In time for western “snowbird” season, Frontier Airlines launched daily nonstop service from Philadelphia International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
The daily service is a departure from the strategy of many Frontier flights that operate a few days a week.
“We’re thrilled to offer ‘Low Fares Done Right’ to a growing list of Frontier destinations from Philadelphia,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president, commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Phoenix is one of America’s most desirable vacation destinations, and Frontier is proud to connect PHX to consumers in the Philadelphia area.”
The current Frontier schedule indicates that flights will run until mid-April. Promotional fares start at $49 on-way, but later in the season will run about $200 on way for those not buying tickets in the next few days.
The flight schedule shows an evening flight to the Arizona capital and a “red-eye return” that departs Sky Harbor late at night and arrives in Philadelphia in the morning.
Based on Frontier’s normal fares, Frontier won’t deeply discount fares on the Phoenix route to grab business from American Airlines, which offers a half a dozen nonstops. Frontier does offer frequent fare sales with discounted tickets.
Frontier also adds fees for luggage in overhead bins, checked luggage, seat assignments and fully refundable fares.
The $49 fare must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 10. Fares are valid for non-stop travel, various days of week through Mar 1, 2023 and are subject to blackout dates.
Frontier dropped its twice a week flight to Orlando from Wilmington (ILG) earlier this year.
New carrier Avelo will fill that gap beginning in February with flights to five Florida seats a couple of days a week.
Frontier has been expanding rapidly as it acquires fuel-efficient Airbus jets. Current orders call for 230 jets. The fleet currently has 110 aircraft.
Frontier has established a crew base in Phoenix, a destination that has not seen expansion by its two largest carriers, American and Southwest. Phoenix and Philadelphia saw reduced schedules after the merger of US Airways and American.
Frontier is adding Airbus fuel-efficient jets with a 4,000-plus mile range that open up potential markets to Europe, South America and Hawaii.
