Budget Airlines Making a Play for Business Travel: Frontier Airlines Introduces BizFare
When it comes to business travel, budget airlines are not typically the first choice that comes to mind. However, Frontier Airlines is hoping to change that perception with its new business travel program called BizFare. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier recently unveiled this program as a clear attempt to attract corporate travelers.
BizFare is primarily aimed at travel agencies, offering them an option for booking flights on behalf of companies. This is a departure from Frontier’s usual customer base of leisure travelers. The airline’s BizFares differ significantly from the typical fare types found on its website, as well as those of other low-cost competitors like Spirit Airlines.
The major selling point of Frontier’s BizFares is the inclusion of additional perks that are usually considered add-ons and come at an extra cost under the budget airline business model. These perks include a carry-on bag, an extra-legroom seat assignment, and flexibility to change itineraries. This added value aims to provide a more convenient and rewarding experience for business travelers.
While the starting price for BizFares is $129, which is higher than what consumers would typically pay for a ticket on Frontier, the inclusion of these extras makes the fare more attractive. All BizFares come with a carry-on bag, a premium seat assignment, no change or cancellation fees, priority boarding, guaranteed overhead bin space, same-day confirmed ticket changes, and Frontier Miles earnings of 10 miles per dollar spent.
These fares will be available to travel agencies that have access to the Global Distribution System, a widely used platform for booking flights. This means that BizFares will likely be accessible to travel agencies and corporate accounts, but not to individual travelers booking directly through Frontier’s website.
The introduction of BizFares is part of a larger strategy shift for Frontier Airlines. Just a week before announcing the new business-oriented fare program, the airline unveiled a major expansion of its route map. This expansion includes 54 new routes that will see Frontier competing with major legacy carriers at their hubs, such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. This shift towards more business-friendly routes aligns with Frontier’s efforts to attract corporate travelers.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle expressed his excitement about the new network design, stating that it will provide more destination options and additional frequencies on popular routes. He believes that these changes will deliver more value to business travelers and travel managers.
These recent developments mark a significant year of changes for Frontier Airlines. In addition to the introduction of BizFares and the expansion of its route map, the airline also underwent a major overhaul of its loyalty program. By offering bundled fares that include benefits commonly associated with larger carriers, such as more spacious seats, early boarding, and the ability to bring a full-size carry-on without additional fees, Frontier hopes to entice business travelers to consider flying with them.
In conclusion, budget airlines like Frontier Airlines are making a play for the business travel market with the introduction of their new BizFare program. By including additional perks and offering a more business-friendly route map, Frontier aims to provide a convenient and rewarding experience for corporate travelers. With these changes, the airline hopes to position itself as a viable option for business travel, challenging the dominance of larger carriers in this market segment.