Frontier Airlines offers travelers the chance to join its Discount Den membership program, promising exclusive discounts on flights and special deals that may not be available to non-members. But is this membership really worth the annual fee? Here’s a detailed look at what Discount Den provides, along with the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel habits.
What is Frontier Airlines’ Discount Den?
Discount Den is a subscription-based membership program offered by Frontier Airlines. For an annual fee, members gain access to:
- Exclusive discounted fares on select Frontier flights.
- Access to Kids Fly Free promotions on qualifying flights, letting children under 15 fly without additional cost when accompanied by an adult.
- Early access to special deals and promotions, giving members the advantage of booking discounted seats before they’re available to non-members.
Key Benefits of Discount Den Membership
- Discounted Fares on Popular Routes
Discount Den members enjoy exclusive fare reductions on many of Frontier’s most popular routes. If you’re a frequent flier on Frontier, especially on routes that consistently have Discount Den discounts, you can potentially save significantly on airfare over the year.
- Kids Fly Free Perk
Families who frequently travel with children can benefit from the Kids Fly Free program, allowing one child under 15 to fly for free with each paying adult on select flights. This perk alone can justify the annual membership cost if you’re planning family vacations or trips to visit relatives.
- Priority Access to Sales and Promotions
Discount Den members are among the first to access limited-time sales and special offers, which can be advantageous during peak travel seasons when flights tend to sell out quickly. For members who like to plan trips around major deals, this can provide both savings and flexibility.
Potential Drawbacks of Discount Den Membership
- Limited Availability of Discounted Fares
Discount Den fares are not available on every Frontier flight, so if you have a preferred schedule or destination, you might not always find a Discount Den option. It’s also worth noting that these fares can sell out quickly, especially during high-demand periods.
- Additional Fees Not Covered by Membership
Frontier is a budget airline, meaning that it charges extra fees for options that may be included with other carriers, such as seat selection, checked baggage, and carry-on items. While Discount Den provides access to cheaper base fares, travelers should consider these additional costs when budgeting.
- Annual Fee That May Not Be Recouped
The Discount Den membership requires an annual payment, and if you don’t use it enough, you may not save enough to offset this fee. For infrequent Frontier flyers or travelers who typically book during off-peak times when fares are lower anyway, the membership may not offer enough value.
Who Should Consider a Discount Den Membership?
- Frequent Frontier Flyers:
If you fly with Frontier Airlines multiple times per year, especially on routes with consistent Discount Den availability, you’re likely to save more than the membership fee.
- Families with Young Children:
Families can see substantial savings through the Kids Fly Free program if they travel often with young children, as ticket prices for multiple passengers add up quickly.
- Flexible Travelers:
If your travel dates and destinations are flexible, you can maximize savings by taking advantage of Discount Den fares as they become available.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
For travelers who frequently fly with Frontier, the Discount Den membership can provide meaningful savings, especially if you’re taking advantage of the Kids Fly Free program. However, for occasional travelers or those who prefer more control over flight schedules and seating, it may not justify the annual cost. Assessing your travel patterns and flexibility can help you decide if Discount Den is a worthwhile investment for your next journey.