Frontier Airlines is expanding its network with the addition of three routes at major U.S. airports. The Denver-based carrier will reintroduce services from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Tampa International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, and Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
These routes were last operated by Frontier before the coronavirus pandemic and have not been flown since 2019. Daily flights from Dulles to Las Vegas will begin on May 1, while four-times-weekly flights from Charlotte to Tampa start a day later. Weekly Saturday-only service from Cincinnati to Punta Cana will commence on May 17.
Frontier’s introductory fares for these new routes start at $29. However, additional charges apply for extras such as bags and seat assignments due to the airline’s business model.
The expansion represents Frontier’s latest push into major U.S. airports like Charlotte Douglas and Dulles. “The former is the second-biggest hub for American Airlines,” noted Frontier, while Spirit Airlines also operates there. Meanwhile, “IAD is a major hub for United Airlines,” offering multiple daily flights to Las Vegas.
Despite intense competition at these airports, Frontier continues to grow its presence in larger markets. This includes New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, where new routes have been added recently.
Frontier has shifted its strategy from focusing on secondary markets due to underperformance in recent quarters. The airline is now targeting bigger markets and has revamped its commercial business model with upfront pricing bundles that include bags and seats while eliminating change and cancellation fees.
In addition, Frontier plans to introduce a domestic first-class-style recliner product later this year.
