Frontier Airlines to Charge for Overhead Space

Making its biggest possible move in the ultra-low fare segment, Frontier Airlines announced that it will reduce its fares and will levy charges on some of its services.

Denver-based airlines will be simplifying its price structure and will be reducing its basic fares by 12 percent. However bargain hunters will have to eventually shell out more money when flying with them, as they will charge $20 to $50 for the overhead space. Price will vary depending on whether the passenger books it’s online or pays for it at the gate. Passengers will also have to pay additional $5-$15 fee for “stretch” seats with more leg space.

To distinguish itself from its competitors like Spirit and Allegiant, Frontier will offer bundled fare option. Passengers buying high priced “Classic Plus” fares will enjoy basic comforts like fully refundable ticket, zero change fees, one free carry-on and one free checked bag and extra leg space.

With these changes, Frontier has become the second carrier nationwide to adopt a business strategy, wherein it plans to attract more passenger traffic by not just reducing its airfares but by charging for basic services like non-alcoholic beverages and overhead space, which earlier would come for free.

David Siegel, CEO Frontier Airlines said it is time to educate our passengers about the benefits of product unbundling. Though it will take some time for passengers to understand the true positives and advantages of a la carte services, but once they understand our business model, our sales are bound to increase.