'America's Greenest Airline' Has Low Fares, Fuel Efficiency, And A Unique Travel Model

With the growing threats of climate change becoming more evident, eco-conscious travelers may be searching for more ways to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the ability to travel. Over the past several years, eco-friendly travel has emerged as a major trend, and people are seeking out environmentally conscious travel companies and lodgings more than ever before. While it's easy to find great options when you're searching for accommodations, it's hard to get around the fact that air travel is a major source of pollution.

In response to travelers seeking more eco-friendly modes of transportation, along with the desire to cut costs on fuel, many airlines are making changes to reduce their emissions. One low-cost carrier in the United States stands out due to its constant efforts to become more sustainable. Frontier Airlines is one of the most eco-friendly airlines in the U.S. and calls itself "America's Greenest Airline." If you're looking to make eco-conscious choices when planning your upcoming vacations, Frontier could be the perfect choice. Your efforts to save the planet might even save you some major cash.

Frontier Airlines was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. For over 30 years, Frontier has been providing travelers with low-cost flights. You can fly Frontier to more than 100 destinations domestically and internationally. In addition to servicing major and mid-size cities around the U.S., Frontier offers low cost tickets to exciting international destinations like Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and islands throughout the Caribbean.

Frontier is also one of the most affordable airlines in America and helps make travel more accessible for budget conscious tourists. The commitment to sustainability is second only to the company's goal of keeping fares low. The airline's unique business model allows them to prioritize both. According to Frontier, the airline operates the "youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft in the U.S." Through investing in new technology and operating the most eco-friendly aircrafts possible, Frontier has optimized their seating with lightweight designs that reduce aircraft weight by 30%. As a result, Frontier is 44% more fuel efficient than other airlines. In 2023, the airline saved 160 million gallons of fuel.

In addition to fuel-saving efforts, Frontier has prioritized in-flight waste reduction by using biodegradable cups and getting rid of the onboard magazine. Frontier also hopes to raise awareness about species conservation through painting the tails of their airplanes with animals, many of which are protected by the Endangered Species Act. In 2024, Frontier was awarded the designation of "North American Environmental Sustainability Airline of the Year" during the prestigious Centre for Aviation Environmental Sustainability Awards for Excellence.

When you fly Frontier, you can choose exactly which amenities you want to pay for. The cheapest tickets don't include bags, airport assistance, seat selection, or any snacks and drinks during your flight, but travelers can purchase them for an additional fee if they wish. Through this method, Frontier decreases waste and further lightens the flight load, saving fuel and lowering operating costs. If you're someone who travels light, you'll likely be pleased with your experience on Frontier, but some travelers feel that the cheap tickets aren't worth sacrificing their comfort. In the 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction study, Frontier ranked dead last for customer satisfaction in economy.

"They nickel and dime you for everything and often cancel flights for no apparent reason," wrote Reddit user JerryTexas52. Another Reddit user called CuriousCleaver explained the system perfectly: "If you play the Frontier game, you'll be okay ... The seats are small and less cushioned than most other airlines. Definitely get the app for your boarding pass. Having said all that, to us, it's no big deal. We use them pretty frequently for cheap weekend getaways. I'll trade a few hours of being less than comfortable for a weekend full of new memories."

If you're looking to make more sustainable choices when it comes to travel and you're someone who isn't fussy when it comes to travel, Frontier is a great option. The airline recently announced that it'll be making some bold upgrades so as not to alienate luxury travelers, and in 2025, Frontier will begin to roll out first class seating.