Evaluating Frontier Airlines' Business Bundle Value Proposition
A comparative analysis of Frontier's premium bundle versus basic fare offerings.
1Frontier's Premium Ambitions
Frontier Airlines is attempting to bridge the gap between low-cost carrier status and premium travel experiences. The airline has introduced fare bundles, front-of-plane seating with extra legroom, and blocked middle seats. These initiatives, alongside future plans for first-class cabins, signal a strategic shift toward attracting passengers seeking more comfort during their flights.
2Understanding Fare Bundles
Frontier offers four distinct tiers: Basic, Economy, Premium, and Business. The Basic fare covers only a personal item, while higher tiers include carry-on bags, seat selection, and flexibility. The Business Bundle, the most comprehensive option, provides two checked bags and an UpFront Plus seat, starting at 13,000 miles for award flights.
3Basic Fare Experience
A Basic fare flight from St. Louis to Denver cost 5,000 miles plus $5.60 in taxes. While the boarding process was orderly and the flight punctual, the lack of a carry-on allowance proved restrictive for most travelers. This tier serves as a no-frills option best suited for extremely short, light-travel trips.
4Business Bundle Perks
The Business Bundle includes priority Group 1 boarding, two 50-pound checked bags, and an UpFront Plus seat. During a flight from Denver to Kansas City, the empty middle seat provided noticeable extra space. However, the aircraft still utilized a standard 3-3 layout, as the new first-class seating had not yet entered service.
5Missing Premium Elements
Despite the 'Business' branding, the bundle does not include complimentary food, drinks, or lounge access. All onboard refreshments remain available only for additional purchase. This limitation serves as a reminder that Frontier remains a low-cost carrier at its core, regardless of the specific bundle or seat selection chosen by the passenger.
6Cost-Benefit Analysis
The Business Bundle costs more than double the miles of a Basic fare, requiring at least 8,000 additional miles. For short domestic routes, this significant price jump may not offer sufficient value unless the passenger specifically requires heavy luggage capacity or the extra physical space provided by the UpFront Plus seating configuration.
7The Economy Sweet Spot
For most travelers, the Economy Bundle represents the optimal balance between cost and utility. It costs only 2,000 more miles than the Basic fare while providing a necessary carry-on allowance and increased booking flexibility. This tier addresses the primary pain points of budget travel without the high premium of the Business Bundle.
8Final Verdict on Value
Frontier's Business Bundle functions more as a convenience package than a true premium experience. While useful for specific needs like extra baggage, it lacks the full service expected in premium travel. Travelers should weigh their specific luggage and space requirements against the high mileage cost before committing to the top-tier bundle.
Original article: The Points Guy — Evaluating Frontier Airlines' Business Bundle Value Proposition