While the idea of a true business class is incompatible with the low-cost airline model, carriers have increasingly been renaming how they sell premium seating with perks such as free snacks and Wi-Fi.
Last summer, Spirit Airlines (SAVE) got rid of its longtime base fare model and introduced four separate fare classes. The most expensive "Go Big" fare, which includes a large armchair-style seat with extra legroom at the front of the plane, priority check-in and free snacks and drinks throughout the flight, has been marketed as "business class" by the airline.
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Frontier
Frontier Airlines: 'Customers want more premium options, attainable seat upgrades'
Competitor Frontier Airlines (FRON) is now following suit with its own version of what it calls "first class style" seating.
The first two rows on a number of the Airbus A320 and A321 (EADSF) planes making up the airline's fleet will be retrofitted to have armchair seats with extra legroom, a cushion-style back and bigger elbow rests. The first tickets with such seats will be available in 2025.
"We've listened to customers, and they want more – more premium options, like first class style seating, attainable seat upgrades, more free travel for their companions, and the ability to use miles on more than just airfare," Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said in a statement. "These changes represent an exciting new chapter in our transformation into The New Frontier."
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Frontier is yet to announce the prices of these upgraded seats. At the start of February, it has already introduced its Bundle & Save program in which one can pay for a "premium" bundle that includes early boarding and seat selection and the "business" one that comes with that and two checked bags of up to 50 pounds each as well as a seat at the front of the plane (that will, in 2025, mean the updated armchair seats).
Related: I just flew business class on Spirit — here is what it was like
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When booked a month ahead for travel in January, a one-way ticket from Boston to Atlanta with Frontier is listed as $20 for the basic fare, $49 for the economy bundle, $79 for the premium bundle and $139 for the business bundle on the airline's website.
In the same announcement, Frontier also revealed that it will start offering free seat upgrades whenever available to those with the airline's Elite Gold loyalty status and free companion passes to Platinum and Diamond Elite starting in mid-2025.
Another change that will become available at some point next year allows passengers to use their loyalty miles to pay for seat upgrades and baggage as experienced with mainstream airlines (at the moment, miles can only be used to book a full flight).
On flights where empty seats are available, the companion pass lets the status-holding traveler bring a family member or friend at no extra change.
"Starting early 2025, Frontier’s Elite loyalty members will enjoy free upgrades on every flight, subject to availability and status level," the airline writes. "From UpFront Plus seating with guaranteed empty middle seats to premium First Class seating (available late 2025), the upgrade options ensure more comfort for valued customers."
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