New Budget Airline Flying to St. Maarten

TRAVELAIRLINES
Written By Michelle Minthorn

FRONTIER AIRLINES ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BEGIN ST MAARTEN SERVICE THIS SUMMER WITH NONSTOP MIAMI AND ORLANDO FLIGHTS

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The Good, the Bad & the Cheap?

Let’s just start with the bad right away. We’ve never been fans of budget airlines that add on expenses at every corner such as carry on, checked bags, preferred seating, boarding zones, meals, etc. We’re not crazy about finding cheap flights online just to start the booking process and realize the fees being tacked on will make things look less appealing.

Let’s get to the positive. It’s always a good thing when our island gets more exposure and more flights in and out. May Ling Chun, our Director of Tourism said it best:

“Increasing air connectivity to St. Maarten is essential for our tourism industry, and with Frontier Airlines offering alternative flight options for travelers paired with affordable airfares, this will positively affect our stay over arrivals. It is exciting to see that amidst a pandemic, Frontier Airlines, has decided to start a new airline service to St. Maarten. As confidence in traveler continue to increase, we will continue to strive to increase travel demand to St. Maarten, and provide visitors with a memorable experience as we embark on this new partnership with Frontier Airlines.”

Who is Frontier Airlines?

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, they operate more than 100 A320 family aircraft and have the largest A320neo fleet in the U.S. serving approximately 100 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico. The use of these aircraft, Frontier’s seating configuration, weight-saving tactics and baggage process have all contributed to the airline’s average of 43 percent fuel savings compared to other U.S. airlines (fuel savings is based on Frontier Airlines’ 2019 fuel consumption per seat-mile compared to the weighted average of major U.S. airlines), which makes Frontier the most fuel-efficient U.S. airline.

Frontier is also committed to families, enabling children 14 years and younger to fly free through the airline’s Discount Den travel club on qualifying flights. With 160 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America. Frontier has also taken numerous steps to ensure customer health and safety while flying.

Frontier is focused on more than low fares. The carrier offers customers the ability to customize travel to their needs and budget. For example, customers can purchase options a la carte or in one low-priced bundle called the WORKS. This bundle includes refundability, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, the best available seat, waived change fees, and priority boarding.

Trying Anything Once… Again.

With flights from St. Maarten to Miami and Orlando once a week, it’s definitely an offering we will have to experience. We are through and through “American Airlines” flyers for this sort of leg but a change of aircraft and all around service may persuade us to switch permanently.

Their website states: “Frontier is focused on more than low fares. The carrier offers customers the ability to customize travel to their needs and budget. For example, customers can purchase options a la carte or in one low-priced bundle called the WORKS. This bundle includes refundability, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, the best available seat, waived change fees, and priority boarding.”

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Bring In The Tourists.

“We’re overjoyed to add St Maarten to our route map this summer with nonstop Miami and Orlando flights,” said Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Frontier Airlines. “St. Maarten is a premier vacation destination known for its sun-filled outdoor activities and amazing scenery. We look forward to bringing visitors to the island to create unforgettable memories, while supporting the local tourism industry. These new flights also provide an affordable and convenient option for local residents to travel to Florida and points beyond.”

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TO BOOK AND CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

So far the prices we’re seeing from Frontier are much cheaper that their competition. Will this be the deciding factor for you? Plan your next trip to St. Maarten or to Florida here and let us your thoughts.

Michelle Minthorn
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