Hot on the tail of Sun Country announcing its new no change fee policy, fellow budget carrier Frontier is moving to match one of the most generous change policies in the industry.
Frontier will no longer charge fees to change or cancel reservations 60-plus days before departure. Changes made between 59 and 14 days before departure will incur a $79 fee going forward, while alterations made within the final two weeks will get hit with a $119 fee. Deals We Like first reported the change.
Frontier previously allowed free changes up to 90 days in advance, but this is another move toward consumer-friendly policies. With some extra flexibility, maybe it's more reason to book that ultra-low fare.
In comparison, major U.S. airlines like Delta, United, and American all charge at least $200 for changes – and sometimes much more on international flights. Fellow budget carrier Spirit charges at least $90 for all changes. Southwest Airlines comes in at the top, offering free changes and cancellations on all reservations.
Our Analysis
Airlines are a monkey-see, monkey-do business.
When one airline raises baggage fees, they all follow suit. Airlines simply can't afford not to compete for a bigger share of your wallet.
In this case, Frontier is matching Sun Country, which made the first move earlier this summer by offering a generous change and cancellation policy.
In the current airline climate of basic economy and unbundling, these are the kinds of changes we like to see.
Bottom Line
Is it just us, or are budget airlines stepping up their game? This customer-friendly change is exactly what on-the-go travelers are looking for in an airline.
