Frontier Airlines eliminates change fees in pricing overhaul | Wilnesh News

Frontier Airlines The company said it will stop charging customers to change flights, following the lead of its larger rivals as the Biden administration issues tougher rules on so-called “junk fees.”

The change is part of an overhaul of the budget airline’s long-term pricing model announced on Friday, which lures customers with compellingly low base fares and charges for everything else, such as advance seat assignments and carry-on bags. .

The airline will begin offering packages with these add-ons, including early boarding and more. Frontier CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC that while some fares will still allow travelers to add a la carte options, “we expect only a small number of customers will choose this option.”

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule requiring airlines to inform passengers upfront about fees, including for checked or carry-on bags, a change the Transportation Department said would save travelers more than $500 million annually.

The airline’s current change fee is up to $99 if the change is made within a week of travel, according to the airline’s website.bigger competitors delta, American and Unity During the Covid-19 pandemic, change fees have been eliminated for travelers booking Standard Economy and above. Southwest Airlines No change fees will be charged to customers.

“The reality is that most products from the Big Four companies don’t have change fees, so we’re not that ideal,” Biffle said. Change fees are the “number one complaint” from travelers, he said.