Frontier Airlines Adds First-Class Seats and Upgrades

Frontier Airlines is making a significant shift in its strategy by adding first-class seats to its Airbus aircraft and revamping its loyalty program. Starting in September 2025, the Denver-based budget airline plans to install two rows of first-class seats at the front of its planes. The new configuration will replace the first two rows of economy seats with four first-class seats in a two-by-two layout.

This move is part of a broader industry trend where airlines are competing for higher-paying customers by offering more personal space and premium services. The addition of first-class seats comes as Frontier aims to enhance its revenue model, which CEO Barry Biffle acknowledges has been lacking in certain areas. The airline expects the new initiatives will generate over $250 million in revenue by 2026, with projections of more than $500 million by 2028.

In addition to first-class seats, Frontier is overhauling its loyalty program. The airline will offer complimentary seat upgrades for its gold level members and above, subject to availability, and provide a free companion ticket for platinum and diamond-level members. Starting in mid-2025, customers will also be able to redeem their miles for seat upgrades and baggage fees.

These changes come as other major carriers like Delta, United, and JetBlue have been outfitting planes with more first-class or higher-end seats to cater to passengers willing to pay more for comfort. Frontier is seeking to differentiate itself by offering competitive prices for its new first-class seats, which are expected to be especially popular on cross-country flights.

This move also aligns with the airline’s previous decision to sell rows with blocked middle seats, a strategy still in place to offer passengers additional space for an added fee. Southwest Airlines, which has long operated with open seating, is also introducing extra-legroom seats and seat assignments to boost revenue.

Despite the competition, Frontier believes its new seat offerings and revamped loyalty program will provide a compelling value proposition, appealing to passengers looking for a more comfortable flight experience without the premium price tag of larger carriers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com