Frontier’s "BizFare": Budget Airlines Target Business

The words “Frontier Airlines” and “business travel” have historically occupied opposite ends of the aviation spectrum. For years, corporate travel managers avoided ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) due to strict baggage policies, unbundled fees, and a lack of flexibility. However, 2024 marked a significant shift in this dynamic. Frontier Airlines has launched “BizFare,” a specific fare class designed to court the corporate world with bundled perks, flexibility, and distribution through channels that travel agencies actually use.

What is Frontier BizFare?

BizFare is a bundled product specifically engineered to solve the friction points that usually deter business travelers from flying budget airlines. Historically, a business traveler booking a cheap base fare would face hurdles expensing add-ons for bags or seat selection, and they would be stuck if a meeting ran late and they needed to change a flight.

The BizFare program bundles the essential needs of a corporate flyer into a single ticket price. By doing this, Frontier aims to compete with legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines, but at a significantly lower price point.

What is Included in the Bundle?

When a traveler or corporate travel manager books a BizFare ticket, several distinct perks are automatically included. This removes the “nickel-and-diming” perception often associated with the carrier.

  • Free Carry-On Bag: This is the most critical inclusion. Business travelers rarely check bags, preferring to speed through the airport. Standard Frontier tickets charge heavily for overhead bin access, but BizFare includes it.
  • Premium Seat Assignment: The fare includes a seat assignment in the “UpFront” section. These seats are located in the first few rows of the aircraft and offer extra legroom compared to the standard economy seats.
  • Flexibility (No Change Fees): Business schedules are volatile. BizFare tickets do not incur change or cancellation fees, allowing travelers to modify their itinerary without penalty (though fare differences may still apply).
  • Same-Day Confirmed Changes: If a meeting ends early or runs late, travelers can switch to another flight on the same day without a fee, provided there is availability.
  • Priority Boarding: BizFare passengers receive “Board First” status, ensuring they get on the plane early to secure overhead bin space.
  • 10x Frontier Miles: To incentivize the traveler (not just the company paying the bill), these bookings earn 10 Frontier Miles for every dollar spent on the fare.

Integration with Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

A major reason companies previously ignored Frontier was technical, not just experiential. Corporate travel policies are usually managed through specific booking platforms used by travel agencies.

To make BizFare viable, Frontier integrated this fare class into the Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This is the backend network that connects travel agencies to airline inventory.

  • Major Platforms: BizFare is available on major GDS platforms including Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.
  • Corporate Booking Tools: The fare is also accessible through corporate booking tool aggregators like Navan (formerly TripActions).
  • Why This Matters: This “Direct Connect” strategy allows travel managers to see the “all-in” price immediately. Previously, a travel manager might see a $39 Frontier fare but know it would actually cost $150 after adding a bag and a seat. Now, the GDS displays the fully bundled BizFare price, making it easier to compare apples-to-apples with a Main Cabin ticket on a legacy carrier.

The "New Frontier" Strategy

BizFare is part of a broader initiative the company calls “The New Frontier.” Following financial struggles and changing consumer habits post-pandemic, the airline realized it could not survive solely on leisure travelers looking for the absolute lowest base price.

CEO Barry Biffle has publicly stated that the airline needs to mature its product to capture high-yield customers. This strategy involves moving away from the pure “unbundled” model where everything is an extra charge, toward a hybrid model that offers bundled options.

UpFront Plus: The Middle Seat Blocker

Alongside BizFare, Frontier introduced “UpFront Plus” seating. While slightly different from the standard BizFare bundle, it is relevant for business travelers seeking more comfort.

UpFront Plus guarantees a window or aisle seat in the first two rows with the middle seat blocked. This mimics the “European Business Class” style, giving travelers more elbow room and space to work on a laptop. While BizFare gets you an extra-legroom seat, companies can often upgrade or book directly into UpFront Plus for executives who need personal space to be productive.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis for Companies

The primary selling point for BizFare is savings. Corporate travel budgets have tightened, and the cost of flights on legacy carriers has surged.

Frontier argues that businesses can save upwards of 50% on domestic flights by switching to BizFare. For a small business or a company with a high volume of short-haul domestic travel (e.g., flying sales teams between regional hubs), these savings can be substantial.

However, travel managers must weigh these savings against the limitations of a budget carrier:

  1. Network Frequency: Legacy carriers often have flights leaving every hour between major hubs (like New York to Chicago). Frontier may only have one or two flights a day. If a flight is cancelled, the rebooking options are far more limited.
  2. No Wi-Fi: This is the most significant drawback for business travel. Frontier planes generally do not have Wi-Fi. For a 4-hour flight, this means a total disconnect from email and Slack, which can be a dealbreaker for some professionals.
  3. No Lounges: Frontier does not operate lounges, nor are they part of an alliance like Star Alliance or SkyTeam that provides lounge access.

Is BizFare Right for Your Business?

Frontier’s move is a direct challenge to the “Big Four” airlines. For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) paying out of pocket, BizFare offers a compelling value proposition: the price of a budget ticket with the protections and perks of a standard airline ticket.

For large enterprises, adoption may be slower due to the lack of Wi-Fi and lower flight frequency. However, the presence of BizFare on platforms like Navan and Sabre ensures that when the price difference is drastic enough, even large corporations might start clicking “Book” on the airline with the animals on the tail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Frontier BizFare include a checked bag? Generally, the standard BizFare bundle focuses on a carry-on bag, as this is what most business travelers require. However, Frontier offers different bundles (like “The Works”) that do include checked bags. Always verify the specific inclusions at the time of booking in your corporate portal.

Can I book BizFare directly on the Frontier website? While Frontier sells bundled fares (like Economy and Premium bundles) on their site, the specific “BizFare” product was launched primarily for the GDS and corporate travel agency channels. However, the “Business Bundle” available to general consumers on the website mirrors nearly all the same benefits.

Does Frontier offer Wi-Fi on BizFare flights? No. Currently, Frontier Airlines does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi on its fleet. You will need to download content or work offline during the flight.

What happens if I need to cancel my BizFare ticket? BizFare includes flexibility, meaning you will not be charged a cancellation fee. You will typically receive a flight credit for the full value of the ticket, valid for future travel on Frontier.

Do I get a guaranteed empty middle seat with BizFare? No. BizFare includes a “Premium” seat assignment, which usually means a seat in the front rows with extra legroom. To get a guaranteed empty middle seat, you must book the “UpFront Plus” option specifically.