Budget airline Frontier Tuesday revealed plans new seats for its customers who want a first-class style experience.
This new tier, expected to be rolled out in late 2025, marks the first time the carrier has offered its customers a premium seating alternative comparable to traditional carriers’ first-class cabins. The airline describes the new seats as more “luxurious” and “spacious” than the seats at the rear of the plane. The new first class seats will be located in the first two rows of Frontier aircraft, in a two-by-two configuration.
In October, Border introduced UpFront Plus Seating, providing customers with more leg and elbow room by ensuring open center seats. UpFront Plus seat upgrades start at $49, the airline said at the time of the announcement.
How much will Frontier’s new first class seats cost?
Frontier said in a statement Tuesday that its first-class seats will offer “unmatched comfort and space at Frontier’s affordable prices.”
The airline did not reveal exactly how much the premium seats will cost, but said members of Frontier’s “Elite Gold” rewards programs will be eligible for free upgrades to first class, subject to availability.
What will Frontier’s new seats look like?
Frontier on Tuesday revealed renderings of the new class of seats, which it said will be introduced to planes in late 2025. Located in the first two rows of planes, the new seats will feature two seats side by side, up from three.
Border
The seats and armrests appear much wider than traditional Frontier seats.
Why now?
The move comes as low-cost carriers struggle to win over travelers who, since the pandemic, have come to prefer more premium experiences than those typically offered by low-cost carriers.
Frontier competitor Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy in November, with plans to restructure to be able to offer its customers “enhanced travel experiences and greater value”.
“We can clearly see that consumer preferences have shifted toward a more premium product, and low-cost airlines are struggling,” said Jungho Suh, a management professor at the George Washington University School of Business. “They don’t want to see additional costs; they want a comprehensive, comprehensive service offering.
Southwest Airlines in September redesign plans revealed for its cabin interiors over the next two years, which will include premium seats in the front and rear of the planes.