Frontier’s first-class seats will debut in early 2026

Frontier Airlines told TPG this week that it expects to begin installing the new first-class seats shortly after the start of the new year.

It will mark the first truly premium seat offered by the budget carrier, a significant shift for an airline long known for its unpretentious in-flight experience.

This is also a bit delayed.

A year ago this week, Frontier first announced plans to launch a truly top-notch product. At the time, CEO Barry Biffle told TPG the airline hoped to start installing the seats in September and have them on its planes within two months.

But on an earnings call last month, Biffler told analysts that the Denver-based airline expected to fully roll out first class in spring 2026.

Learn more: Frontier Airlines offers lucrative and easy fast track to advancement

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The entire global aviation industry has been affected by seat supply chain delays, so it’s no surprise that Frontier failed to launch its new front cabin product within its original timeframe.

Nonetheless, passengers will see new recliners on Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft in the coming months, an enticing new development for both passengers and airlines.

In recent years, consumers have been more willing to pay higher prices for high-end products, and Frontier hopes to take this opportunity to enter the high-end market.

As first announced this spring, the airline is sourcing its new first-class seats from Italian seat manufacturer Geven. Once the airline’s first-class rollout is complete, the seats are expected to occupy the first two rows of every Frontier aircraft.

Frontier plans to offer free, space-available first-class upgrades to new seats to members who reach Gold status or higher in its Frontier Miles loyalty program.

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