Frontier Gives Agents a Workaround on New Bag Fees

Frontier Airlines will offer travel agents two workarounds on its recently announced fees for storing bags in overhead bins.

The $25 and $100 fees apply only to customers buying Frontier’s Basic fares through third-party channels, including traditional and online travel agencies.

News of the workarounds for agents was announced on ASTA’s website. “ASTA has been in discussions with Frontier regarding its recently announced policy changes,” according to the website.

ASTA declined to provide details of the workarounds, saying it considered the deal a member benefit.
 
Fee exceptions
Frontier announced earlier this month that it plans to introduce carry-on bag fees on an unspecified date this summer. The change is part of a move to transform itself into an “Ultra Low Cost Carrier.”

Unlike Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air, which have similar policies, Frontier’s carry-on policy applies only to customers buying Basic fares through third-party channels, including traditional and online travel agencies.

Passengers who buy their tickets at FlyFrontier.com will be exempt from the charge.

In addition, Ascent and Summit level members of Frontier’s EarlyReturns program will continue to have access to the overhead bins and will be exempt from the charge.

The fee will be $25 for passengers who check in at the carrier’s website and $100 for those who check in at the airport.

Saving space for loyal customers
Frontier said its most frequent travelers “have made it very clear that finding overhead bin space for carry-on bags has become unacceptably difficult.”

The carrier said the change will increase overhead space for Frontier’s most loyal customers and speed the boarding process for all passengers.

Frontier will continue to allow all customers to carry on one free personal item, provided it fits under the seat.

A list of other items that are exempt from the carry-on bag fee can be found at FlyFrontier.com.

More fee increases
The fee to check a first bag will remain $20 when purchased during online check-in but will increase to $25 when purchased at airport check-in for all Economy and Basic tickets booked on or after June 1 for travel on or after July 11.

On July 1, Frontier will begin charging Economy and Basic passengers $1.99 for non-alcoholic beverages served onboard.

All customers will receive a full can of soda or juice, and coffee drinkers will be offered free refills.

Also on July 1, Frontier will change its EarlyReturns mileage accrual rate on Basic fares from 50% to 25% of miles flown.