Frontier returns to San Jose with 5 new routes launching this summer
Frontier Airlines is deepening its footprint in the Bay Area, and in the process, it's making a return to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
This summer, the Denver-based, ultra-low-cost carrier will launch five new daily nonstop routes from the airport to prominent western U.S. cities.
The series of route launches won't mark Frontier's first-ever service to San Jose, but it will be the airline's first there in some time.
The budget carrier previously served San Jose in 2018 and part of 2019, operating an average of two to three daily departures.
Now, amid the airline's larger network shake-up of the last few months, Frontier is returning to the market.
In late July, the carrier will launch new nonstops from San Jose to its home base of Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). A few weeks later, in August, it will commence service to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Route details
Here's a look at the routes and launch dates:
| Route | Launches | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
SJC-DEN | July 22 | Daily |
SJC-SAN | July 22 | Daily |
SJC-LAS | Aug. 13 | Daily |
SJC-LAX | Aug. 13 | Daily |
SJC-PHX | Aug. 13 | Daily |
Returning to San Jose
These routes will deepen Frontier's footprint in the Bay Area. As of May, the airline serves close to a dozen nonstop destinations out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), close to 35 miles from San Jose.
It's also just the latest in a series of route announcements (and cuts) Frontier has made in 2024; it's all part of an effort to return the airline to profitability.
This quarter, Frontier is operating roughly double the number of new routes the airline would typically expect, shifting some focus away from Orlando and Vegas (though, not entirely as this route announcement shows). It's moving focus toward large cities where the airline can pick up travelers flying to visit friends and relatives.
Map watching: The award for 'sexiest new route' of the year goes to ...
This route announcement is also the first Frontier has made since revealing a major overhaul to its merchandising and selling strategy: It's disposing of change and cancellation fees for many ticket types and presenting fully (or mostly) bundled fare prices upfront.
As for San Jose, the arrival of Frontier will inject a bit more variety into the array of airlines serving the airport. Although Southwest Airlines has a strong presence there, no true domestic ultra-low-cost carrier currently serves San Jose.
Related reading:
- The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.