Frontier Airlines will expand its network at Pittsburgh International Airport with four new routes starting this spring — including new service to Philadelphia.

At a press conference Thursday attended by PIT and Frontier officials, as well as state and local leaders, the ultra-low-cost carrier announced it will launch nonstop service to the following cities:

• Atlanta, starting May 17, with four weekly flights
• Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, starting May 16, with three weekly flights
• Philadelphia, starting May 16, with twice-daily flights
• Raleigh-Durham, N.C., starting May 17, with four weekly flights

The expansion triples Frontier’s network at PIT, which already includes nonstop service to Denver and Orlando. To celebrate the new routes, Frontier is offering introductory one-way fares starting at $19 if purchased by Dec. 19. Currently, travel can be booked through August 12, 2024, at FlyFrontier.com.

“We are thrilled to grow our operation at Pittsburgh International Airport and bring expanded ultra-low-cost flight options to area residents,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s vice president, network and operations design. “Our expansion offers consumers in Western Pennsylvania access to convenient and affordable travel to some fantastic destinations across the United States.”

Frontier will bring travelers additional low-cost options and more flight choices to Atlanta (currently served by Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines), Dallas (served by American Airlines and Southwest) and Raleigh-Durham (served by American and Breeze Airways).

The airline also joins American on the Pittsburgh-Philadelphia route and brings Frontier’s low-cost model to that market, enhancing connections between the western and eastern ends of Pennsylvania and making Philadelphia more accessible to Pittsburghers.

“Today’s announcement is a major win for this region and the entire state and strengthens PIT’s standing as a growing origin and destination airport,” said PIT CEO Christina Cassotis. “We know the demand for all of these routes continues to be strong, and we thank Frontier for making such an investment in us.”

Faster to Philly

The Frontier flight provides another alternative to driving between the state’s two largest population centers, both in time and cost.

A typical flight between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia lasts 40 minutes, on average, from wheels up to wheels down, whereas driving can take between five and six hours via the Pennsylvania Turnpike without accounting for traffic.

In terms of cost, Frontier said its introductory fare is lower than toll rates on the Turnpike. For example, the standard toll-by-plate rate between Pittsburgh and King of Prussia is $70.80 for passenger vehicles and $34.70 for E-ZPass customers, according to the Turnpike’s website.

“Pittsburgh International Airport is an important economic engine and gateway for Western Pennsylvania – and this expanded service is a significant step forward as we connect Pennsylvania travelers, tourists, and businesses to the rest of the country,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Western Pennsylvania is home to some of the greatest cities and towns, most innovative companies, and incredible natural beauty and commonsense infrastructure investments like expanding the number of direct flights from PIT has the potential to build on that growth. We’re getting stuff done in my first year as Governor and this is further proof that when government at all levels works together with business and workers to invest in our communities – we can do big things.”

Frontier offers customers the ability to customize travel to their needs and budget. Customers can purchase options either a la carte or in one low-priced bundle called the “WORKS.” This bundle includes refundability, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, the best available seat, waived change fees, and priority boarding.

Starting in 2024, the carrier’s Frontier Miles program will allow members to earn miles and benefits like priority boarding, free seat selection, no change or cancel fees to schedule changes made seven days before departure, and a free bag depending on status. Travelers can sign up for the program for free on Frontier’s website.