Frontier Airlines waives fare change fees on low-cost airlines

Frontier Airlines said it would stop charging customers to change flights, appealing to larger competitors, as the Biden administration issues stricter rules on so-called “junk fees.”

The change is part of a change announced Friday to the economy airline’s long-standing pricing model, which offers customers eye-catching low base prices but charges a fee for everything else, such as seat assignments and carry-on luggage. This model is shared by another discount store Spirit Airlines.

Frontier said it will begin offering packages that include some of these perks, such as early boarding, among others. While travelers will still be able to add a la carte options on some fares, “we expect this option will be available to a minority of customers,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC.

The up-to-date “economy” package, which includes carry-on baggage and seat assignment, will start at $30 more than the basic fare, while the “premium” package, which offers these benefits and early boarding, will cost $50 more than the basic fare. For at least $100 more than the basic fare, “business” package travelers will also be able to check in two pieces of luggage and get a seat at the front of the plane with more room.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final regulation requiring airlines to inform customers upfront about fees, including fees for checked or carry-on luggage, which the DOT says will save travelers more than half a billion dollars a year.

According to the airline’s website, Frontier currently charges a flight change fee of up to $99 if the change is made within a week of travel. Bigger rivals Delta, American AND United Change fees have been waived during the Covid-19 pandemic for travelers booked in standard economy and above. Southwest Airlines does not charge customers fees for changing tickets.

“The truth is the substantial four [U.S. airlines] most of their products don’t charge switching fees, so we weren’t as desirable,” Biffle said. He said change fees are the “most common complaint” from travelers. Travelers who purchase the cheapest option on Frontier’s website will still have to pay to change their flights.

Frontier also said airline credits will be valid for 12 months instead of three months, starting with tickets issued on Friday, and it will restore live telephone support for travelers flying within 24 hours or for elite recurrent flyer program members.