Ever seen a Frontier Airlines fare that looks too good to be true?
You’re not imagining it—those ultra-low prices are very real, and very intentional. Frontier Airlines is cheap because it uses an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model—charging rock-bottom base fares while making money on add-ons like bags, seats, and extras. You pay only for what you use, nothing more.
How Frontier Airlines Keeps Ticket Prices So Low
Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) Business Model
Frontier strips airfare down to the basics. The ticket gets you a seat and a personal item—everything else costs extra. This allows Frontier to advertise fares that traditional airlines simply can’t match.
Fees for Almost Everything (À La Carte Pricing)
Checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, priority boarding, snacks—even customer service flexibility—come with fees. This shifts costs from everyone to only passengers who want those extras.
High Aircraft Utilization
Frontier keeps planes in the air as much as possible. Faster turnarounds and tight schedules mean each aircraft generates more revenue per day, lowering per-flight costs.
One Aircraft Type = Lower Maintenance Costs
Frontier operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet. Using one aircraft type simplifies pilot training, spare parts, and maintenance—huge savings over time.
Dense Seating Layout
Seats are slimmer and closer together compared to legacy airlines. More seats per plane = more passengers sharing the operating costs.
Flying to Secondary Airports
Whenever possible, Frontier uses smaller or less congested airports where landing fees and operating costs are lower—savings that translate into cheaper fares.
Pros & Cons of Flying Frontier Airlines
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely low base fares | Fees add up quickly |
| Great for short trips | Less legroom |
| Pay only for what you need | Strict baggage rules |
| Frequent sales and deals | Limited flexibility |
| Modern fuel-efficient planes | Fewer amenities |
Real-World Examples of Frontier’s Low-Cost Strategy
- $29–$49 domestic fares: These prices usually exclude carry-ons and seat selection.
- Family of four scenario: Cheap tickets can double in price once bags and seats are added.
- Weekend travelers: Passengers flying light often save hundreds compared to full-service airlines.
A solo traveler with just a backpack can genuinely fly cross-country for under $100 round trip—something rare with traditional carriers.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Is Frontier Airlines safe?
Yes. Frontier meets all FAA safety regulations and operates a modern fleet. Low cost does not mean low safety.
Why does Frontier charge for carry-on bags?
Carry-on fees encourage passengers to pack light, speed up boarding, and reduce overhead bin congestion—cutting operational costs.
Is Frontier cheaper than Spirit Airlines?
Often similar. Prices vary by route, timing, and add-ons. Frontier is sometimes cheaper for base fares, but total cost can be comparable.
Why are Frontier flights sometimes delayed?
Tight scheduling and fewer spare aircraft mean delays can ripple through the system more easily than with larger airlines.
Can Frontier be cheaper than driving?
Yes—especially for solo or light travelers on long routes where fuel and lodging costs add up.
Final Verdict:
Frontier Airlines is cheap because it’s built to be cheap. By unbundling services, maximizing efficiency, and charging only for extras, it delivers some of the lowest base fares in the industry. If you travel light and read the fine print, Frontier can be an unbeatable deal. If you want comfort and flexibility, the savings may disappear fast. Frontier isn’t for everyone—but for the right traveler, it’s one of the cheapest ways to fly.