Frontier is adding 20 new routes from Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, and Dallas with fares starting from just $29 in its latest attack against Spirit Airlines.
But let’s not forget that Frontier is losing money too and even though it has tried to reinvent itself through a premium cabin, extra legroom, and a more generous loyalty program, the program still does not have the reach or power to offset the losses from flying. That’s an existential problem for Frontier and every other budget carrier. It’s why we are seeing a flurry of partnership announcements from Sotuwehst Airlines (EVA Airways) and JetBlue (Condor) as those carriers seek to grow their loyalty program.
Finally, the “Frontier effect” is different than the “Southwest effect” or “Spirit effect” in that the limited flight schedule (like flying from Houston to Fort Lauderdale only once a week) only leads to limited price matching. For example, a United flight from IAH to FLL departing on Saturday around the same time as the Frontier flight may be similarly priced, but all other flights will be priced much higher.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
