a tough time.
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is struggling.
Image source: TheStreet
This low-cost airline is cutting flights
Frontier Airlines (ULCC)  announced on April 11 that it would be pulling its outlook for both the quarter and the year to come, citing an uncertain environment and falling demand.
The exact flights being cut have not been specified yet. Frontier says it plans to focus on off-peak days of the week during Q2, but that it will also continue to monitor customer demand and respond as needed.
Related: American Airlines is betting big on Mexico travel
“Revenue growth is anticipated to be lower than expected due to weakened demand in March, resulting in fare discounting and promotions across the industry, amplified by the close-in nature of Frontier’s bookings,” Frontier said in a securities filing.
While Frontier is still in the green — it posted a net profit of $85 million during its Feb. earnings call — the airline is being rightfully cautious at a time when Americans are feeling the political upheaval of President Trump’s tariff announcements and subsequent 90-day pause.
Other low-cost airlines have also struggled, most notably Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in November 2024. While the company has since said it would emerge from bankruptcy by converting $795 million of debt into equity and ultimately going private, its also lost two of its key executives: CEO Ted Christie and Chief Commercial Officer Matt Klein. Both stepped down from their roles as of April 7, 2025.
Airlines are seeing a drop in demand
Delta Airlines made a similar announcement on April 9, saying travel demand has “largely stalled.”
The company also pulled its 2025 financial forecast and predicted Q1 profit would fall below its original expectations. It reported that it will reduce its planned capacity growth in the second half of the year, from the original expectation of 3%-4% to flat.
Simply put, Trump’s tariffs don’t put consumers at ease about travel, and it’s easy to see why. Combine that with Wall Street slashing price targets and downgrading ratings on many airlines, and the message is clear: the next family visit or big vacation can wait, at least for now.
Related: United Airlines makes big food and beverage changes
