Frontier Airlines has announced that it will no longer charge customers a fee to change their flights, following the lead of larger competitors and in response to stricter regulations implemented by the Biden administration. This move is part of a larger overhaul of the budget airline’s pricing model, which traditionally offered low base fares but charged fees for additional services such as seating assignments and carry-on baggage. Similar to Spirit Airlines, Frontier will now offer bundled packages that include these add-ons, such as early boarding.
However, Frontier CEO Barry Biffle expects that the majority of customers will opt for the bundled packages rather than selecting options a la carte. The new “economy” bundle, which includes a carry-on and a seat assignment, will cost $30 more than the basic fare. Additionally, there will be a “premium” bundle that offers these perks along with earlier boarding for $50 more than the basic fare. For an additional $100 or more, travelers can choose the “business” bundle, which includes the ability to check two bags and secure a seat at the front of the plane with more legroom.
This decision by Frontier comes in light of a recent rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which requires airlines to disclose fees upfront, including those for checked or carry-on baggage. The DOT estimates that this change will save travelers over half a billion dollars annually. Currently, Frontier charges up to $99 to change flights if the change is made within a week of the trip. In contrast, larger airlines like Delta, American, and United have eliminated change fees for travelers in standard economy class and above during the Covid-19 pandemic. Southwest Airlines has never charged customers to change their tickets.
According to Biffle, the elimination of change fees was prompted by customer feedback, as change fees were a top complaint among travelers. He also acknowledged that the larger U.S. airlines already offered no change fees on most of their products, making Frontier less desirable in comparison. However, it is important to note that customers who choose the cheapest option on Frontier will still have to pay to change their flights.
In addition to eliminating change fees, Frontier has made other changes to improve customer experience. Flight credits will now be valid for 12 months, up from three months, starting with tickets issued on Friday. The airline also plans to reintroduce live phone support for travelers flying within 24 hours or for elite members of its frequent flyer program.
Overall, Frontier’s decision to eliminate change fees and revamp its pricing model reflects an industry-wide trend towards providing greater transparency and flexibility for customers. By offering bundled packages and reducing additional fees, the airline aims to enhance the overall travel experience and meet the evolving needs of its passengers.
