REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCHICAGO, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Travel boom has delivered bumper earnings for U.S. carriers, but no-frills airlines such as Frontier (ULCC.O) and Spirit (SAVE.N) are struggling to return to sustainable profitability.
Frontier is watching the trend "very carefully" and would consider adding premium seats if it lasts for multiple years, he said.
Frontier's Biffle called adding premium seats a "big decision" and a "fairly expensive" move.
Spirit shares are down 18%.
PRICE-SENSITIVE TRAVELERSCEOs of budget carriers, however, don't see the model losing its appeal as long as fares determine travel bookings.
Persons:
Alyssa Pointer, Barry Biffle, Biffle, Jude Bricker, Bricker, Frontier's Biffle, Andrew Levy, Scott Kirby, Helane Becker, Cowen, Jacob Brown, Brown, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Nick Zieminski
Organizations:
Hartsfield, Jackson Atlanta International Airport, REUTERS, Rights, Graphics, Frontier, Reuters, Sun, Privately, Avelo Airlines, United, Delta, United Airlines, Airlines, America, Thomson
Locations:
Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, Europe, Asia, , Minneapolis, Denver