Even with coach tickets on American, United, or Delta, customers expect a certain level. The seats are comfortable, nonalcoholic beverage service is included, and some decent snacks may be served.
They're not asking for business or first class perks. Spirit (SAVE) and Frontier, low-cost airlines, literally make their seats less pleasant to save fuel.
The two major budget airlines use kindergarten-style molded plastic seats because cushioned seats weigh more.
Spirit and Frontier charge extra for everything, even drinks. Consumers have low expectations because that's those carriers' business model.
Frontier and Spirit may be expected to deliver on schedule. In theory, every airline should provide that basic metric, but Spirit and Frontier Airline (ULCC) customers know better.
Airlines including Delta, United, and American have gate agents before flights. Spirit and Frontier often bring staff over before boarding.
Not surprisingly, Spirit and Frontier rank low on Cirium's 2023 on-time performance ranking. That yearly data-based list also ranks Southwest and JetBlue Airlines badly, which should surprise you.
Delta has the most on-time flights on Cirium, 84.72%. Other airlines Alaska, American, and United have on-time arrivals over 80%.