Frontier Airlines returns to Santa Barbara Airport with new ‘low-cost’ fares

After a 3-year hiatus, Frontier Airlines returns to Santa Barbara Airport with “low-cost” fares to and from Denver.

Service resumes on August 21, 2018.

Santa Barbara Airport and Frontier Airlines representatives made the “secretive” announcement at a press conference Tuesday morning in front of the Santa Barbara Airport airline terminal. Valerie Tyler, Senior Legal Council for Frontier Airlines, said flying should be more affordable and that’s what the airline aims to do.

“We’re always looking for new destinations. We’re looking for places that we can offer good prices in underserved, overprices markets,” said Tyler. The airline did not specify what business changes prompted a return to the airport.

Frontier Airlines is offering an introductory fare to Denver of $49.

“Denver is not only a key destination for residents of this region, but it’s also a wonderful, easy, convenient connection point for all kinds of cities all over the U.S. that Frontier flies to,” said Santa Barbara Airport Commission Chair Karen Kahn.

When Frontier returns, it will compete against United Airlines, which is currently the only carrier offering nonstop service to Denver from Santa Barbara.

Kahn said the airport is enjoying an uptick in their passenger traffic.

“We’ve had more passengers in 2016, more in 2017, and so this is very fortuitous for us to take advantage of that uptick,” said Kahn. “People are discovering the experience and convenience of departing from Santa Barbara compared to the other alternatives.”

For the time being, Frontier is only offering service to Denver but hopes to add other destinations in the future at low or competitive fares.

“You can bet if we can find some good new locations for Santa Barbara, we will be adding them,” said Tyler. “Low fares done right.”

With 200 new aircraft on order, Frontier is one of the youngest fleets in the industry. Some of the planes in the fleet even make use of fuel-efficient engines. The airline carrier offers passengers a frequent flyer program, a mobile app, and a bundled package called “The Works,” which includes a checked bag, carry-on bag, and the best seat available aboard the aircraft for one price, according to Tyler. “The Works” is refundable.

Frontier will be offering three non-stop flights per week to and from Denver.

Watch Tuesday’s press conference below.

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