Avelo Airlines local rival Frontier unveiled a loyalty program for 2024 that according to its president will allow those taking a few flights a year to earn a free round-trip and gain perks such as a free seat assignment and no fees for canceled flights.
Frontier is the second largest carrier at the Philadelphia International Airport and battles with Avelo for passengers to destinations like Orlando. Frontier dropped Wilmington-Orlando service last year.
“We are thrilled to announce some exciting new ways for our customers to ‘Get it All for Less’ when they fly with us,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines. “We are making the new Frontier Miles program like no other loyalty program in the airline industry when it comes to earning free flights and getting valuable status quickly and for less. If you are someone who travels three or four times a year, you can easily earn a free flight and status with great new benefits in no time.”
Frontier was careful about offering a free checked bag, a lucrative source of revenue. Only travelers is in one of the upper tiers of the program.
Frontier, like Avelo, targets customers with time to travel to leisure destinations or perhaps their second homes, in destinations such as Florida.
Frontier and to lesser extent Avelo, charge other fees. That means a traveler with a cheap fare or free flight will still add to revenue.
Frontier partners with Wilmington-based Barclaycaard in offering a co-branded credit card that can add miles good for perks such as free flights. Banks like airline car which come with an annual fee and higher interest rates.
More details are available at FlyFrontier.com.
Avelo touts its on-time performance
Avelo, meanwhile, is sticking with its formula of offering service to destinations like Orlando from smaller airports like Wilmington and touting its level of reliability – one of Frontier’s weak points.
The airline is either ranked No. 1 or No. 2 this year in on-time performance and the lack of canceled flights.
Its rate of lost luggage is also far lower than the industry average.
Avelo is aided by offering only nonstop flights, usually of a couple of hours duration, with no connecting service prone to delays.
To the disappointment of some travelers, long-distance flights to destinations like Phoenix, Vegas and Los Angeles from Wilmington are not on the immediate horizon.
Avelo, unlike Frontier, has not been aggressive in adding jets in need of destinations. Two of its 16 737s are based in Wilmington. Unlike past carriers offering flights Avelo has based 100 employees in Delaware.
PHL offers online option for guest pass to gate
Philadelphia International Airport is bringing back a way to meet loved ones, young and old at the gate.
The Wingmate program offers an online application that if approved issues a one-day pass and the ability to go through screening minus a ticket.
Restaurant and other deals will also be offered.
Travel and Leisure reports that guest programs are not widespread with some airports suspending the service.
Click here for details.
Southwest seeks meeting business
Southwest Airlines Co. launched Southwest Business Meetings, a service that will aid planners planning meetings with 25 or more staffers.
The airline industry is seeing fewer one and two-day trips by business travelers. At the same time, companies with remote and other employees around the country are scheduling in-person meetings and team-building events.
Further information is available at Southwest.com/businessmeetings.
Southwest has a limited number of flights out of Philadelphia but operates a major base at Baltimore-Washington, a popular airport for Delaware business and leisure travelers.
