CLEVELAND, Ohio – Frontier Airlines, the low-cost carrier known for its cheap fares and cramped seating, is going upscale.
The carrier, which operates a crew base at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, announced this morning that it would retrofit its airplanes to add a first-class seating section.
Each aircraft will be outfitted with eight extra-large seats, starting in late 2025 – four per row, two on either side of the aisle, in the first two rows.
The move is a central piece of what the airline has labeled its New Frontier transformation, which also features new perks for loyalty members, including complimentary seat upgrades and companion travel.
It’s part of an effort to remake the airline in response to both lousy customer service rankings and shifting traveler demands.
The first-class seating and reward perks are part of the second phase the New Frontier. The first phase, announced in May, featured a more transparent fare structure, no change or cancellation fees, as well as the return of live agent assistance by phone.
“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,” said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle in a statement. “These changes represent an exciting new chapter in our transformation into the New Frontier.”
Earlier this year, the airline introduced UpFront Plus seating, with a guaranteed empty middle seat and extra legroom at the front of the plane.
First-class seating will go one step further, with four seats replacing six in the first two rows of every plane.
Planes will be retrofitting starting in fall 2025, said Jennifer de la Cruz, senior director of corporate communications. “It won’t take long to install on each aircraft and will be timed to when aircraft have downtime, i.e. won’t be disruptive to the operation,” she said.
How much the seats will cost and when they will go on sale has not been determined, she said. Other first-class amenities, including food and drink, will not be part of the price.
Other New Frontier benefits announced Tuesday include complimentary seat upgrades for Elite Gold loyalty members, complimentary companion travel for Elite Platinum and Diamond members, and the ability to redeem miles for baggage, seat upgrades and other amenities. Those changes will go into effect in 2025, as well.