Frontier, AirTran Partner To Lower Res Costs, Raise FF Benefits

Low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways today announced a partnership to combine their reservations system and reward programs, the first agreement of its type among low-cost carriers.

The agreement creates a Web-based reservations system that will list both airlines' destination cities, so each carrier's Web site will route customers to the other's site if they wish to book one of their cities. Both will have an integrated route map on their respective sites, and the partnership doubles the number of destinations available to more than 80 across four countries, according to the airlines. Denver International Airport is Frontier's chief hub, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is AirTran's.

The bigger implication for business travelers, however, is the combination of the two airlines' reward programs, said Helane Becker, managing director and transportation analysts at The Benchmark Co.

"It's not a huge implication, but it gives travelers an opportunity to earn frequent flyer miles," she said. "It basically extends the reach of the two airlines in question, which is a good event."

Under the terms of the partnership, travelers can earn credits in either a Frontier EarlyReturns or AirTran A+ Rewards account regardless of the airline flown. Travelers also can redeem miles in both programs with rewards from either airline.