How is Frontier Airlines taking advantage of the troubles at Spirit Airlines?

Frontier Airlines is expanding into some of Spirit Airlines' key markets, such as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as Spirit's financial troubles have forced it to shrink operations.

What is Frontier Airlines' goal with its expansion and loyalty programs?

Frontier Airlines aims to become the number one low-fare carrier in the top 20 U.S. metro areas by launching 20 new routes and rolling out loyalty programs to attract customers from rival airlines.

Home / Business and Economy / Frontier Airlines Expands Amid Rivals' Woes, Targets Top Low-Fare Spot

Frontier Airlines Expands Amid Rivals' Woes, Targets Top Low-Fare Spot

Q: What changes at Southwest Airlines are creating opportunities for Frontier?

Southwest's decision to start charging for checked bags has created a "level playing field" in the low-fare airline industry, as customers are now choosing airlines primarily based on price, which benefits Frontier.

26 Aug

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Summary

Frontier sees growth opportunity due to financial troubles at Spirit Airlines
Southwest ends free checked bag policy, creating "level playing field"
Frontier plans 20 new routes and loyalty programs to attract customers

Frontier Airlines Expands Amid Rivals' Woes, Targets Top Low-Fare Spot

As of August 2025, Frontier Airlines is positioning itself to become the top low-fare carrier in the top 20 U.S. metro areas. The Denver-based airline sees an opportunity to grow its market share due to the financial troubles faced by rival Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines' decision to end its policy of allowing free checked bags.

Frontier's CEO, Barry Biffle, stated that the changes in the industry have "opened the door" for the budget carrier. With Southwest's new bag fees, Biffle believes it has created a "level playing field" in the low-fare airline industry, as customers are now choosing airlines primarily based on price.

Meanwhile, Spirit's future remains uncertain as the company's finances remain shaky just months after emerging from bankruptcy. This has forced Spirit to shrink its operations, enabling Frontier to expand into some of its key markets, such as Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Frontier plans to start service to Fort Lauderdale from several major cities, including Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Charlotte.

To capitalize on these opportunities, Frontier has announced 20 new routes it plans to launch this winter. The airline is also rolling out a host of offers, including loyalty matching programs, to cultivate loyal customers and poach passengers from rival airlines.

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