Passengers react to Spirit, Frontier airlines merger

CHARLOTTE — Two airlines known for their low costs are planning to become one.

Monday, Spirit and Frontier announced a multibillion-dollar merger.

Channel 9′s Erika Jackson is looking into what this deal could mean for you the next time you fly out of Charlotte Douglas Airport.

Jackson said Frontier and Spirit airlines flights make up less than 1% of airline operations here at Charlotte Douglas Airport, and the merger would create the fifth largest airline.

Once the deal is ready for takeoff, experts said it could create tougher competition in the industry and here in Charlotte.

ALSO READ: Frontier to acquire Spirit Airlines for $6.6 billion deal

Robert Wilder said this merger could take their travels to new heights with two of his favorite budget airlines joining forces.

“To be honest with you, it’s inexpensive to fly Frontier and Spirit so we normally use those,” Wilder said.

Frontier and Spirit airlines announced plans to merge this year.

The dubbed “ultra-low-fare airline” would offer more than 1,000 flights a day in 19 countries.

“With them merging like that, it may actually help people fly more,” Wilder said.

But with Charlotte-Douglas being American Airlines’ second-largest hub, what type of impact could we see?

An airport spokesperson says it’s too early to tell.

But aviation analyst Michael Lowrey told Channel 9 the merger will create competition for lower fares.

“With them getting together, does this help us a little bit? Obviously, a bigger carrier will have more market power, will be able to better compete against the behemoth that is American Airlines,” Lowrey said.

ALSO READ: Frontier bids $2.9 billion for rival budget airline Spirit

Paresh and Nita Shah said their Frontier flight was canceled Monday. They said they hope the deal will bring in more resources.

“I think they will be able to manage it better. And there might be a little bit of a price increase. But if the value was even better, then definitely the merger is worth it,” Nita Shah said.

Wilder said he can’t complain about his experiences with the airlines, and he hopes this will put the industry on an even better track.

“The cost is inexpensive now. As long as they can keep it like it is now, it could be a good thing,” Wilder said.

The merger is expected to wrap up later this year.

The combined companies said they expect to add 10,000 new jobs by 2026.