Frontier Airlines wants more people to book flights on its website Flyfrontier.com.The airline is launching service to New Castle Airport in early July.
Frontier will introduce an additional charge for carry-on bags for customers buying basic fares through third party sites, such as Orbitz and Travelocity. The airline already charges for checked luggage for basic fares.
Frontier customers booking through their website will be able to choose their seats, earn more frequent flier miles, and take a carry-on item to the overhead bin at no additional charge.
Airlines typically do not charge customers for using the overhead bin and Southwest Airlines does not charge for two checked bags, a popular feature with some travelers.
This change will increase overhead space for Frontier’s most loyal customers and speed the boarding process for all passengers, the airline stated. Passengers will also be charged $1.99 for non-alcoholic beverages.
Frontier does offer various classes of service. The higher fares include services such as free checked luggage. Those fares allow it to compete with Southwest, which often has higher charges to compensate for free checked bags and non-alcoholic beverages.
This change will take effect in summer 2013, with the start date to be announced later this spring. Frontier will continue to offer all customers to carry one free personal item that can fit under a seat.
“With this change, we are ensuring that our most loyal customers – Ascent and Summit level members of EarlyReturns, those who book Economy, Classic and Classic Plus tickets, including all customers who book through FlyFrontier.com, will have more space onboard the aircraft for their carry-on bags,” said David Siegel, Frontier’s CEO.
Industry analysts say the changes aim to make Frontier a low-fare leader in its markets.That was a key factor in the decision to serve the Delaware Valley through lower cost airports in Trenton and New Castle. The Trenton airport has seen success at drawing passengers and Frontier hopes to duplicate that performance in New Castle with 11 weekly flights.
Frontier has raised fares after an introductory period in April.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority will do its part to keep costs down. “Initially, parking will be as it is now at the airport – free and general – (general, meaning no designated long-term or short-term parking,” says River and Bay spokesman James Salmon. “As we develop parking facilities to meet the airport’s future needs, the plan is to institute very affordable and convenient paid parking so that that part of your trip will remain easy and pleasant. For now, though, parking is still free.”
Philadelphia International Airport charges upwards of $20 a day for parking near the terminal.
Click on this Frontier release for more details:
via Frontier Enhances Services for Customers Using FlyFrontier.com | Frontier Airlines Newroom.
