Frontier Airlines is taking a dig at Southwest for nixing its popular no bag fees policy.
The ultra-low-cost carrier announced that it would offer free checked bags to customers through a promo deal for flights that take place from May 28 to August 18. As part of the deal, customers can receive an economy bundle that also includes a free carry-on and seat selection if they book their flights by March 24.
“We’ve always had heart,” said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle in a statement, making a reference to Southwest, whose home airport is Dallas Love Field and whose branding includes a heart as part of its logo, along the stock ticker “LUV.”
“Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we’re running towards it. Think of this as the ultimate ‘divorce your old airline’ deal. If travelers show us the love, we’ll make these perks permanent.”
Frontier said if the deal becomes popular with customers, it would consider making the promo permanent.
Airlines Vie for Southwest Customers
After Southwest said it would start implementing bag fees for most of its fare classes, multiple airline CEOs have said that they see an opening to attract some of the Dallas-based carrier’s customers.
Delta president Glen Hauenstein said at the JPMorgan conference last week that Southwest’s customers are “up for grabs.”
United CEO Scott Kirby described Southwest’s controversial change as “the slaying of a scared cow.”
Spirit CEO Ted Christie told CNBC that the carrier, which just came out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was ready to take on Southwest.
“I think it’s going to be painful for a little bit as they find their footing, and we’re going to take advantage of that,” Christie said to CNBC.
Airlines Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date
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