Frontier adds fee, raises charges

DENVER – Frontier Airlines will add a fee for checking a second bag and charge more for unaccompanied children’s tickets and oversized luggage under changes announced by the carrier Friday as it struggles with rising fuel costs.

Frontier, which offers flights between Spokane and Denver, also will prohibit pets from passenger cabins and implement other changes as it works through restructuring under bankruptcy protection.

“We have taken numerous proactive steps to keep our fuel costs as low as possible without impacting our customers,” Frontier Chief Executive Officer Sean Menke said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we need to review our fee structure to help offset this incredible increase in fuel.”

The new structure will take effect June 10, including a $25 fee for a second checked bag; a $50 fee for an unaccompanied minor, up from $40; a $75 fee for overweight and oversized bags, up from $50; and $35 for a paper ticket, up from $25.

Passengers who already have purchased tickets will not have to pay the higher fees.

The complete list of changes is available at Frontier Airlines’ Web site.

The Denver-based parent of Frontier Airlines filed a Chapter 11 petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in April to gain protection as it restructures debt. Menke has said the airline is focused on staying a standalone carrier.