Why Is Frontier Airlines So Cheap Understanding Low Fares

Frontier Airlines consistently ranks among the cheapest U.S. carriers for domestic flights. Travelers often book with them to save money, only to wonder: How can a commercial airline operate at such low base prices? The answer lies not in magic or mismanagement, but in a carefully engineered ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) business model. Unlike traditional airlines that bundle services into ticket prices, Frontier unbundles nearly everything—shifting costs directly to passengers who choose to pay for extras. This strategy allows rock-bottom base fares while maintaining profitability.

The airline’s pricing transparency might surprise first-time flyers. A $29 one-way fare sounds too good to be true—and in many cases, the final price after bags, seats, and other add-ons climbs significantly. Yet, for budget-conscious travelers who pack light and travel smart, Frontier remains an excellent value. Understanding *how* Frontier keeps fares low reveals both its advantages and trade-offs.

The Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier Model Explained

Frontier Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, a category distinct from legacy airlines like Delta or American and even from basic low-cost carriers like Southwest. ULCCs focus on minimizing operational expenses and maximizing ancillary revenue—the income generated from services beyond the base ticket.

Key characteristics of this model include:

• Lean operations: Smaller crews, faster turnarounds, and point-to-point routes reduce labor and time costs.
• Fleet standardization: Frontier flies an all-Airbus fleet (primarily A320 family aircraft), which simplifies maintenance, training, and parts inventory.
• Secondary airports: The airline frequently uses less congested, lower-cost airports (e.g., Chicago Rockford instead of O’Hare), cutting landing and gate fees.
• High aircraft utilization: Planes spend more time in the air and less on the ground, increasing revenue-generating flight hours per day.

This operational efficiency enables Frontier to offer base fares that are often 30–50% below competitors. But the real financial engine lies in what happens after you click “book.”

Tip: Always review the total cost before checkout—base fare is just the starting point.

Ancillary Revenue: The Hidden Profit Driver

While most airlines earn the majority of their income from ticket sales, Frontier generates over 40% of its revenue from ancillary fees. These include charges for checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, priority boarding, and even water during the flight.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Frontier collected an average of $67 per passenger in ancillary fees in 2023—the highest among major U.S. carriers. That figure often exceeds the base fare itself.

Here’s a breakdown of common fees on a typical Frontier flight:

Service	Fee (One-Way)	Notes
Carry-On Bag (overhead bin)	$40–$65	Price increases if added at airport
Checked Bag (first)	$40–$70	Weight and route-dependent
Seat Selection	$5–$40	Standard seats cost extra; stretch seating higher
Priority Boarding	$25	Board groups 1–3; helps with overhead space
In-Flight Food/Drink	$4–$12	No free snacks or beverages

This fee structure means two passengers traveling with carry-ons and no seat preference could easily double their initial fare. However, savvy travelers who bring only a personal item under the seat and accept random seating may still fly significantly cheaper than on other airlines.

“Frontier’s model rewards minimalism. If you treat it like a bus ride with wings, you’ll save. If you expect full-service comforts, you’ll pay.” — Dr. Laura Chen, Aviation Economist, University of Denver

How to Fly Frontier Without Paying More Than Necessary

To truly benefit from Frontier’s low fares, passengers must adapt their habits. The following checklist helps travelers avoid unnecessary fees while retaining comfort and convenience.

Smart Booking Checklist

1. Book early: Base fares rise as departure nears. Early birds get the lowest rates.
2. Pack only a personal item: A backpack or small tote (max 18 x 14 x 8 inches) fits under the seat at no charge.
3. Skip seat selection: Seats are assigned randomly unless paid for. Families or companions should weigh the cost vs. convenience.
4. Bring your own snacks and water: Empty bottles pass through TSA and can be filled post-security.
5. Check in online: Avoid counter fees and ensure timely boarding group assignment.
6. Use discount codes: Frontier frequently emails promo codes for future travel.

Tip: Sign up for Frontier’s “Name Your Price” bidding tool to potentially lock in even lower fares based on demand.

Real-World Example: A Cross-Country Trip Compared

Consider a round-trip flight from Orlando to Las Vegas in mid-September.

Traveler A books a basic economy ticket on a legacy carrier: $320 total. It includes one carry-on, one checked bag, seat selection, and snacks. No changes allowed.

Traveler B chooses Frontier: $110 base fare round-trip. They add a carry-on ($50), one checked bag ($60), and select standard seats ($20). Total: $240—$80 cheaper.

But Traveler C takes it further: same trip, but brings only a personal item, skips seat selection, and packs snacks. Their total remains $110—less than half of the legacy fare.

This example illustrates that Frontier isn’t always the cheapest option—but it offers the most control over spending. The more you customize (and minimize), the more you save.

Common Misconceptions About Frontier’s Pricing

Many travelers feel misled by Frontier’s advertised fares. However, the issue often stems from misunderstanding the ULCC model rather than deceptive advertising.

• Misconception: “Frontier hides fees.”
  Reality: All fees are disclosed during booking. The DOT requires clear display of add-ons before purchase.
• Misconception: “Cheap fares mean unsafe planes.”
  Reality: Frontier meets all FAA safety standards. Its Airbus fleet is modern, with an average aircraft age of 7 years.
• Misconception: “They cut corners on service.”
  Reality: Service is streamlined, not unsafe. Flight attendants and pilots are fully trained professionals.

The airline’s reputation for poor customer service often arises when passengers expect bundled amenities without paying for them. Managing expectations is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Frontier fare increase every time I visit the website?

Airline pricing uses dynamic algorithms based on demand, time until departure, and competitor pricing. Repeated searches can trigger targeted price hikes. Use incognito mode or wait a few hours to see if prices reset.

Can I bring a carry-on bag for free?

No. Only one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) is allowed under the seat at no charge. Any bag going into the overhead bin requires payment, starting at $40 one-way if purchased in advance.

Is Frontier reliable despite the low prices?

Frontier’s on-time performance has improved in recent years, now averaging around 80% on-time arrivals (within 15 minutes of schedule). While not top-tier, it's comparable to many regional carriers. Delays are typically due to weather or air traffic, not mechanical issues.

Conclusion: Is Frontier Worth It?

Frontier Airlines is cheap because it operates differently—not worse. By stripping down the flying experience to its core and charging separately for every enhancement, it delivers flexibility and affordability to those who know how to use it wisely.

The airline isn’t ideal for everyone. Business travelers, families with strollers, or those needing flexibility may find better value elsewhere. But for solo adventurers, minimalist packers, and deal-savvy planners, Frontier remains a powerful tool for affordable travel.

🚀 Ready to save on your next trip? Compare total costs—including bags and seats—before booking. With the right strategy, Frontier’s low fares can take you far without breaking the bank. Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!