Frontier Airlines will block some middle seats with new 'UpFront Plus' option
Frontier Airlines is adding a new seating option at the front of the aircraft. Its big selling point: an empty middle seat.
On Tuesday, the Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier unveiled its new "UpFront Plus" class of seats, which it bills as a "new, upgraded seating option with extra space and comfort."
Situated in the first two rows of Frontier's aircraft, this new seating class won't require any retrofits. The airline will use its existing extra legroom seats but block the middle seat in the first two rows, providing passengers with a bit more space.
UpFront Plus seats are now available through Frontier's booking channels beginning with flights departing April 10.
"UpFront Plus is a great option for those who want expanded personal space and extra comfort," Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said in a statement.
UpFront Plus seating
With this new seating option, Frontier will technically have four seating choices for customers on its flights.
- Standard
- Preferred (standard seats but closer to the front of the plane)
- Premium (extra legroom)
- UpFront Plus (extra legroom with a blocked middle seat)
As a budget airline, you generally have to pay for all seat selections on Frontier. You can pay for seat selection — including UpFront Plus seats — a la carte or as part of a bundle with other ancillary items like baggage and early boarding.
How much do Frontier UpFront Plus seats cost?
From the outset, Frontier will be discounting its new seating option.
Between April 10 and 30, UpFront Plus seats will cost $49 per person, per segment if booked by March 20.
Beyond that deal, the price goes up quite sharply.
Keep in mind, Frontier's seat prices are dynamic, so how much you pay will all depend on the flight.
For example, a June flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) that has a base fare of $158 is offering Standard seats starting at $24, extra legroom Premium seats starting at $86 and UpFront Plus seats starting at $146.
As you can see on the seat map, your only options in rows one and two are the window or aisle seats.
Bottom line
Frontier's move to block the middle seat in the first two rows to give travelers seated there a bit more comfort comes at a time of change for the carrier. Recent months have seen the airline shift its route network pretty dramatically in search of more profitable flying.
The airline has also made a clear effort to woo more business travelers with a new program, which Biffle noted when announcing the new empty-middle-seat option.
"UpFront Plus seating will also provide an affordable upgrade option for those traveling on business seeking additional space," Biffle said.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.