Frontier Airlines has announced major changes in an effort to attract more travelers and simplify the ticket-buying process. The Denver-based airline is eliminating change fees on some tickets and introducing four fare classes – basic, economy, premium, and business. Customers in the basic class will still have to pay extra for carry-on bags, seat selection, and reservation changes, while those in the other three classes will have change fees waived and the option to purchase extras in bundles.
The move comes as Frontier, along with other budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air, has struggled to recover from the pandemic. These airlines typically offer low fares but add on fees for additional services, leading to a complicated pricing structure for consumers. In response, traditional airlines have introduced their own no-frills ticket options to attract budget-conscious travelers, making it difficult for budget carriers to compete.
Frontier’s CEO Barry Biffle described the changes as the beginning of a new era for the airline, as it aims to regain profitability after not earning a full-year profit since 2019. The airline has lost about $400 million since then and failed in an attempt to merge with Spirit. The decision to eliminate change fees for certain fare classes and offer bundled extras is part of Frontier’s strategy to differentiate itself from competitors and improve customer satisfaction.
In addition to the fare changes, Frontier is also bringing back phone support for customers within 24 hours of their flight. This move is likely aimed at addressing customer concerns and improving the overall travel experience for passengers. While the announcement was met with some skepticism, with the company’s shares falling 2% on Friday, Frontier remains optimistic about the potential impact of these changes on its business operations and financial performance.
Overall, Frontier Airlines’ decision to eliminate change fees on certain tickets and introduce new fare classes reflects the company’s efforts to adapt to the changing landscape of the airline industry and better meet the needs of travelers. By simplifying the ticket-buying process and offering more transparent pricing options, Frontier is aiming to attract more customers and improve its competitive position in the market. Time will tell whether these changes will help the airline recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and ongoing industry competition.
