On Friday, Frontier Airlines introduced four new fare classes: basic, economy, premium, and business. Each level offers varying amenities like seat selection and baggage, while the three highest fare classes come with the new key benefit of no change and cancellation fees.
While changing a flight on Frontier is now free for those classes, travelers must pay any differences in airfare. On the other hand, canceling a trip altogether (more than 24 hours after booking) will give fliers a future trip credit with Frontier.
Spirit quickly followed its competitor by rolling out the new change and cancellation policies on its website late Friday. Travelers can now enjoy full flexibility in modifying their flights, subject to fare differences and travel credits depending on the booking. Modifying a Spirit flight previously cost travelers up to $119 in fees — often more than the cost of the airfare itself.
The moves from these low-cost airlines are no coincidence as the Department of Transportation (DOT) ruled in April that U.S. airlines must disclose so-called “junk fees,” including checking a bag or changing flights. Major airlines including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Hawaiian, and Alaska, along with lobbying group Airlines for America, filed suit against the DOT last week to overturn the ruling.
