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Frontier Airlines Announces Plans to Add First Class and More
Just in time for Travel Tuesday today, a budget airline has announced some big updates are on the way.
About “The New Frontier”:
Today, Frontier Airlines unveiled what it’s calling “The New Frontier.” This initiative not only includes some new offerings on board its aircraft but also some incoming perks for loyal flyers.
One of the biggest reveals is that Frontier will be adding First Class seating to its fleet. These upgraded seats will make up the first two rows of the aircraft and offer passengers greater comfort. However, the airline says these First Class seats will still be available “at Frontier’s trademark affordable prices.” Additionally, flyers with Frontier Elite Gold status or higher will be eligible for free upgrades when available. These First Class seats are expected to debut in late 2025.
Frontier is also set to introduce a new companion pass for upper-tier Elite members. Starting in mid-2025, those with Platinum and Diamond Elite status will be able to bring a friend or family member on any flight for nearly free — with guests only required to pay the government taxes and fees, which start at $5.60. In contrast to the similar Companion Pass offering from Southwest, Frontier will not require flyers to select a designated companion. This means that qualifying Elite members will be able to change their free companion guest from trip to trip.
Ahead of these changes, Frontier is giving travelers a fast track to earning Elite Status. From now through April 30th, 2025, customers who earn 20,000 Elite Status Points either by flying Frontier or by spending on their Frontier Airlines World Mastercard will earn Platinum Elite Status through the end of 2025.
On top of that, Frontier is targeting cardholders of other domestic airline co-branded credit cards with a special offer. Through January 31st, eligible cardholders with a different airline credit card can earn up to 100,000 miles as a welcome bonus. This includes 50,000 miles after spending $500 on the card within 90 days, as well as another 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 within 180 days. Note that the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard does carry a $99 annual fee.
What they’re saying:
Announcing the updates to the airline’s product, Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said, “Travelers should expect more from their airline and, in 2025, Frontier will deliver as we continue our transformation into the most rewarding airline in the sky We’ve listened to customers, and they want more – more premium options, like first class seating, attainable seat upgrades, more free travel for their companions, and the ability to use miles on more than just airfare.”
Biffle went on to say, “As we continue to innovate and elevate the customer experience, we’re proving that premium travel doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.”
My thoughts:
There is a lot going on here — and much of it is quite interesting. In fact, while it’s pretty big news that Frontier is adding First Class seats, that might be the least notable part of this announcement. To me, the addition of a companion pass and the play to poach airline credit card holders are fascinating.
Of course, I say this as someone who’s never actually flown Frontier and doesn’t live near an airport served by the carrier. If I did, I might be at least somewhat interested in these special offers that are being promoted ahead of the big additions. Still, even speaking strictly as an observer, it will be interesting to see what impacts if any these efforts have on the domestic airline market at large and the budget subset specifically.
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