Frontier's October routes add cheaper options on legacy lanes
Key points
- Fifteen Frontier routes launched October 7 to 12.
- New links on JFK-ORD and EWR-MDW undercut legacy fares.
- DFW-ELP, ATL-OMA, and DEN-JFK add price pressure.
- Carry-on bags cost extra; personal item only is free.
- Personal item limit is 14 x 18 x 8 inches.
- Expect 2-4 weekly frequencies on most routes.
Impact
- Who Is Affected
- Price-sensitive flyers on New York, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Denver corridors.
- What Changed
- Frontier began 15 new or reinstated U.S. routes between October 7 and 12, 2025.
- Where
- Key markets include JFK-ORD, EWR-MDW, DEN-JFK, DFW-ELP, ATL-OMA.
- What To Do
- Compare total trip cost and pack to personal-item size to avoid carry-on fees.
Frontier Airlines' October schedule expansion is now live, with fifteen new and reinstated domestic routes entering service from October 7 to October 12. The additions put fresh downward pressure on fares where the Big Three dominate, notably New York to Chicago and Dallas to El Paso, while restoring smaller city links like Denver to Tulsa. Most routes operate two to four times weekly on Airbus A320 family jets. Travelers should budget for bags, since Frontier includes only a personal item in the base fare.
Frontier Airlines route expansion
Across six launch days, Frontier turned on several price-testing markets that give travelers alternatives to higher-fare incumbents. On the New York, Chicago axis, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) debuted with four and three to four flights weekly, respectively, creating a ULCC option against legacy networks. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the new link to El Paso International Airport (ELP) offers a cheaper, though less frequent, choice on a corridor long anchored by American. Atlanta's addition to Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) introduces a low-fare alternative on a Delta-heavy lane from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Denver International Airport (DEN) to JFK adds long-haul competition into slot-controlled New York, and Denver to Tulsa International Airport (TUL) returns with twice-weekly service, restoring a budget bridge to the Rockies. Richmond International Airport (RIC) saw Frontier's debut with links to ATL, with DEN to follow, expanding options for Central Virginia travelers.
Latest developments
Frequencies on these routes range from twice weekly to four times weekly, consistent with Frontier's test-and-learn approach. Additional October activations included Charleston International Airport (CHS) to DFW, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to John Wayne Airport (SNA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), and limited Saturday service such as Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to TPA. For a full preview of the lineup announced this summer, see our earlier coverage, Frontier Airlines Adds 15 New Routes for Fall 2025.
Analysis
For airfare shoppers on legacy-heavy corridors, these flights are a lever to unlock lower prices, especially on off-peak days. Expect the sharpest fare moves on JFK-ORD, EWR-MDW, DEN-JFK, ATL-OMA, and DFW-ELP, where incumbents typically command higher last-minute and peak-day yields. Because most Frontier frequencies are two to four per week, schedule flexibility matters; aim for midweek departures to find the biggest gaps. Total trip cost depends on bags and seats. Frontier includes only a single under-seat personal item; full-size carry-ons and checked bags cost extra and are cheapest when purchased at booking. Travelers who can pack to the personal-item limit, or who bundle bags upfront, will capture most of the savings.
Final thoughts
Frontier's October U.S. route launches create new low-fare options on marquee lanes and restore useful regional spokes. If you can travel light and work around twice-weekly schedules, these flights can undercut legacy fares on JFK-ORD, EWR-MDW, DFW-ELP, and ATL-OMA. Compare total cost, then decide whether Frontier's bag policy aligns with your trip.