A Frontier Airlines plane lands at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on February 27, 2020.
Elizabeth Page Brumley | Tribune news service | fake images
Border Airlines said it will stop charging customers a fee to change their flights, following the lead of larger competitors as the Biden administration issues stricter rules targeting so-called “junk fares.”
The change is part of an overhaul announced Friday of the low-cost airline's long-standing pricing model, which offers customers attractive, low base fares but charges a fee for everything else, such as seat assignments and hand luggage. That model is shared by a discount partner. Spiritual airlines.
Frontier said it will begin offering packages that include some of those add-ons, among others, such as early boarding. While some fares will still allow travelers to add a la carte options, “we expect that option to be a minority of customers,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC.
A new “economy” package that includes carry-on luggage and seat assignment will start at $30 more than the base fare, while a “premium” package that offers those benefits plus earlier boarding will cost $50 more than the base fare. For at least $100 more than a basic fare, business travelers will also be able to check two bags and get a seat at the front of the plane with more space.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule requiring airlines to inform customers of fees, including those for checked or carry-on baggage, in advance, a change the DOT said would would save travelers more than $500 million a year. .
Frontier currently charges up to $99 to change flights if the change is made within a week of travel, according to the airline's website. Biggest rivals Delta, American and United eliminated change fees during the Covid-19 pandemic for travelers who booked in standard economy class and above. Southwest Airlines does not charge customers to change their tickets.
“The truth is the big four [U.S. airlines] “They all don't have change fees on most of their products, so we weren't as desirable,” Biffle said. He said change fees were a “main complaint” from travelers. Travelers who purchase the cheapest option on Frontier will still have to pay to change their flights.
Frontier also said flight credits would be valid for 12 months, instead of three months, starting with tickets issued Friday, and that it will reintroduce live phone support for travelers who fly within 24 hours or for members of elite of its frequent flyer program.
