Why Frontier Airlines Is So Cheap: The Truth Behind Ultra-Low Fares in 2025

Introduction:

Have you ever scrolled through flight booking sites and stopped cold when you saw Frontier Airlines offering tickets for $19? You’re not alone. Millions of travelers wonder how this Denver-based carrier manages to sell flights for less than the cost of lunch while competitors charge ten times more for the same route.

The answer isn’t what you might think. Frontier Airlines isn’t cutting corners on safety or using subpar aircraft. Instead, the airline ended 2024 with a net profit of $85 million after implementing strategic revenue initiatives, demonstrating that their ultra-low pricing model actually works profitably.

As an ultra-low-cost carrier operating with fundamentally different economics than traditional airlines, Frontier has built a business around radical cost-cutting combined with an innovative “unbundled” pricing strategy. Understanding how they achieve these jaw-dropping fares requires looking beneath the surface at their entire operational philosophy—from the planes they fly to how they charge for seemingly everything beyond your seat.

What Is an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC)?

Before diving into Frontier specifically, it’s crucial to understand the ultra-low-cost carrier business model. ULCCs represent a distinct category separate from both traditional airlines and regular low-cost carriers like Southwest.

By keeping labor costs low, unbundling fare products, and focusing on strategies that increase return on invested capital, ULCCs have been able to offer low base fares in markets they serve. This approach fundamentally differs from how most airlines operate.

Traditional airlines build everything into your ticket price—baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, snacks, and beverages. You’re paying for these services whether you want them or not. ULCCs flip this model completely upside down.

With Frontier, you purchase only the bare essentials: a seat that gets you from point A to point B. Everything else becomes optional. Want to bring a carry-on bag? That costs extra. Prefer sitting in a specific seat? You’ll pay for that choice. This unbundled approach allows the airline to advertise incredibly low base fares while generating additional revenue from customers who choose add-ons.

ULCCs offer the lowest fares in the U.S. airline industry, averaging just over $50 per one-way segment, making air travel accessible to millions who might otherwise drive or not travel at all.

The Core Strategies That Keep Frontier Airlines Cheap

Fleet Efficiency and Aircraft Utilization

Frontier’s fleet strategy plays a massive role in keeping costs down. The airline operates exclusively with Airbus A320 family aircraft—specifically the fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo variants. This single aircraft type approach delivers significant savings.

When airlines operate multiple aircraft types, they must maintain different spare parts inventories, train mechanics on various systems, and certify pilots for each plane model. By standardizing on one aircraft family, Frontier dramatically reduces these training, maintenance, and operational complexities.

82% of Frontier’s fleet consists of fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft, enabling a record 107 available seat miles per gallon of fuel. This exceptional fuel efficiency translates directly to lower operating costs per passenger.

The airline also maximizes aircraft utilization—keeping planes in the air earning revenue rather than sitting idle on the ground. Quick turnaround times between flights mean each aircraft completes more flights daily, spreading fixed costs across more passengers.

Point-to-Point Route Network

Unlike major carriers operating hub-and-spoke systems, Frontier primarily flies point-to-point routes. This means direct flights between cities without requiring passengers to connect through major hubs.

The point-to-point model eliminates the infrastructure costs of maintaining massive hub operations. Frontier doesn’t need armies of gate agents, enormous terminal spaces, or complex baggage systems handling millions of connecting bags. Each flight operates independently, reducing operational complexity and expense.

This approach also allows Frontier to serve secondary airports with lower landing fees and less congestion. While competitors fight for gates at expensive major airports, Frontier often uses more affordable alternatives nearby.

High-Density Seating Configuration

Walk onto a Frontier aircraft and you’ll immediately notice the slim-line seats packed closer together than on traditional carriers. This high-density configuration fits more passengers into each plane.

More seats per aircraft means more revenue-generating passengers on every flight while spreading fixed costs—pilot salaries, fuel for that specific flight, gate fees—across more ticket sales. The result? Lower per-passenger costs enabling cheaper fares.

The trade-off is reduced legroom and comfort, but for budget-conscious travelers willing to sacrifice space for savings, this represents an acceptable compromise. Not every traveler needs business-class comfort for a two-hour flight to visit family.

Operational Cost Reduction

Frontier relentlessly pursues operational efficiencies across every aspect of the business. The airline achieved $250 million in savings by mid-2024 through efficiency measures and continues targeting additional cost reductions.

These savings come from numerous sources: negotiating lower airport fees at secondary facilities, optimizing flight schedules to reduce crew overnight stays, minimizing ground time between flights, and leveraging technology to automate processes traditionally requiring human labor.

The airline also strategically reduces capacity on lower-demand days. Frontier continues reducing flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and red-eye itineraries, focusing resources on peak travel days when demand—and prices—are highest.

The Unbundled Pricing Model Explained

The most visible aspect of Frontier’s low-cost strategy is the controversial unbundled pricing structure that generates strong reactions from travelers accustomed to traditional airlines.

Base Fare vs. Total Cost

When Frontier advertises a $19 fare, that’s genuinely the price for transportation between two cities—nothing more, nothing less. You get a seat on the plane. That’s it.

The unbundled fare actually consists of a base fare plus ancillary charges presented separately. For example, a $74 economy fare might include a $43 base fare plus $30 in selected add-ons for bags or seat selection.

This transparency, while initially shocking to unprepared travelers, actually provides choice. If you’re traveling with only a personal item that fits under the seat and don’t care where you sit, you genuinely pay just that advertised base fare. Many travelers do exactly this and save substantially.

How Ancillary Fees Work

Frontier charges separately for numerous services bundled into traditional airline tickets:

• Carry-on bags: Fees vary from $30-$60 depending on when purchased (cheaper online during booking, more expensive at the gate)
• Checked baggage: Similar pricing structure, with advance purchase significantly cheaper
• Seat selection: Free in the back middle seats; charges increase for desirable locations
• Priority boarding: For travelers wanting overhead bin access before space fills
• In-flight purchases: Snacks, beverages, and other refreshments available for purchase

The strategy encourages advance planning and rewards prepared travelers with lower costs. Wait until the airport, and you’ll pay premium prices for these services.

The New Frontier: Recent Changes

In May 2024, Frontier introduced ‘The New Frontier,’ implementing clear upfront pricing with Economy, Premium, and Business bundles including benefits like no change fees, bags, and seat assignments.

This evolution represents Frontier’s response to customer feedback desiring more transparency. Rather than surprising travelers with add-on fees during booking, the airline now presents bundled options upfront alongside the basic fare.

The airline eliminated change and cancellation fees for customers selecting Economy, Premium, or Business bundles, with flight credits extended from three to twelve months. These changes address common complaints about ULCC travel while maintaining the core low-cost model.

Comparing Frontier to Traditional Airlines

Understanding the true cost difference requires comparing apples to apples—factoring in what’s included versus what costs extra.

When Frontier Is Actually Cheaper

Frontier delivers genuine savings for travelers who:

• Pack light with only a personal item (backpack or purse fitting under the seat)
• Don’t require specific seat assignments
• Book well in advance online rather than at the airport
• Travel on routes where Frontier offers direct flights
• Fly solo rather than with large families needing multiple bags

For these travelers, even with a few add-ons, Frontier often costs 30-50% less than competitors. A family visiting relatives might pay $200 roundtrip per person on Frontier versus $400+ on traditional carriers.

When the Price Gap Narrows

The cost advantage diminishes for passengers who need:

• Multiple checked bags
• Guaranteed overhead bin space for carry-ons
• Specific seat selections (especially together for families)
• Flexibility to change plans without penalties (though bundles now address this)
• Premium seating with extra legroom

Adding multiple ancillary services can push Frontier’s total cost near—or sometimes exceeding—competitors’ prices. Smart travelers compare total out-the-door costs including necessary add-ons, not just advertised base fares.

The Competition’s Response

ULCC presence in a market was associated with market base fares 21% lower than average, compared to an 8% reduction for traditional LCC presence. Frontier’s ultra-low pricing forces competitors to lower their fares on overlapping routes.

Major carriers have responded by introducing “basic economy” fares mimicking ULCC restrictions—no seat selection, no overhead bin space, limited flexibility. Ironically, traditional airlines are increasingly adopting unbundled pricing models pioneered by carriers like Frontier.

Is Frontier Airlines Safe Despite Being Cheap?

Safety concerns often arise when discussing ultra-low fares. Let’s address this directly: Frontier maintains the same safety standards as every U.S. airline.

Everything related to safety in commercial aviation is extremely severely regulated and monitored by authorities, so the rules are the same for all airlines regardless of ticket price. The Federal Aviation Administration holds all carriers to identical maintenance and operational safety standards.

Frontier’s fleet is actually among the youngest and most modern in North America. The Airbus A320neo family aircraft are cutting-edge planes with the latest technology, safety systems, and fuel-efficient engines. Lower ticket prices reflect business model differences, not compromised safety.

The airline achieved strong operational performance in 2024, ranking second among carriers in completion factor during December and maintaining respectable on-time performance despite industry-wide challenges.

The Future of Frontier’s Pricing Strategy

Frontier continues evolving its product beyond the bare-bones ULCC stereotype while maintaining low base fares.

Premium Product Expansion

The airline will introduce first-class seating in late 2025 by retrofitting the first two rows with two-by-two configurations instead of three-by-three economy seats. This premiumization targets business travelers and passengers willing to pay for comfort.

Management expects the premium seating and loyalty enhancements to generate $250 million in revenue for 2026 and more than $500 million by 2028. Adding first class doesn’t mean abandoning ultra-low fares—it provides options for travelers with different preferences and budgets.

Enhanced Loyalty Program

The revamped Frontier Miles program now offers more attractive benefits to frequent flyers, including the ability to use miles for baggage fee waivers and complimentary seat upgrades for elite members. Frontier aims to generate $6 per passenger in loyalty-related revenue by 2026 and $10 by 2028.

These enhancements help Frontier compete for business travelers and frequent flyers traditionally loyal to major carriers. The airline is positioning itself as a viable option beyond just occasional leisure travelers seeking rock-bottom prices.

Market Position and Profitability

After years of losses, Frontier returned to profitability in 2024. The airline posted record Q4 2024 revenue of $1 billion and projects adjusted profit of at least $1 per share for 2025—significantly above analyst estimates.

This financial turnaround validates that the ultra-low-cost model, when executed properly with disciplined capacity management and strategic pricing, can succeed profitably. Frontier isn’t losing money to offer cheap fares—they’ve built a sustainable business around this pricing philosophy.

Tips for Flying Frontier and Maximizing Savings

Smart travelers can leverage Frontier’s model to access incredibly affordable travel:

Book Early: Advance purchases typically offer lower base fares and cheaper ancillary services. Waiting until the airport can double or triple add-on costs.

Pack Light: Master the personal item strategy. A properly packed backpack fitting under the seat avoids all baggage fees while meeting most short-trip needs.

Choose Flexibility: If you don’t care where you sit, accept free seat assignment at check-in rather than paying for seat selection.

Bundle Strategically: Compare à la carte pricing versus bundles. For travelers needing bags and seat selection, Economy or Premium bundles often provide better value.

Join Frontier Miles: Even infrequent flyers benefit from earning miles toward future travel and accessing member discounts on ancillary services.

Monitor Promotions: Frontier regularly offers promotional fares and bundle discounts. Sign up for fare alerts to catch exceptional deals.

Understand the Rules: Read fare conditions carefully. Knowing exactly what’s included versus what costs extra prevents expensive surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q.1 Why is Frontier Airlines so much cheaper than other airlines?

Ans. Frontier operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier using fuel-efficient aircraft, high-density seating, point-to-point routes, and unbundled pricing where passengers pay only for services they actually use. This business model enables base fares averaging around $50 per segment compared to significantly higher prices from traditional carriers including all services whether passengers want them or not.

Q.2 Does Frontier cut corners on safety to offer cheap tickets?

Ans. No. All U.S. airlines must meet identical FAA safety standards regardless of ticket prices. Frontier operates one of the youngest, most modern fleets in North America with Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Low fares reflect business model efficiency rather than compromised safety or maintenance standards.

Q.3 What is included in Frontier’s base fare?

Ans. The base fare includes only your seat on the aircraft and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you (like a purse or small backpack). Everything else—carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and food/beverages—costs extra unless you purchase a bundle that includes specific services.

Q.4 Are Frontier tickets actually cheaper after adding all the fees?

Ans. For travelers packing only a personal item and accepting free seat assignment, Frontier genuinely costs 30-50% less than competitors. However, passengers needing checked bags, carry-ons, and specific seats may find total costs comparable to traditional airlines’ basic economy fares. Always compare total out-the-door prices including necessary add-ons.

Q.5 How can I fly Frontier without paying extra fees?

Ans. Bring only a personal item that fits under the seat (typically up to 18x14x8 inches), accept whatever seat is assigned at check-in, and purchase snacks before the flight. Booking online well in advance also provides lower base fares and cheaper ancillary pricing compared to airport purchases.

Q.6 Is Frontier worth it compared to Southwest or other low-cost carriers?

Ans. Frontier typically offers lower base fares than Southwest, but Southwest includes two checked bags, a full-size carry-on, and no change fees in all ticket prices. For travelers needing these services, Southwest may provide better overall value despite higher initial fares. Frontier works best for ultra-light packers prioritizing the absolute lowest possible cost.

Conclusion: The Economics Behind Frontier’s Ultra-Low Fares

Frontier Airlines achieves remarkably cheap fares through systematic optimization of every operational aspect combined with revolutionary unbundled pricing that puts choice in travelers’ hands. By operating young, efficient aircraft on point-to-point routes with high-density configurations and charging separately for optional services, they’ve built a profitable business around accessibility.

The ultra-low-cost carrier model isn’t for everyone. Travelers valuing included services, flexible tickets, and premium comfort will likely prefer traditional carriers. But for the millions of budget-conscious passengers willing to pack strategically and forgo extras, Frontier delivers on its promise: genuinely affordable air travel.

Understanding how and why Frontier keeps prices so low empowers travelers to make informed decisions. Rather than viewing ancillary fees as gotcha charges, recognize them as optional services you can decline. The airline isn’t hiding costs—they’re unbundling them, allowing you to customize your flying experience to your budget and preferences.

As Frontier continues evolving with first-class seating and enhanced loyalty benefits while maintaining ultra-low base fares, they’re demonstrating that the ULCC model can mature beyond bare-bones service. The future looks bright for travelers who understand how to navigate this pricing model strategically.

Ready to experience ultra-low-cost travel? Share this guide with friends planning their next trip and help them fly smarter with Frontier Airlines!