Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns (Pre-Alignment) - AirFairs Launched

I haven't had too much of a chance to look around the website, but it seems to have at least a new look. AirFairs rolled out tonight at midnight as well.

Looks like Ascent and Summit might have gotten some bonus mileage as well. This could be a good thing...

www.frontierairlines.com

Check this out...

https://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/plan-book/air-fairs/airfairs-chart.do;jsessionid=52E4071CC1600A690CF3B6C5D91282 04
Click the tabs at the top.

Summit members buy the lowest "economy" fare and get 150% ff miles and all the perks of the highest tier fare. If they buy the high tier they get 200% ff miles. Good way to keep the Summit status intact while saving some $$$.

I think this looks pretty good...

Here's the confusing part:
Ascent and Summit members:
Under the AirFairs program, you must log-in to your EarlyReturns account prior to purchasing your ticket online in order to ensure that your Ascent or Summit benefits are extended to you throughout the booking / check-in / and in-flight process. Once logged in, the verification of your status will allow you to select your seat in advance no matter which fare type you purchase.

No mention anywhere about what happens with travel agencies but I expect in most cases with the numbers being passed to Frontier at booking counts. But does this mean if a mistake happens that you can't call them up later and add the FF number to the PNR anymore?

This looks innovative. I checked a number of markets and the premium for "classic plus" ranges from $50 to $70 one way over the cheapest level. That seems reasonable for extra miles, free TV, free drinks, no penalty changes, and the other benefits. looks like you can also preselect exit row.

I wonder what level goes with award travel.

No mention anywhere about what happens with travel agencies but I expect in most cases with the numbers being passed to Frontier at booking counts. But does this mean if a mistake happens that you can't call them up later and add the FF number to the PNR anymore?

I would imagine that they ask you to check in so you can select your seats no matter what level you buy. A non-status passenger buying an Economy ticket will not be able to select a seat until 24 hours prior to the flight. How this would be handled through a travel agent, I wouldn't even venture to guess.

If you make sure with Frontier that the FF number has been added to the record, the appropriate "upgrades" will be extended no matter what (ticket level and FF benefits are pretty much independent of each other, beyond the bonus miles).

I'm envisioning that there is going to be a learning curve with the new program, but it will be worth it.

Checko

looks like you can also preselect exit row.

I wonder what level goes with award travel.

It looks like at the Classic Plus level one can preselect exit on the Airbus aircraft only. Sabre is blocking the first few rows of both the Q400 and Airbus aircraft.

Another bonus for award travel (from the Frontier website):

Award travel and AirFairs

We hope you've heard about Frontier's new AirFairs program the fair way to buy and fly! Under the AirFairs program, redemption tickets will be treated as a "Classic" fare type.

Sounds good to me!

Checko

Frontier is also getting rid of the award ticket fees! And any frequent flier ticket redemption, for anyone, gives you Classic level.

After a quick glance I've got to say that if you're a Summit member - Frontier is really making it worthwhile to fly them.

Frontier is also getting rid of the award ticket fees! And any frequent flier ticket redemption, for anyone, gives you Classic level.

After a quick glance I've got to say that if you're a Summit member - Frontier is really making it worthwhile to fly them.

Where was no redemption fees mentioned?

Where was no redemption fees mentioned?


Perks to enjoy:

* Redemption Tickets: Receive Classic Treatment! (for redemptions on or after 12/18/08)
* Redemption and Expedite Fees: GONE! (as of 12/15/08)
* Reach Elite Status Faster!

And I pasted this from my non-Summit copy of the e-mail.

Nice chart of features at each status level: https://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/plan-book/air-fairs/airfairs-chart.do

So with the "Reach Elite Status Faster" blurb and the bonuses according to the chart, the 25% and 50% bonuses based on ticket level are EQM. Elites get their RDM bonuses on top of that.

Whoa! Unlimited booze for Summit! See the chart link I posted above and select the Summit tab.

Still need to pony up for Classic Plus for a free bag of snacks.

Whoa! Unlimited booze for Summit! See the chart link I posted above and select the Summit tab.

Still need to pony up for Classic Plus for a free bag of snacks.

It might be worth it for the double miles on occasion...

This isn't a bad program to get grandfathered into!

Where was no redemption fees mentioned?

Its buried in the FAQ's. I'm surprised they aren't making a bigger deal about this.

http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/faqs/early-returns-faqs.do

Its buried in the FAQ's. I'm surprised they aren't making a bigger deal about this.

http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/faqs/early-returns-faqs.do

I agree, I just paid $104 for RT to Cabo and I am Summitt! Crap!

I agree, I just paid $104 for RT to Cabo and I am Summitt! Crap!

:(

I wonder if you could get a refund or a credit of some sort? I think a call to customer relations would be appropriate.

Checko

. A non-status passenger buying an Economy ticket will not be able to select a seat until 24 hours prior to the flight. How this would be handled through a travel agent, I wouldn't even venture to guess.




Travel agencies are no longer able to assign seats through their CRS for any passenger who does not have elite status. Such passengers can only get seat assignments through the airline website beginning 24 hrs prior to flight time.

For passengers who do have status, the airline computer will recognize the passenger's ff # when entered in the travel agency CRS and allow the travel agent to assign a seat through the travel agency CRS at the time of booking.

Did the flights just get cheaper as well or was it just a coincidence ? I booked a flight last week and the rate was 217$ (DEN - BNA - DEN) for January. I did a test booking and the economy fare is now 178$ and the classic is 217$. If this is really the case then its a big advantage if you are Summit since Economy pretty much gives you what you had before.

I doubt though that the 37.5% additional miles are really worth it for a Summit to go from Economy to Classic.

Also it seems like my seat reservations are gone for the existing reservations. Curious whether thats just a temporary glitch or they took them out for good.

Did the flights just get cheaper as well or was it just a coincidence ? I booked a flight last week and the rate was 217$ (DEN - BNA - DEN) for January. I did a test booking and the economy fare is now 178$ and the classic is 217$. If this is really the case then its a big advantage if you are Summit since Economy pretty much gives you what you had before.

...

Also it seems like my seat reservations are gone for the existing reservations. Curious whether thats just a temporary glitch or they took them out for good.

I'd definitely call to figure out what happened to your seat assignments. While you are chatting with them, you might want to ask what level ticket you now have. Some tickets bought prior to the launch will be automatically reclassified as Economy, Classic, or Classic Plus depending on the fare class.


I doubt though that the 37.5% additional miles are really worth it for a Summit to go from Economy to Classic.

I'm confused as to how you calculated the 37.5% additional miles between Economy and Classic for a Summit member. Summit miles for Classic are 175% and Economy is 150%, that's 25% extra, right??. :confused:

My bad on the 37.5%. I interpreted the 125% + 50% Summit Bonus as being 50% on top of the 125% but seems like its just 175% instead of 150%. I really don't see a point for a Summit to buy Classic fares instead of Economy. The miles on Frontier are not that useful.

I really don't see a point for a Summit to buy Classic fares instead of Economy. The miles on Frontier are not that useful.

Bingo, unless F9 does something to improve "miles program" I as a Summitt will never do the Classic. Same goes for Wn and their "Business Select" deal, I am already A-List so why bother with the $ increase. At least on WN I can use the freebies!

I agree, I just paid $104 for RT to Cabo and I am Summitt! Crap!

I think a large portion of that amount are taxes. The Mexican departure tax is almost $60.00, I believe.

Bingo, unless F9 does something to improve "miles program" I as a Summitt will never do the Classic. Same goes for Wn and their "Business Select" deal, I am already A-List so why bother with the $ increase. At least on WN I can use the freebies!

Generally, I agree with this, as a fellow A-Lister. I haven't done it yet, but one time it might make sense to buy a Business Select Ticket, even as an A-lister, is if you are having to upgrade from a Wanna Get Away fare to a full fare less than 24 hours before the flight. A-list won't get you a good boarding pass number then. This is the one time I think it might make sense to pay the extra $15 or so and get in the A1 through A15 group. However, you have to assess the flight load, as a B15 might be just as good as an A1.

I saw the ad for this in the newspaper. $20 extra to get free direct TV (worth $5) and a free checked bag or two? If you are traveling with two checked bags, then this seems to make a lot of sense. However, if there is competition between F9 and WN, I'd still check both web sites. My bet is that with the same advance notice, for the same flight day, WN would cost less, and it would give you essentially the Classic Plus features for the Wanna Get Away fare -- at least the most important feature to me, which is fully changable tickets with no change fee penalty. Granted, you still have to buy a drink, although as an A-lister, I get a lot of free drink coupons.

What are extra miles really worth? Just figure them at 1 cent per mile, which I think is a pretty good rate. I've even redeemed at less than that. On short hops, a 50% bonus on a 700 mile trip is 350 miles. Compare that to flying only 16 one-ways on Southwest and getting a free ticket. I still think the edge goes to Southwest. I'll bet if you add up all the $10 here, $20 there, $50 another time savings, it adds up to a lot more than the cost of a ticket to Mexico -- the one interesting vacation place that Frontier goes and Southwest doesn't (yet).

Generally, I agree with this, as a fellow A-Lister. I haven't done it yet, but one time it might make sense to buy a Business Select Ticket, even as an A-lister, is if you are having to upgrade from a Wanna Get Away fare to a full fare less than 24 hours before the flight. A-list won't get you a good boarding pass number then. This is the one time I think it might make sense to pay the extra $15 or so and get in the A1 through A15 group. However, you have to assess the flight load, as a B15 might be just as good as an A1.

I saw the ad for this in the newspaper. $20 extra to get free direct TV (worth $5) and a free checked bag or two? If you are traveling with two checked bags, then this seems to make a lot of sense. However, if there is competition between F9 and WN, I'd still check both web sites. My bet is that with the same advance notice, for the same flight day, WN would cost less, and it would give you essentially the Classic Plus features for the Wanna Get Away fare -- at least the most important feature to me, which is fully changable tickets with no change fee penalty. Granted, you still have to buy a drink, although as an A-lister, I get a lot of free drink coupons.

What are extra miles really worth? Just figure them at 1 cent per mile, which I think is a pretty good rate. I've even redeemed at less than that. On short hops, a 50% bonus on a 700 mile trip is 350 miles. Compare that to flying only 16 one-ways on Southwest and getting a free ticket. I still think the edge goes to Southwest. I'll bet if you add up all the $10 here, $20 there, $50 another time savings, it adds up to a lot more than the cost of a ticket to Mexico -- the one interesting vacation place that Frontier goes and Southwest doesn't (yet).

I agree somewhat, the issue with me is Price. F9 is less on some routes than WN. Recently by as much as $140! I can't wait for Ding fare most of the time so I will buy a F9. PDX for example is usually less on F9 than WN however schedule is not as good.
The best part of WN is their partners and all extra RR points you get. WN is easier to get seats using RR points. BS Fares, OK the edge is there. I have used 3 times in past due to scheduling changes. Change fees are a wash as I am Summitt. With my company looking at every $ for travel I shop both before I "click"

I agree somewhat, the issue with me is Price. F9 is less on some routes than WN. Recently by as much as $140! I can't wait for Ding fare most of the time so I will buy a F9. PDX for example is usually less on F9 than WN however schedule is not as good.
The best part of WN is their partners and all extra RR points you get. WN is easier to get seats using RR points. BS Fares, OK the edge is there. I have used 3 times in past due to scheduling changes. Change fees are a wash as I am Summitt. With my company looking at every $ for travel I shop both before I "click"

At the end of the day, that's what it comes down to. Choice. This is all that F9 is trying to do here. Provide their customers with a fairer choice.

F9 and WN both have great products. If this drives more people to either and away from UA, then I don't see how that could be a bad thing (in my biased eyes ;)).

At the end of the day, that's what it comes down to. Choice. This is all that F9 is trying to do here. Provide their customers with a fairer choice.

F9 and WN both have great products. If this drives more people to either and away from UA, then I don't see how that could be a bad thing (in my biased eyes ;)).

Well put and agree! I have a Free ticket in UA in Feb booked, I have crossed my fingers. F9 and WN is all I have flown for 11 months! As long as F9 doesn't put the Q400 on ABQ-DEN route I am in!

I agree somewhat, the issue with me is Price. F9 is less on some routes than WN. Recently by as much as $140! I can't wait for Ding fare most of the time so I will buy a F9. PDX for example is usually less on F9 than WN however schedule is not as good.
The best part of WN is their partners and all extra RR points you get. WN is easier to get seats using RR points. BS Fares, OK the edge is there. I have used 3 times in past due to scheduling changes. Change fees are a wash as I am Summitt. With my company looking at every $ for travel I shop both before I "click"

I can't blame you there. A $140 price difference is huge. You say that F9's schedule isn't quite as as good as WN, but obviously you have weighed the two options and F9 is a better choice given the price. I would print out a couple of examples of this type of price spread and send them to WN. I would think they would be on top of this, but maybe not. Then again, maybe it is better for you to be both A-list and Summit -- that isn't a bad thing. With the change fees waived at the Summit level, it makes F9 a lot more competitive. It is definately a good idea to shop both.

Since you to price shop, I notice that United is no where in this equation. Not surprising.

I apparently got grandfathered into Classic Plus on the return leg of a ticket purchased last Wed. When I checked in online, to my surprise and delight I could see the exit rows as choices. The FA crew all had manifests that indicated the fare bucket, so all the advertised perks happened automatically.

Not living in DEN anymore, my F9 flying has been curtailed (after three Ascent years) but with 1000 miles OW from DEN, the 150% miles, (if they are in fact EQM?) would put me back to Ascent with the DEN flying I do in a year.

I'm a fan.

The FA crew all had manifests that indicated the fare bucket, so all the advertised perks happened automatically.


Was there any indication of Classic Plus on your boarding pass? There are times where the manifests don't make it on the plane and you had to dig out the stub for the benefits.

Was there any indication of Classic Plus on your boarding pass? There are times where the manifests don't make it on the plane and you had to dig out the stub for the benefits.

Unless a printer breaks, the flight should not depart without the sheet, its part of the manifest.

However, should this occur, a printed ticket has the class in bold on the ticket and an abbreviation on the stub.

I think a large portion of that amount are taxes. The Mexican departure tax is almost $60.00, I believe.

This could be all taxes. My mileage ticket to CUN is $90-something just for taxes.

Was there any indication of Classic Plus on your boarding pass? There are times where the manifests don't make it on the plane and you had to dig out the stub for the benefits.

All stations should be equipped with stamps "CLSC" and "PLUS" that are used to stamp boarding passes and stubs for the corresponding fare type purchased. If an economy fare is purchased, then no indication will be stamped on the boarding pass. If you use a kiosk for check-in, then any of the three fare types will be indictated on the boarding pass. It will state ECONOMY, CLASSIC, and CLASSIC PLUS. Of course if you purchased the Classic Plus fare, you are allowed to pre-board with the Ascent and Summit members.

As noted elsewhere, the "air-fairs" list is part of the manifest provided to the flight crew to determine who gets what. Classic will get the free TV and Classic Plus will get free TV, adult beverage, and snack. Ascent and Summit still get the same perks they've been accustomed too.

I think the Air Fare idea is interesting, but in looking at the difference I'm not sure it really benefits me that much. 90% of the time I'm a carry-on passenger anyway.

Before I moved to DEN I evangelized F9 to everyone I knew. I had the credit card, would connect through DEN just to get the miles. Then they dropped Calgary, changed their ER program so it's nearly impossible to get a ticket to anywhere but the middle of nowhere, and only then can you get the ticket if it's the fourth Thursday of the month of November and it isn't Thanksgiving.

I've been putting most of my eggs in the UAL basket. They matched my status AA Gold and US Air Silver, frontier did not. After flying the required 25,000 miles on UAL to get status, F9 would not budge. I've booked three 25,000 mile tickets with no hassle, with little need to fly on some off-peak date. The only reason I wanted a status match was to book a "Plus" reward ticket with double the miles that I couldn't otherwise get. 13,000 miles this year on F9, and in 4 days that resets. 24,000 miles left in the F9 bank.

I changed my HHonors to double dip into WN. I've flown WN very little, but plan on churning the VISA to get the freebie before my first credits expire (May 09).

UAL has been good to me. Compared to AA out of STL, they are leaps and bounds ahead. But, that's JMHO. YMMV.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lower 2 classes on F9 are still not re-usable as credits towards future purchase like the 2 lower classes are on WN, right? I like the direction F9 is moving here, but still, to me... having no change fees and being able to use past credit is a much bigger perk than miles, directtv, or free drinks, etc. That's probably just because of my particular needs, tho, too.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lower 2 classes on F9 are still not re-usable as credits towards future purchase like the 2 lower classes are on WN, right? I like the direction F9 is moving here, but still, to me... having no change fees and being able to use past credit is a much bigger perk than miles, directtv, or free drinks, etc. That's probably just because of my particular needs, tho, too.

The two lower classes are non-refundable. However, the credit can be applied towards another flight, minus the applicable change fee. I don't think I've encountered an airline that will not allow you to use a past credit on a future flight (minus change fees).

Checko

Does anyone know if the Classic Plus fare constitutes a "premium" ticket in the context of the security lines (e.g., the bridge to A at DEN)? While I don't need it personally, due to my CO status, it is as close to first class as F9 currently gets, and that itself would be an attractive and valuable part of the package.

Does anyone know if the Classic Plus fare constitutes a "premium" ticket in the context of the security lines (e.g., the bridge to A at DEN)? While I don't need it personally, due to my CO status, it is as close to first class as F9 currently gets, and that itself would be an attractive and valuable part of the package.

I actually never even thought of this possibility. So whose up for giving it a shot!

In all honesty, it would make sense that it would allow one to use the Elite Line since one of the monikers given to the Classic Plus level is "Summit for the day".

I guess were going to have to wait until someone actually tries.

Checko

However, the credit can be applied towards another flight, minus the applicable change fee.

Ok, that's the same as in the past I guess. So, the credit minus $150 is applicable to future flights. Yeah, I'll still take the $150 per flight/change over the perks on WN.

Like I said, though, I like the direction they're moving in. If they had the zero change fees like WN(I know, this is a pipe dream for now, but in the future....), I'd probably fly F9 over WN cuz I'm a huge fan of the directtv (and I don't even mind paying the $5 for it in general). I should also say that I really hope F9 pulls out like a champ, because I like them better than about 90% of the others, tho I'm mostly a short hauler so I'm biased.

The two lower classes are non-refundable. However, the credit can be applied towards another flight, minus the applicable change fee. I don't think I've encountered an airline that will not allow you to use a past credit on a future flight (minus change fees).

Checko

I echo what qq says above... There is only one airline that I know of that doesn't have change fees. Its #3 and rising fast in Denver. It is Southwest. I had several outstanding tickets and due to changes in flight needs, I moved them all around without paying a single dollar. I've still got about $200 in outstanding credits, but no worries about using them up. Of course, I never would have booked so far out on another airline. Still, I would have been burned by at least one change fee in this situation.

Why at least one airline other than Southwest doesn't try the no change fee and no hidden fee strategy is amazing to me. Do they really want Southwest to be the only airline left one of these days? They sure act like it.

That said, I did fly one Frontier flight over Southwest, because Frontier was cheaper and because I wanted to keep my account active. Still, when I burn off my remaining miles, it will be just that much harder for Frontier to win my business. Also, when I look at flying Frontier using an award, I consider the $25 booking fee and all the bag fees for myself and my family (if they are flying with me) and sometimes find that it would just be cheaper to book it and save the miles on Southwest. Then I combine that with trying to hold on to my A-list status.

I'm surprised that Frontier can't see this from a flyer's perspective.

Why at least one airline other than Southwest doesn't try the no change fee and no hidden fee strategy is amazing to me. Do they really want Southwest to be the only airline left one of these days? They sure act like it.

I think the better question is how long will Southwest continue to not charge fees? They are basically unhedged now and are in the same revenue situation as many other airlines. People are still flying, looking for the cheapest ticket, and paying the fees at the other airlines.

Frontier has just found a way to allow people to avoid a majority of the fees, for a little more up front (with some pretty good bennies thrown in, if you ask me).


That said, I did fly one Frontier flight over Southwest, because Frontier was cheaper and because I wanted to keep my account active. Still, when I burn off my remaining miles, it will be just that much harder for Frontier to win my business. Also, when I look at flying Frontier using an award, I consider the $25 booking fee and all the bag fees for myself and my family (if they are flying with me) and sometimes find that it would just be cheaper to book it and save the miles on Southwest. Then I combine that with trying to hold on to my A-list status.

I'm surprised that Frontier can't see this from a flyer's perspective.

I'm surprised you haven't seen that they have...

http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/frequent-flyers/use-your-miles/redeem-miles.do

http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/faqs/online-redemptions-faqs.do

Unless you really need to call the reservations center to redeem the miles, there is no fee anymore. Also, redemption tickets are treated at the Classic level which means, two free bags, complimentary DirectTV, and advanced seat assignment.

Checko

I think it is very unlikely that Southwest will EVER charge change fees. Even before fees became all the rage, Southwest did not charge change fees. I've been flying with them since 2001, even before they came to Denver, and no change fees was a great part of the deal even back then. Should Southwest ever pull the bone-head move of charging change fees, they would then bring themselves down to the level of other carriers and lose a significant competitive edge.

Southwest has invested a lot in the whole "no hidden fees" campaign, so I don't think bag fees are on the horizon either. Although Southwest probably doesn't have the same edge they once had with the fuel hedging, they still hedge fuel (and yes, even lose money at that when oil drops from $80 to $40 per barrel). Yet, their cost structure still lets them fly for less than other carriers. I hope they can stay away from bag fees.

I do thank you for the URL's into Frontier's web site, however. You are correct that Frontier got rid of the $25 frequent flyer redemption fee and its good to know that there will be no bag fees on an FF flight. That helps some with Frontier. However, I just booked a WN RR flight last week DEN-LAS and there was complete wide open availability on every flight throughout the day for 15-Mar and 20-Mar. A check today at Frontier revealed only the 7AM flight on 15-Mar was available. So, it would appear that WN RR has a lot more award availability than F9 ER.

All of the adding fees and then getting rid of fees is pretty confusing. Once I hear that an airline has added fees, I guess I assume they are here to stay. Thus, my assumption with F9. Good that they got rid of at least one fee.

Everyone always assumes Southwest is the cheapest, and they don't have any fees. If you can't book a "web only" fare, Frontier is sometimes considerably cheaper, AND for a small premium you can get 125-150% bonus miles, assigned seats, checked bags, no change fee, TV, a decent snack, salad, or sandwich that you will never get on Southwest.

Everyone always assumes Southwest is the cheapest, and they don't have any fees. If you can't book a "web only" fare, Frontier is sometimes considerably cheaper, AND for a small premium you can get 125-150% bonus miles, assigned seats, checked bags, no change fee, TV, a decent snack, salad, or sandwich that you will never get on Southwest.Also slightly wider seats in the F9 Airbus fleet vs. the WN Boeing fleet.

Everyone always assumes Southwest is the cheapest, and they don't have any fees. If you can't book a "web only" fare, Frontier is sometimes considerably cheaper, AND for a small premium you can get 125-150% bonus miles, assigned seats, checked bags, no change fee, TV, a decent snack, salad, or sandwich that you will never get on Southwest.

As a F9 Summitt and all the WN A-List, CP etc I agree with the post above. I made Summitt due to saving money on F9.
Fees are fees and as Summitt levels the field, however WN has better schedules and direct flights by passing DEN. I got delayed Monday on WN thru DEN to SEA. Tonight I was Direct SEA-ABQ for $230 RT, F9 couldn't come close!

The real issue is Free rides or seats for those. F9 just doesn't have the seats for the free ride and WN does! I won't pay the upcharge for bonus miles on F9 or RR points on WN. F9 bonus miles are a cost my company won't allow and getting seats when I want to go are few and far between.

seats, TV, drinks, etc etc are better on F9 when I can save $ like next week to OMA but using the miles is huge! WN kills everyone with the Companion Pass with no capacity controls, I am on my 13th year of having one.

Just for fun, I went into both Frontier and Southwest's web sites for an upcoming flight that I already have booked on Southwest. That would be DEN-LAS on March 15 and LAS-DEN on March 20.

Southwest has $79 each way (plus tax) Wanna Get Away fares for this particular test. A few of the flights are $92 on March 20. If you choose both $79 flights, the all in price is $179.20. If you choose the $92 flight, the most you can pay in Wanna Get Away fares is $192.20. Wanna Get Away gives you two free bags, no change fees, but funds are ticketless travel funds, meaning no cash refund, you must use the money for another flight within one year of original purchase. Southwest Anytime fares are $463 all in and Southwest Business Select fares are $493. Both Anytime and Business Select are fully cash refundable.

Frontier also has $89.60 each way (tax included) Economy fares, but only for the early and late flights of the day. Total all in price is exactly the same as Southwest: $179.20. However, if you want to fly mid-day, it is $285.20. Classic tickets range from $219 to $325 depending on the time selected. Classic Plus tickets range from $279 to $385.

So, clearly, if you are looking for mid-day flights with no change fees at the lowest price, Southwest wins. However, if you are looking for a fully cash refundable ticket, Frontier's classic plus wins.

You could also book a Frontier classic plus ticket and as you get closer to the actual flight time, get a refund for it and book an Economy or Classic ticket and possibly save the difference, assuming your plans had become completely firm. Both Economy and Classic tickets will probably be more expensive closer to the flight time.

A classic ticket reduces the change fees to $50 plus fare difference. It also offers a $75 same-day change (no additional fare difference), which could be an advantage over Southwest. Classic gets you two free bags and DirectTV.

Clearly shows that Southwest is NOT always the cheapest, depending on your needs, yet, at this moment, Southwest does offer the cheapest mid-day no-change-fee, no-bag-fee tickets.