Frontier Airlines returning to Leahy BTV with service to Orlando and Tampa

Promotional Fares as Low as $49

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) is returning to Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) on December 20 with the launch of new nonstop service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and to Tampa International Airport (TPA). Service to MCO will operate four times per week, and service to Tampa will operate three times per week. Frontier previously served BTV until 2019.

The announcement was made at the Burlington airport Tuesday morning. 

Nic Longo, director of aviation at BTV, said competition and availability are important factors to growing the airport. While Breeze Airways also serves those destinations, the planes are typically full and across all airlines, BTV is running well ahead of capacity standards at 87%, he said. The US average is 79%. More options will also help in pricing, he said.

“Competition is key in our industry,” Longo said. And Florida is BTV’s most popular destination.

In addition, to enhance and prepare for more growth, Longo said work will begin soon on a $50 million upgrade to the North terminal, which supports most of the gates. The work is being done by Engelberth Construction out of Colchester. Frontier will use a gate on the South Terminal, will eventually be more fully built out. The South is home to the new TSA security facility.

To underscore the airport’s growth. Longo said BTV is on track in 2024 to have the second-most passengers in the airport’s history, with 710,000 enplanements. This would surpass 2019 (705,000) and be behind only 2009’s 750,000 enplanements. Last Sunday, for instance, was the largest single day for passengers going through TSA security with 2,500 passengers. The increase in traffic is in part due to more leisure travel now being witnessed in the US, Longo said.

Also, Longo said that the parking garage, which has been under steady refurbishment for several years, will complete the last of the major work on lighting and signage in a couple weeks. After that 95% of the garage will be available, with the caveat that there will always be some level of maintenance in different spots.

And as for the much-discussed airport hotel, Longo said a request for bids will go out next year. 

Previously there was a plan to build a hotel on the south side of the property near the entrance. The FAA, however, nixed that plan because they said it would interfere with radar signals. A plan then moved the hotel to the north side. But those plans were abandoned in 2023 because of rising construction and financing costs.

As for Frontier, to celebrate its return to BTV, the low-cost carrier is offering fares as low as $49*.

“We’re thrilled to be back at BTV, offering ultra-low-cost travel to Orlando and Tampa just in time for the winter,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, Frontier Airlines. “Whether consumers are looking forward to a Florida getaway or an adventure beyond, we are proud to bring our affordable service to travelers in the greater Burlington area.”

“We are very thankful to Frontier for this air service opportunity and their wonderful partnership that we look forward to expanding,” said Nic Longo. “More importantly, we also need to say thank you to our community. Without your support of your local airport the need for service would not be here. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the Leahy BTV airport and our entire region.”

The Airbus A320s that Frontier uses will be the largest aircraft in use at BTV, Longo said.

Longo said that when JetBlue was flying from BTV to JFK in New York, 60% of those passengers were then connecting to flights to Florida. The Frontier and Breeze Airways routes are satisfying that market. JetBlue discontinued its BTV service last year. Longo said he still hopes to re-establish a New York City connection. He said that the FAA and the industry will need to support such a plan. JFK is at capacity and the competition for gates is fierce among the airlines.

Longo said that they are also working to bring back the direct flights to Denver, which had been a seasonal option.

New service from Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV):

Frequency and times are subject to change. Please check https://flights.flyfrontier.com for additional details.

Frontier Airlines has introduced sweeping changes to its product and customer service offerings, ushering in ‘The New Frontier’ for the airline. Underscoring its commitment to providing exceptional value and a superior travel experience, ‘The New Frontier’ provides more transparency through upfront pricing and options to meet various customers’ needs and budgets. Through no change or cancellation fees, a ‘For Less’ Price Guarantee, longer flight credit windows and more, America’s Greenest Airline is improving what customers can expect and delivering the best price for their travel needs.

Frontier now offers UpFront Plus, a new upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft. Customers in UpFront Plus will enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat.

Frontier continues to innovate with its industry-leading frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles, which allows customers to ‘Get It All For Less.’ Members earn miles quickly and get rewarded for each dollar spent on Frontier products. Miles accrue based on dollars spent with a standard 10X multiplier: $1 = 10 miles, with multipliers increasing at every elite level up to 20X. Elite status offers additional perks such as priority boarding, free seat selection, no change or cancel fees when changes are made seven days or more in advance of flight departure, and free bag(s) at Gold, Diamond, and Platinum levels. Like the airline, FRONTIER Miles is also family friendly, offering easy family pooling of miles making it simple for families to enjoy rewards together. Joining is free.

*About the Promotional Fare Offer:

Fares must be purchased by 11:59 pm Eastern time on Oct. 7, 2024.  Fares are valid for non-stop travel on select days of week. Fares are valid for travel Dec. 12, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2025. The following blackout dates apply: Dec. 21-31, 2024; Jan. 1-7, 2025; Feb. 13-14, 16-17, 2025. Round trip purchase is not required.

Discount Den fares are only available at FlyFrontier.com to Discount Den members. Join Discount Den here! Fare(s) shown include all transportation fees, surcharges, and taxes, and are subject to change without notice until purchased. Seats are limited at these fares and certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable.

All reservations are non-refundable, except that refunds are allowed for reservations made 7 days (168 hours) or more prior to departure and provided that a refund request is made within 24 hours of initial reservation.

Changes or cancellations made to itineraries after the 24 hours will be subject to change fees, and any fare differential. Learn more about our change policy. Previously purchased tickets may not be exchanged for special fare tickets. Flight segments must be cancelled prior to scheduled departure time or the tickets and all amounts paid will be forfeited.

Additional travel services, such as baggage and advance seat assignments are available for purchase separately at an additional charge. In addition to these Terms & Conditions, please refer to Frontier Airline’s  Contract of Carriage.

About Frontier Airlines:

Frontier Airlines, Inc., a subsidiary of Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ULCC), is committed to “Low Fares Done Right.” Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the Company operates 148 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. The use of these aircraft, along with Frontier’s high-density seating configuration and weight-saving initiatives, have contributed to Frontier’s continued ability to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed. With nearly 200 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America and beyond.

Source: Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV). BURLINGTON, Vt. – October 1, 2024

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