Low-Cost Airlines Flying to the Caribbean: Frontier and Spirit Tips

1. Current Caribbean Routes Offered by Frontier Airlines

Frontier continues to grow its presence in the Caribbean, mainly from Florida and northeastern U.S. hubs.

Key Destinations (as of 2025 schedules):

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) from Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Tampa

St. Thomas (STT) from Orlando and Miami

St. Croix (STX) from Orlando

Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) from Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia

Cancun (CUN) from multiple U.S. cities serving as a Caribbean alternative

Punta Cana (PUJ) from Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta

Aruba (AUA) from Orlando (seasonal)

Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) from Miami, Orlando, Atlanta

Operational Patterns

Frontier frequently adjusts routes seasonally.

Flight frequency is usually 2–4 times weekly depending on demand.

Sales are released often, including “one-day” deals with limited inventory.

2. Current Caribbean Routes Offered by Spirit Airlines

Spirit maintains one of the largest U.S.–Caribbean low-cost networks.

Key Destinations:

San Juan (SJU) from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Newark, Baltimore, Chicago

St. Thomas (STT) from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando

St. Croix (STX) from Fort Lauderdale (seasonal)

Montego Bay (MBJ) from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Philadelphia, Baltimore

Kingston (KIN) from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando

Punta Cana (PUJ) from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago

Aruba (AUA) from Fort Lauderdale (year-round)

Nassau (NAS) from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando

Turks & Caicos (PLS) from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando

Grenada (GND) from Fort Lauderdale

St. Maarten (SXM) from Fort Lauderdale

Operational Patterns

Most Caribbean flights run daily or near-daily, especially from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Spirit is consistent with long-term Caribbean schedules, making it predictable for repeat travelers.

3. Fare Structure: What You Actually Pay

Both airlines run an ultra-low-cost model, meaning the base fare is only for the seat.

Common Extra Charges:

Carry-on bag (typically $45–$70 each way)

Checked bag (typically $40–$65 each way)

Seat selection (ranges widely: $12–$60+)

Priority boarding or shortcut security

Snacks and onboard drinks

Cost-Control Tips:

Pre-pay all bags at booking for the lowest price.

Use a personal item only (fits under seat) to avoid extra fees.

Avoid airport payment. The cost is highest at the counter.

Check weight limits: both airlines enforce 40 lb for checked bags unless upgraded.

4. Best Booking Windows for Low Prices

Pricing to the Caribbean varies week by week.

Frontier:

Cheapest fares appear 4–8 weeks before travel, especially for mid-week flights.

Frontier’s “Discount Den” membership often cuts pricing for frequent flyers.

Spirit:

Reliable low fares appear 6–10 weeks before travel.

Spirit’s “Savvy Bundle” and “Thrifty Bundle” sometimes reduce bag and seat costs.

General Trend:

Tuesday–Thursday departures cost less than weekends.

Off-peak months like May, September, October, and early December show consistently lower fares.

5. Airport Strategy: Smooth Travel with Low-Cost Carriers

Low-cost flights to the Caribbean often mean full planes and streamlined operations.

What Travellers Should Know:

Arrive 2.5–3 hours early for international departures.

Mobile boarding passes minimize delays at kiosks.

Spirit flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) are usually at or near capacity, so overhead bin space fills quickly.

Frontier uses simplified boarding groups; expect rapid boarding cycles.

Both airlines require passports for destinations outside U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands don’t require passports for U.S. citizens).

6. Seating Strategy and Comfort Tips

Legroom is tighter than full-service airlines, so planning helps.

Spirit:

“Big Front Seat” offers wider seating and more legroom at lower cost than first class on legacy carriers.

Selecting exit-row seats gives more space with moderate fees.

Frontier:

“Stretch Seats” in rows 1–3 and exit rows provide extra legroom.

Seat pitch in standard rows is about 28–29 inches, so taller travelers benefit from paid upgrades.

7. Handling Delays and Cancellations

Low-cost airlines keep operational buffers tight.

Key Tips:

Choose early flights; delays accumulate during the day.

Book nonstop when possible to avoid missed connections.

Use airline apps for real-time gate changes and baggage updates.

Both airlines rebook on their own metal only no partner carriers.

Travel insurance is useful for Caribbean weather disruptions (especially June–November).

8. Onboard Experience

Travelers should expect simple service.

You Can Expect:

Buy-on-board snacks and drinks.

No in-flight entertainment screens.

USB ports only on select updated Spirit aircraft; Frontier aircraft vary.

Bring downloaded movies, water refills, and snacks.

9. Loyalty Programs: Value and Practical Use

Both airlines offer straightforward loyalty systems.

Frontier Miles:

Earn based on dollars spent.

Benefits include family pooling and elite status linked to flight activity.

Good for travelers frequently visiting San Juan, Jamaica, or Dominican Republic.

Spirit Free Spirit:

Points based on fare price and elite level.

Points can be redeemed for several Caribbean routes at low redemption rates.

Spirit credit card holders get additional bag allowances on some fares.

10. Tips for First-Time Low-Cost Caribbean Travellers

Double-check passport validity.

Screenshot boarding passes.

Carry medication and essentials in your personal item.

Reconfirm hotel and transfer times due to variable flight arrival patterns.

Avoid tight same-day cruise departures that arrive a day early.

Frontier and Spirit have made Caribbean travel accessible to a wider number of travelers. Understanding their operational style, fee structure, and route patterns helps travelers secure lower prices without unexpected costs. With proper planning, these airlines offer reliable pathways to major Caribbean islands, especially through Florida gateways.