The prevailing trend in the United States, as well as in much of the global airline sector, is that low-cost carriers typically offer only economy seating, while premium cabins are the domain of full-service airlines. However, some noteworthy changes are on the horizon in the US, with Allegiant Air and Frontier planning to introduce domestic first class cabins by 2027.
Additionally, JetBlue is set to unveil its own first class cabin in December 2026. These airlines are not the pioneers in this area; traditionally, the budget airline model has focused on minimizing costs, maximizing volume, and enhancing efficiency, which has resulted in cramped all-economy seating arrangements.
While premium seats generate significantly higher revenue, budget airlines have typically refrained from charging steep fare premiums due to the substantial floor space these seats occupy. Nevertheless, in the US, low-cost carriers have faced challenges in the aftermath of COVID, as the demand for premium seating has surged, prompting an increase in low-cost premium offerings.
Historically, domestic first class was primarily offered by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, along with their past merger partners and Hawaiian Airlines. AirTran and Alaska Airlines also provided domestic first class for a long time, although Alaska has evolved into more of a hybrid carrier rather than a strictly low-cost airline, a trend also seen with Virgin America.
In 2007, Spirit Airlines introduced the ‘Big Front Seat’, which essentially maintained the previous onboard experience but featured a larger recliner. JetBlue followed suit in 2014 by launching ‘Mint’, a highly competitive lie-flat business class seat for premium transcontinental routes, which has since expanded to other North American markets.
After Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran in 2010 and Alaska Airlines took over Virgin America in 2016, travelers looking for a domestic premium cabin could choose from American, Delta, United, Alaska, Hawaiian, or Spirit, with JetBlue Mint available on select routes. This was the landscape leading up to the COVID pandemic, while Allegiant Air, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country exclusively offered economy seating.
In the post-COVID era, Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines commenced operations with all-economy aircraft, but in 2022, Breeze began operating new Airbus A220s featuring first class. Frontier started offering extra-legroom economy seats with a blocked middle seat in 2024, while Southwest introduced extra-legroom seating in January 2026. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May.
Frontier’s introduction of ‘UpFront Plus’ seating in early 2024 was somewhat surprising, as the airline had not previously provided premium seating options. This product resembles intra-European business class more than typical US seating arrangements. However, this was primarily a temporary measure, as Frontier later announced plans to launch a new first class product to better attract premium travelers.
After years of anticipation, this new offering is set to debut in 2027. Frontier Airlines has chosen the Geven Comoda platform, which is akin to the large recliner seats found on other US airlines’ first class, and will feature a four-abreast configuration with increased legroom. Additionally, power ports will be installed in these seats, although the specific types available remain unclear.
One notable feature missing from this setup is the ability to recline, as these seats will be ‘pre-reclined’. In terms of amenities, first class tickets will not include complimentary beverages or snacks, meaning passengers will only pay for the seat itself. It is anticipated that Frontier will begin retrofitting its aircraft shortly, with two rows totaling eight seats per plane.
Initially, these seats will be marketed as Upfront Plus until early March 2027, when the airline expects to finish retrofitting its fleet and officially launch the new first class service.
Source: Original article
