Frontier Airlines is adding routes and possibly Wi-Fi. The Denver-based low-cost carrier announced Thursday it will launch four routes covering six U.S. cities.
They include new flights to Orlando from the New York City area, as well as flights that could draw attention from one of the largest U.S. airlines.
Meanwhile, Frontier has confirmed it is equipping its planes with in-flight Wi-Fi, a feature that would have been unthinkable for the venerable budget airline just a few years ago.
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Frontier expands with 4 routes
Let’s take a look at the new routes first. Specifically, there are three new routes and one returning route.
The budget airline is beefing up winter service to warm-weather destinations.
The following flights will be available between early January and mid-February, so they will be departing soon.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO): Opened on January 21, operating three times per week
- MCO to Pensacola International Airport (PNS): Launched on February 13, twice weekly service
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Tucson International Airport (TUS): Opened on January 22, operating twice a week
Additionally, Frontier will resume flights between Miami International Airport (MIA) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD), a route last served in 2022, according to Cirium schedule data.
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The flights will start operating on February 13 and will operate three times a week. American Airlines may be aware of this route from MIA to ORD as it is a flight between its two hubs. (Of course, O’Hare is also home to United Airlines.)
In-flight Wi-Fi is coming
Frontier has also made headlines in recent weeks for saying it plans to add in-flight Wi-Fi on its planes.
The airline has been without internet connectivity for years, even as top domestic rival Spirit Airlines added in-flight connectivity.
But earlier this month, CEO Barry Biffle responded to comments on social media about inflight Wi-Fi: “It’s coming.”
A spokesperson for Frontier elaborated further, telling TPG the airline hopes to select a Wi-Fi partner within the next year.
“Competition is increasing among potential suppliers who are eager to work with us,” the operator said.
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In-flight Wi-Fi is an increasingly important facility for airlines. All six major U.S. airlines have announced plans to offer free Wi-Fi (or already offer it for free).
Frontier has so far held off on rolling out Wi-Fi, which is an expensive amenity for airlines and has historically been inconsistent with its low-cost, no-frills approach.
But the airline is already breaking the mold in other ways, with plans to add first-class seats in the near future.
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