Frontier Airlines Introduces Vertical Class

Published on April 1, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a bold move to further reduce air travel costs, Frontier Airlines has unveiled Vertical Class, the industry’s first-ever standing room fare. This innovative concept aims to offer passengers the option to stand for the duration of the flight in exchange for ultra-low fares starting at just $9 each way. Currently, the product is pending FAA approval, but it promises to revolutionize the way people think about air travel.

Vertical Class: The Concept

Known for its low fares, Frontier Airlines is pushing the envelope by introducing Vertical Class, which allows passengers to book a standing-room-only fare. The airline claims this new product will allow them to carry up to 40% more passengers on each flight, passing the savings onto travelers.

“We believe in making travel accessible to almost everyone, and that means rethinking traditional seating,” said a spokesperson from Frontier Airlines. “By allowing passengers to stand and using overhead straps similar to those on buses and subways, we can accommodate more people and offer even lower fares.”

What Does Vertical Class Include?

For just $9, passengers can fly to any of Frontier’s 120+ destinations while standing. The basic Vertical Class package includes:

• Personal standing space with ergonomic back support.
• Secure hand straps for stability during the flight.
• Complimentary knee rests (available on select Airbus A320 aircraft only).

For those who want to upgrade their experience, Lean Premium is available for $15, which includes a padded wall to lean against during portions of the flight.

Additionally, Vertical Class fares do not include a carry-on bag allowance. Passengers are required to hold all personal items throughout the duration of the flight.

For $49, travelers can opt for UpFront Lean Plus, which offers a dedicated standing area near the cockpit, a retractable footrest, and priority disembarkation.

Safety and Regulations

Although Frontier Airlines is enthusiastic about this new fare structure, it is still subject to approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline plans to use an innovative new “lap shoulder belt” to secure standing passengers, a system inspired by restraints used on roller coasters. This new restraining device is designed to meet safety standards, and Frontier has stated that they have tested it with a limited number of passengers during initial trials.

Incentives for passengers include 10 bonus Frontier Miles per flight taken in Vertical Class, available for a limited time.

Final Thoughts

Before you start packing your standing gear, it’s important to note that this is an April Fool’s Day joke. Frontier Airlines has not introduced Vertical Class, and this concept is purely a humorous innovation for today’s celebration of April Fool’s.

While the idea of flying for ultra-low fares is appealing, it’s likely safer and more comfortable to use points and miles to reduce costs and enjoy traditional seating arrangements when flying. Standing on a flight might not be the most convenient way to travel, especially when considering the logistics of bathroom breaks and the potential for discomfort during longer flights.