Flying with kids can be a costly affair, but some airlines have introduced unique programs to help families save money. One of the more well-known programmes is Frontier’s Kids Fly Free, which allows children aged 14 and under to fly for free when accompanied by a paying adult. This scheme has been popular with families looking to save on travel expenses. However, it’s important to understand the specific rules and conditions of the program before booking.
The Kids Fly Free program offered by Frontier Airlines can provide significant savings for families travelling together. A family of four with two adults and two children aged 14 or under can save up to hundreds of dollars on airfare with the Kids Fly Free programme. The cost of a child’s airfare can add up quickly, and the programme provides an opportunity for families to travel, visit relatives or go on vacations that may have been previously out of reach.
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Eligibility and Benefits of Frontier’s Kids Fly Free
Frontier’s Kids Fly Free program is available for select domestic flights and can be booked directly on the airline’s website. To take advantage of this programme, one adult must be in possession of a Discount Den membership, and, at the time of booking, select a Kids Fly Free flight. It’s pretty much that simple!
What is a Discount Den Membership?
A Discount Den membership is a yearly subscription that offers members exclusive discounts and benefits on Frontier Airlines flights. Members of the program can receive exclusive access to the Kids Fly Free programme, in addition to other perks like exclusive low fares, seat selection, and priority boarding. The membership fee is $59.99 per year, and the benefits apply to up to six people on the same booking, including the member.
How Does Kids Fly Free Work?
Here are the key things to know:
- There are specific flights which are eligible for the Kids Fly Free discount.
- Once a Discount Den membership is obtained, up to a maximum of three children can fly for free. this is because, for each adult ticket purchased, one child ticket can be obtained for free.
- The programme is available for children aged 14 and under, and at least one paying adult must be present on the booking.
- The child’s age must be 14 years or under on the day of travel.
Booking a “Kids Fly Free Flight”
To book a Kids Fly Free flight, you must be a member of the Discount Den program and make the booking through the Frontier Airlines website or mobile app.
During the booking process, select the “Kids Fly Free” option for each child traveller.
The free ticket will be applied automatically at checkout, and you will only be required to pay the taxes and fees associated with the ticket.
Rules and Conditions
- The free ticket is only available for domestic travel within the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The Kids Fly Free discount has notable Blackout dates which typically include peak travel periods, such as holidays and school breaks.
- The programme also has blackout routes – these are noted in the T&C’s – which apply irrespective of the blackout period
- The flights designated as “Kids Fly Free flights” are subject to availability and may vary by route and date.
- The program only applies to economy seats. Upgraded seats, including stretch and exit-row seats, are not eligible for the programme.
- The programme only covers the cost of the child’s airfare. Any additional fees, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, or any other ancillary charges are not included in the program and must be paid by the adult.
- The program only applies to round-trip flights. One-way flights are not eligible for the program.
- You must book 14 days in advance.
- It is important to note that the child’s ticket is still subject to taxes and fees – just the base fare is free.
- Changes to the itinerary will result in the loss of the Kids Fly Free promotion and change fees and reticketing will apply to the child.
- Kids Fly Free discount only applies to base tickets and does not include bags, seats & other travel add-ons
Other Airlines with Similar Programmes
Frontier Airlines is probably the only carrier in North America that offers such a programme. The closest contenders to this are Spirit Airlines and Southwest, both of whom offer travel discounts respectively. Spirit has its Saves Club, which provides discounts on airfare, baggage fees, and other ancillary charges; Southwest has its Companion Pass, which allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges. However, neither programme’s are actually geared towards families travelling with children.
In comparison, many legacy carriers in the United States offer discounted fares for children but do not offer free airfare. These discounts are typically 25-75% off the adult fare, depending on the child’s age and if they sit on the adult’s lap. While these discounts can still provide some cost savings for families, they are not as significant as the Kids Fly Free program offered by Frontier Airlines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Frontier’s Kids Fly Free program is a unique offering among airlines, it is not the only one of its kind. Other low-cost carriers in the US, such as Spirit and Allegiant, have introduced similar programs to attract families. However, legacy carriers generally focus on discounted child tickets rather than free flights for children. While the Kids Fly Free program can offer significant savings for families, it is important to review the rules and conditions of the program before booking. Families should also compare prices between low-cost carriers and legacy carriers to determine which option offers the best value for their travel needs.
