Frontier Airlines is a budget-friendly U.S. airline known for offering low fares and a pay-for-what-you-use model. Their specials help travelers save even more on flights through discounts, bundles, and seasonal offers. This article explains how to find and use these specials to get the best value for your trip.
Understanding the Frontier Airlines Business Model
To fully appreciate Frontier’s specials, it’s important to understand how the airline operates. As a budget carrier, Frontier Airlines focuses on keeping base fares low and allowing passengers to pay only for what they use. This “a la carte” model means your airline ticket covers the basic fare and seating, while extras such as seat selection, carry-on bags, and checked baggage come with additional fees.
Because the base fare is already low, specials can offer even deeper discounts. However, these specials often come with restrictions and limited availability. That’s why knowing how the airline works helps you evaluate whether a special is truly a good deal for your travel needs.
Types of Frontier Airlines Specials
1. Discount Den Membership
One of the most well-known specials from Frontier Airlines is the Discount Den membership program. For an annual fee (currently $59.99/year), travelers get access to exclusive low fares that are not available to non-members. These fares are typically $10 to $75 cheaper than standard fares, and sometimes even more.
Another benefit of the Discount Den is the ability to bring up to 9 people on the same reservation at the discounted fare. If you travel with family or in groups often, this can be a major cost-saver. Members also get early access to promotional sales, increasing their chances of scoring the lowest prices before they sell out.
2. GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass
The GoWild! Pass is a unique offering that Frontier introduced to allow travelers to fly as much as they want for a flat fee. Available in seasonal and annual options, the pass provides an opportunity for serious travelers or digital nomads to explore multiple destinations affordably.
Pass holders can book flights at no base fare cost (they only pay taxes, fees, and add-ons) on eligible travel dates. While there are blackout periods and seat availability limitations, for the right kind of traveler, this pass can translate into tremendous value.
3. Seasonal Promotions and Flash Sales
Frontier frequently runs flash sales and seasonal promotions, especially around holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, or New Year’s. These promotions often feature fares as low as $19 to $39 one-way. The catch? These prices are usually only available for select dates and routes, and they sell out quickly.
To benefit from these deals, it’s crucial to act fast. Subscribing to Frontier’s newsletter or following the airline on social media is a smart way to get notified immediately when these flash sales go live.
4. Bundle Offers
Frontier also offers travel bundles that package together extras like seat selection, carry-on bags, checked baggage, and priority boarding. While not a discount on the fare itself, these bundles offer a more cost-effective way to get additional services.
You’ll usually see two main bundle options:
- The Works: Includes all extras and allows free changes/cancellations.
- The Perks: Includes most extras but no changes or refunds.
When combined with a special fare, these bundles can add value without a hefty increase in the total price of your trip.
Where to Find Frontier Airlines Specials
1. Official Website
The most reliable place to find Frontier Airlines specials is directly on their official website. The homepage often displays current sales and promotions, and you can use the flexible date search tool to identify the cheapest travel days.
2. Frontier Mobile App
Downloading the Frontier Airlines app not only lets you manage bookings easily but also provides access to app-exclusive offers. You can receive push notifications for flash sales and travel reminders, which is convenient for staying informed.
3. Email Newsletters
Frontier’s email list is another great source for discovering specials. Subscribing ensures you receive updates on new promotions, Discount Den deals, and limited-time bundles. The airline tends to send alerts right before a major sale goes live, giving you a head start over the general public.
4. Social Media Channels
Following Frontier Airlines on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can help you spot last-minute deals and limited-time promo codes. Social channels are also where the airline sometimes announces giveaways, contests, or loyalty offers.
Tips for Booking and Saving More
1. Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to taking full advantage of Frontier Airlines specials. Use the “Low Fare Calendar” to compare prices across an entire month. Often, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can be significantly cheaper than weekends.
2. Book Early and Travel Light
Frontier’s cheapest tickets are often released early. Booking your trip at least a month in advance increases your chances of finding special fares. Additionally, traveling with only a personal item avoids baggage fees, saving you even more money.
3. Avoid Third-Party Booking Sites
Frontier usually reserves its best deals for customers booking directly through the official website or app. Third-party sites may not show the full list of specials or may add hidden fees.
4. Set Fare Alerts
Using tools like Google Flights or Hopper, you can set alerts for specific routes. This way, you’ll be notified when Frontier drops prices on your chosen destinations.
Restrictions and Limitations to Keep in Mind
1. Limited Seats at Sale Prices
Many of Frontier’s specials are limited to a small number of seats per flight. These tend to disappear quickly, especially on popular routes. Booking fast and checking often is key.
2. Extra Fees for Add-Ons
Even if you score a low fare, you may end up paying more if you add services like baggage, seat selection, or onboard refreshments. Always factor in these potential costs before assuming a special fare is the cheapest option overall.
3. Non-Refundable Tickets
Most of the ultra-low fares are non-refundable and non-changeable unless you purchase a bundle like The Works. Be absolutely sure of your travel dates before booking to avoid penalties.
Best Times to Look for Frontier Airlines Specials
1. Major U.S. Holidays
Expect to see specials around major holidays like:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Frontier often promotes seasonal deals just before and after these holidays.
2. Off-Peak Seasons
Flying during shoulder seasons—such as late winter or early fall—often comes with the best availability of special fares. These are times when demand is lower, and Frontier fills planes with irresistible pricing.
3. Midweek and Red-Eye Flights
Deals are more likely to be found for flights departing midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or during less desirable hours (late at night or early in the morning).
Conclusion
Frontier Airlines specials offer great ways to save on flights if you plan carefully and stay flexible. From Discount Den to flash sales and bundles, there are options for many types of travelers. Just remember to factor in extra fees and book early for the best deals. With these tips, you can enjoy affordable travel across the U.S. and beyond.
