Yesterday, I introduced my readers to Frontier Airlines and gave a brief overview of the airline. Today I want to dig deeper in the airline and explain Frontier Airlines fare classes and the benefits to each class. First know, all airlines have different fare classes, often times people will talk about the basic fare classes being F, J, or Y.
These three fare classes refer to full fare business (J), First (F) and Economy (Y), despite this, within each class there is actually multiple fares i.e. Y,B,M,H, etc. The idea is that Y is full fare, and then each subsequent fare class is a lower or more discounted fare. Most people don’t need to know this, however with each fare class different benefits are introduced (depending on the airline).
Frontier has broken up their fare classes into four different groups and have given them additional names as well. These fare classes are Classic Plus, Classic, Economy, and Basic. Each fare provides a different suite of benefits.
Frontier has a chart that goes over each fare type and the benefits included. To break it down to laymen terms, Basic fares only include a seat with NO add-ons whereas a Classic Plus fare is a preferred seat, includes baggage fees, free TV, a free alcoholic or premium drink and more. There are two other options: Economy and Classic. These two options are middle of the road options that provide more amenities and options for the seasoned traveler but also provide a discount to the full fare tickets that Classic Plus fares offer.
When viewing the fares, one can see if you’re just trying to get to point A to B without any add-ons, you don’t care if you get a middle seat and you’re not checking any bags, then the fare is perfect for you. However, if you hate the middle seat and want a confirmed seat before the 24-hour check-in window, then the economy-based fare is more appropriate. In addition, the economy fare earns 100% miles whereas the basic only earns 50%.
For those travelers who pack a lot and don’t understand the concept of a carry on, or are going on an extended vacation, depending on fare pricing, one might consider the Classic fare. Not only will this earn you 125% miles, but you’ll save $40 in check baggage fees because the fare includes your first two check bags. Yet be sure to price it out because often times Classic Plus fares are usually more than $40 higher than Classic fares, therefore the classic fare may still be cheaper.
For those who are looking for luxury and flexibility on a low cost carrier, no worries, Frontier Airlines has not forgotten this subgroup of people. The Classic Plus fare is the best option for those looking for flexibility and everything that has been unbundled is now included in the ticket price. This means free baggage, same day standby, fully refundable, name change, stretch seating and more. It’s a fare that is marketed at those who need a ticket but also need flexibility. In addition to the additional costs, the fare earns 150% miles, meaning you’ll reach status faster with Frontier airline.
