Frontier Airlines Elevates Budget Travel With Bold Upgrades In 2025

Frontier Airlines, America's fastest-growing air carrier, has announced that they'll be rolling out some major upgrades in 2025. Low-cost airlines have really started to shake up the aviation industry over the past few decades, creating more competition for the mainliners and helping to lower travel costs across the board. Despite the cheap ticket prices and all-you-can-fly pass options, which have helped make air travel more accessible to all, low-cost carriers have garnered somewhat of a bad reputation. 

Passengers are often displeased with the lack of amenities and hidden fees. Low cost carriers allow passengers to choose exactly which amenities they wish to pay for. The base fare is pretty bare bones, and basically just includes your seat on the aircraft. You'll get to your destination, but don't expect any bells and whistles along the way, unless you're ready to pay for them. Some travelers swear they'd never fly on a low-cost carrier, while others prefer saving money by opting for the no-frills experience. Frontier Airlines hopes to bridge the gap between budget and luxury travelers with some major changes coming in 2025.

"The New Frontier" initiative that was unveiled in 2024 aims to elevate passenger experience without sacrificing the affordable prices that Frontier is known for. Now, the airline is adding even more upgrades geared towards luxury travelers. If you've been considering booking your next vacation on a low-cost carrier, but you aren't sure about compromising your comfort, The New Frontier could be an ideal choice.

Frontier is already one of the top eco-friendly airlines in America, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It's the eighth largest airline in the United States with about 136 aircraft in operation. Frontier is based out of Denver, and mainly flies to domestic destinations within the United States. There are also a few international destinations including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica.

Despite its low prices and sustainability initiatives, some passengers are dissatisfied with their experiences on the airline. In 2023, Frontier was ranked the worst airline for customer complaints. In another 2024 steady, the airline came in dead-last for customer satisfaction in economy. Low customer satisfaction is probably one of the major factors that prompted Frontier's transformation. The New Frontier initiative included changes like more transparency in pricing and the removal of change fees. Passengers can now choose between Economy, Premium, and Business options, each with its own benefits. They also extended their flight credit benefits to 12 months, added live phone support, and a low-price guarantee that offers passengers 2,500 free flight miles if they find a lower ticket price.

After a successful few months operating with The New Frontier changes, the airline has announced even more upgrades that will be rolled out in 2025. According to a press release, the "next evolution of The New Frontier" will include "affordable luxury and unmatched loyalty benefits."

"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," announced CEO Barry Biffle. "These changes represent an exciting new chapter in our transformation into The New Frontier."

Travelers can already ensure a comfortable flight on every Frontier flight when they book UpFront Plus seats, which include extra leg room and an open middle seat, but in 2025 they will also unveil the even roomier first class seating on select aircraft. Passengers will be able to book the new first class seats located in the front of the aircraft beginning in late 2025, according to the airline's website. Members of Frontier's Miles program who achieve Elite Gold, Elite Platinum, and Elite Diamond status will also qualify for free seat upgrades, which will include first class seats. Starting in mid-2025, Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond members will be able to fly with a travel companion at no extra cost on any flight. Travelers will also be able to redeem their flight miles on things like baggage fees, upgraded seats, and more.