Frontier Airlines has arrived at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport bringing low fares to Denver. Frontier was warmly greeted with a water cannon salute and cheers, clapping, and horn blowing from a full flight of passengers ready to take Frontier’s first flight to Denver.
Frontier Airlines’ arrival to Wichita Eisenhower National Airport with low-fare service to Denver could not come soon enough. Frontier served the Wichita market from October 2007 to November 2012. Due to the economic downturn and a decrease in travel around the nation, Frontier exited ICT and eventually was bought by Republic Airlines and then by Indigo Partners, a venture capital firm.
Since Frontier discontinued service in Nov. 2012, average fares to Denver have increased 109% and passengers to Denver have decreased 54% (Q4 2012 – Q4 2017). Denver went from our 3rd top destination in 2012 to our 13th top destination in 2017. Capacity to Denver (number of seats) has decreased 49% (through Q2 2018).
A recent fare comparison for midweek travel on September 4-6 shows the following results:
| United to Denver Sept. 4-6, 2018 | Frontier to Denver Sept. 4-6, 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AIRFARE (including taxes and fees) | $815.00 | AIRFARE (including taxes and fees) | $126.40 |
| ECONOMY BUNDLE (includes economy plus seating & checked bag) | $82.00 | The Works Bundle | $118.00 |
| TOTAL | $896.40 | TOTAL | $244.40 |
This is a $652 difference.
Frontier is now an ultra low-cost carrier, which means they offer discounted fares, unbundled fees, and flies three times a week instead of daily. Frontier brings much needed competition to the Denver route. As a result, United is increasing seats by 15% and adding a second narrow-body aircraft in October. United’s midweek fares have decreased; instead of $815, their fares are advertised at $549 (round-trip). Those fares, of course, change often.
Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays using an Airbus A320.
Schedule
- Depart ICT 6:35 p.m.
Arrive DEN 7:14 p.m. - Depart DEN 3:15 p.m.
Arrive ICT 5:44 p.m.
Frontier is expanding rapidly and now serves 100 markets. If our market strongly supports them, they will likely add more low-fare destinations.
Learn more about Frontier’s programs and book your flight at www.flyfrontier.com.
