Locals planning an off-season trip to Mexico can now find a cheap flight on Frontier from Aspen three weeks earlier than expected.
On Friday, the low-cost airline quietly moved its start date up for Sardy Field service from May 15 to April 26, Frontier spokesman Joe Hodas confirmed Monday. Hodas announced the change on Plum TV's MorningNoon&Night Show on Saturday.
The low-cost airline will operate five daily departures from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lynx Aviation.
Hodas said that when the airline put out its original
schedule, "we thought we could exceed the timeline," and managed to get agreements from all its partners to do so. He said it was an advantage to the airline to get the service up and running, but it also benefits the consumer. Frontier is offering a $79 one-way introductory fare (before taxes) between Aspen and Denver through June 11.
The accelerated time frame likely won't be much of an advantage to Aspen's tourism community, said Stay Aspen Snowmass President Bill Tomcich, hitting in the depths of off-season, but locals planning spring trips after the mountains close April 13 will benefit.
"I think it's going to be a great thing for the locals getting out of town for the off-season, and they will be able to do so more affordably than ever before," said Tomcich.
Frontier is beginning service this spring to seven other regional destinations, including Durango, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs within the state.
Aspen will be served by the 74-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop, which proponents say is quieter, more reliable and more environmentally friendly than other similar aircraft. It's also not susceptible to weight restrictions like aircraft that used to serve Aspen, officials say, and because it burns 40 percent less fuel than comparable planes, that's one reason the airline can offer more affordable rates.
Since the low-cost airline's announcement that it will begin regional service, Delta Airlines has matched all fares to markets Frontier is serving, according to Tomcich. United Airlines, whose $25 charge for a second piece of baggage kicks in May 1, has not.
lutz@aspendailynews.com
