Frontier Airlines

About Frontier Airlines

With Spirit Airlines now out of the picture, Frontier Airlines is the last nationwide ultra low cost carrier shouldering the load of coast-to-coast low fares. This airline is for the frugal traveler. The one that needs an airline to get them from A to B, that flies with just a carry-on. They are now the pinnacle of the ultra low cost airline industry here in the U.S., and that position comes with both opportunity and pressure.

Frontier is notorious for their weight management and fuel consumption practices, which get turned around on the passenger in the form of strict bag policies and high ancillary fees. This airline is best served for folks that travel lightly and don't need anything extra beyond a seat.

Who Should Fly Frontier Airlines?

Frontier is the right choice if you are a budget traveler who packs light, doesn't need amenities, and is primarily concerned with getting from point A to point B at the lowest possible base fare. If you need a checked bag, want any kind of onboard service, or are flying on a route where the legacy carriers are competitive on price, look elsewhere. The fees add up quickly.

What the Data Shows

One interesting thing about Frontier is their cost management. For such a large airline, they rival Allegiant when it comes to managing operational costs. However, their margins are so razor thin that sprinkling in a few un-optimized routes sends the airline into unprofitability which is exactly what they are going through right now.

The BTS data shows an all-Airbus A320 family fleet with a relatively small number of distinct aircraft types a deliberate simplicity that keeps maintenance costs low. The load factor of around 78% is consistent with ULCC peers, though Frontier needs that number higher to generate meaningful margins at the fares they charge.