When Will Frontier Airlines Fly To Hawaii?

Many travelers dream of jetting off to the tropical islands of Hawaii for a vacation getaway. If you’ve spotted great deals on Denver-based budget carrier Frontier Airlines and wondered if they offer flights to Hawaii, you’re not alone.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While Frontier does not currently offer flights to any Hawaiian island, they plan to start Hawaii service in the second half of 2024 from their Denver and Las Vegas hubs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Frontier Airlines’ plans for Hawaii, including their latest announcements, projected launch timeline, routes and aircraft they may use, what to expect as a passenger, and how to find deals once flights are available.

Frontier’s Official Announcements About Hawaii Service

Initial Hawaii Plans Revealed in Early 2022

In January 2022, Frontier’s CEO Barry Biffle first revealed that the airline was considering flights to Hawaii during a quarterly earnings call. Biffle said Frontier saw “a nice opportunity” to serve leisure travelers heading to the popular vacation destination with low fares.

Two months later in March, Biffle shared more details that Frontier was hoping to launch Hawaii service from its Denver hub and other key airports in California by the spring or summer of 2023. However, Frontier did not make any immediate announcements as it continued evaluating demand, aircraft range capabilities, and other logistics.

Target Launch Window Set for Second Half of 2024

After going quiet on Hawaii for over half a year, Frontier finally gave an update when it issued its first quarter financial results on May 5, 2023. Biffle confirmed the airline still planned to fly to Hawaii but said the target launch timeframe had been pushed back to the second half of 2024.

According to Biffle, the delay would enable Frontier to acquire additional Airbus A321neo aircraft capable of flying the extended overwater routes to Hawaii. He expressed confidence that launching Hawaii service in 2024 would align well with Frontier’s fleet growth plans and take advantage of continued strong leisure travel demand.

Projected Timeline for Frontier’s Hawaii Flights

Frontier Airlines has not yet announced specific plans or a timeline for launching flights to Hawaii. However, there are some indications that the low-cost carrier may be considering Hawaii service in the future:

Recent Plane Purchases Point to Future Expansion

In 2021, Frontier placed an order for 91 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first delivery expected in 2024. The A321neo has the range to fly routes between the mainland and Hawaii nonstop. This suggests Frontier is looking to expand its route network in the coming years.

New Focus on Leisure Travelers

Historically, Frontier has focused on budget-conscious business travelers. However, in recent years, the airline has shifted its attention to leisure and vacation travelers. For many American families, Hawaii remains an incredibly popular vacation destination.

Offering low fares to the islands would align with Frontier’s revised business strategy.

No Definitive Timeline Available

Unfortunately, Frontier has not provided any concrete details on if or when it might start flying to Hawaii. Historically, the airline only announces new routes a few months in advance. Any flights from Frontier to Hawaii could still be years away.

While there are positive signs that Hawaii may someday be on Frontier’s route map, vacationers hoping to book bargain fares to Honolulu or Maui should not hold their breath. Unless Frontier makes a surprise announcement, other low-cost carriers like Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country remain the top options for more affordable Hawaii flights for now.

What Routes Will Frontier Offer to Hawaii?

Flights From Denver (DEN)

As a major hub for Frontier with considerable existing traffic, Denver International Airport (DEN) is expected to be one of the first departure points for Frontier’s new Hawaii service (Denver Post). Industry experts predict Frontier will launch nonstop flights from Denver to Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu and Kahului (OGG) on Maui.

According to recent filings, Frontier requested authority for daily flights from DEN to HNL and 4x weekly service to OGG, KOA, and LIH. Depending on demand out of the Denver area, flights to Kona (KOA) on Hawaii Island and Lihue (LIH) on Kauai could be added shortly after the initial Oahu and Maui routes launch.

Flights From Las Vegas (LAS)

As another major city where Frontier has an established presence, Las Vegas (LAS) is also expected to gain Hawaii flights on the low-cost carrier. In documents filed in late 2022, Frontier outlined plans for Las Vegas to Honolulu route authority.

Frontier has requested approval for daily nonstop flights from LAS to HNL. Given the large number of tourists and convention travelers flying between Las Vegas and Hawaii, this route could support daily service year-round.

Depending on Frontier’s aircraft range capabilities, flights connecting Las Vegas and the Neighbor Islands could follow.

Between its two early Hawaii gateways of Denver and Las Vegas, Frontier is poised to stimulate new demand with affordable fares. Offering its friendly service and appealing extra fees, the airline aims to shake up Hawaiian tourism and accessibility.

Which Planes Will Frontier Use to Fly to Hawaii?

As an ultra low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines is likely to use some of its most fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft to service routes to Hawaii. This allows the airline to keep operating costs as low as possible while still being able to fly the extended distances over the Pacific Ocean.

Here are some of the planes Frontier could use for Hawaii flights:

Airbus A320neo Family

The backbone of Frontier’s fleet is the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, specifically the advanced A320neo variant. The “neo” stands for new engine option, referring to the upgraded and more fuel efficient engines these planes utilize.

Frontier has nearly 100 A320neo family aircraft in its fleet, with the ability to seat 180-230 passengers depending on aircraft variant and configuration.

Key features of Frontier’s A320neos that make them suitable for Hawaii routes include:

• Extended range of up to 3,800 miles
• Excellent fuel efficiency – at least 15% better than older generation A320s
• Proven reliability for long overwater flights

Airbus A321XLR

An even longer range variant of the A320neo family is the A321XLR, which Frontier has on order starting in 2025. This plane can fly up to 4,700 miles while still seating around 200 passengers for Frontier’s ultra low-cost configuration. The XLR stands for “extra long range.”

Key advantages of the A321XLR for Frontier’s Hawaii plans:

• Unmatched range and efficiency in its class
• Provides capacity for adequate passenger loads
• Lower operating costs than widebody aircraft

By sticking with efficient narrow-body Airbus jets like the A320neo and A321XLR rather than larger widebodies, Frontier can minimize the costs associated with flying farther routes like Hawaii while preserving its ultra low-cost carrier model.

The range and capacity of these planes make them ideal for Frontier to launch new leisure-focused service to the Hawaiian Islands.

What to Expect as a Passenger Once Flights Launch

Baggage Policies and Fees

As a low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines will likely charge for checked bags and carry-on bags on flights to Hawaii. Their current domestic bag fees are $40 for the first checked bag and $60 for the second checked bag. Carry-on bags incur a fee if they exceed the free personal item dimensions.

Be prepared to pay around $70 per leg for a carry-on bag.

Frontier offers the WORKS bundle at booking which includes one carry-on bag, one checked bag, best available seat selection, stretch seating, zone 1 boarding, flight flex (change or cancel flight), and refundability of the bundle fare.

This bundle ranges from $74-$188 per passenger per segment based on route and booking date.

Inflight Experience and Amenities

Frontier focuses on base fares so inflight experiences reflect the budget-friendly vision. Flights to Hawaii will likely feature single-class economy seating with a seat pitch around 30 inches. Seatback entertainment will not be offered.

Passengers can access DirecTV streaming entertainment with their own devices connected to inflight WiFi.

Frontier offers Frontier’s Best Value and Frontier’s Complete Value bundles for purchase which include snacks, drinks, and more amenities. Prices range from $3-$15 per flight segment depending on bundle choice. Without add-on bundles, food, drinks and advanced seat assignments cost extra.

The airline’s website indicates that service animals are allowed onboard at no charge but pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on international flights currently, so policies for Hawaii flights are still to be determined.

Frequent Flyer Program Benefits

Frontier’s EarlyReturns frequent flyer program allows customers to earn miles on Frontier flights and partner brands. Program benefits include free award flight redeemals and priority privileges like free seat selection and zone 1 boarding.

Members also get access to member fares and have the chance to reach higher elite tiers with additional rewards.

On island-hopper flights within Hawaii, passengers can likely expect to earn at least 500 miles per eligible one-way flight segment. Award flight prices will vary based on destination demand and seats available.

How to Get Notified and Find Deals on Hawaii Flights

Sign Up for Email Alerts from Frontier

One of the best ways to find out when Frontier starts offering flights to Hawaii is to sign up for email alerts directly from the airline. Frontier has an email subscription list that sends out updates on new route announcements, fare sales, and other news.

To sign up, go to Frontier’s website and submit your email address at the bottom of the homepage. Check the box next to “Email Preferences” and select “News and Travel Tips” to receive news of Hawaii routes and deals when available.

As soon as Frontier announces new Hawaii flights, subscribers will be among the first to know. This allows you to book early during introductory sales before fares go up or seats sell out.

Use Airfare Watch Sites and Tools

Several airfare monitoring websites and tools can also help you track prices and get alerts for Hawaii deals on Frontier.

Sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Airfarewatchdog let you set custom alerts for specific routes like Denver to Honolulu. When discount fares are launched, you’ll receive email notifications right away.

Google Flights and Kayak also have price tracking options. Simply search Frontier flights from your airport to Hawaii and click “Track Prices.” You’ll then get updates when fares drop.

FareCompare’s Deal Finder tool lets you name your price on routes and departure dates. If Frontier releases special sales meeting your target cost, you’ll be alerted automatically.

Using these airline deal sites and features is free and takes just a few minutes to set up. But it can save you hundreds of dollars on your next Frontier flight to paradise.

Conclusion

While Frontier Airlines doesn’t yet fly to Hawaii, they have confirmed plans to launch service from Denver and Las Vegas by late 2024. This will open up a new low-cost option for mainland travelers headed to the Aloha State.

Be sure to sign up for Frontier email alerts to get the latest updates on Hawaii flights. And use airfare tracking sites to try to snag a good deal once fares become available. Mahalo for reading and safe travels!

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