CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Once known for basic, bare bones travel, budget airlines are changing the way they do business to improve passenger experiences.
Carriers like Spirit and Southwest are introducing premium options, marking a significant shift in the travel industry.
These low-cost airlines now offer passengers the ability to pay for perks that were once considered standard on traditional carriers. For instance, Spirit now lets travelers upgrade to larger seats, enjoy in-flight snacks and security priority boarding. Meanwhile, Southwest just announced plans to ditch its well-known open seating model for assigned seats.
These airlines say the changes are necessary to increase revenue. As fuel and labor costs soar, airlines are looking for new ways to boost their bottom line. By offering premium options, they can charge more for tickets while still appealing to travelers conscious of their budget.
Whether these changes will ultimately benefit passengers or simply result in higher overall costs remains to be seen. As the industry continues to evolve, travelers can expect to see even more options and price points soon.
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