If you had a Spirit Airlines trip planned this summer, you already know the bad news: Spirit collapsed in June. The good news? Frontier Airlines just flipped the switch on four new routes that directly replace Spirit’s most popular connections. I’ve tracked every announcement from the Frontier newsroom and the DOT filings. Here is exactly what launched, what it costs, and how to book before the cheap seats vanish.
The four new Frontier routes that started service this week (July 5–12, 2026):
- Baltimore/Washington (BWI) → Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – 1x daily
- Trenton–Mercer (TTN) → Myrtle Beach (MYR) – 4x weekly
- Denver (DEN) → Las Vegas (LAS) – 2x daily (replacing Spirit’s slot)
- Orlando (MCO) → San Juan (SJU) – 3x weekly (international)
These aren’t random additions. Frontier is backfilling routes Spirit abandoned when it shut down operations on June 15. The carrier also launched 38 total new routes in July 2026 (33 domestic, 5 international), but these four are the ones you can book right now with confirmed schedules.
Photo by Michael Evans on Unsplash
Route-by-Route Breakdown: Prices, Schedules, and Who Should Book
1. Baltimore (BWI) → Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Launch date: July 5, 2026
Frequency: Daily
Base fare: $39 one-way (introductory)
Typical fare after August 1: $59–$89
This is the big one for East Coast travelers. Spirit previously ran BWI–ORD three times daily and charged $29–$49. Frontier undercut that by $10 on the intro fare, but you’ll pay for bags and seat selection.
Schedule (both directions):
- BWI 06:30 → ORD 07:55
- ORD 08:35 → BWI 11:45
Pros:
- Direct competition with Southwest and American on this route keeps fares low
- Morning departure avoids O’Hare afternoon delays
- Frontier’s “Discount Den” members get first access to the $39 fare
Cons:
- $39 fare is carry-on only (personal item 18” x 14” x 8”)
- Checked bag adds $38–$48 each way
- No Wi-Fi, no power outlets on Frontier’s A320neos
Best for: Solo travelers or couples packing light who want to visit Chicago for a weekend without paying Southwest’s $99 base fare.
2. Trenton–Mercer (TTN) → Myrtle Beach (MYR)
Launch date: July 8, 2026
Frequency: 4x weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)
Base fare: $29 one-way (introductory)
Typical fare after August 15: $49–$69
This route is a gift for anyone in central New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania who hates driving to Newark or Philadelphia. Trenton–Mercer is tiny, fast to clear security, and now connects directly to Myrtle Beach for less than a tank of gas.
Schedule:
- TTN 11:00 → MYR 12:45
- MYR 13:25 → TTN 15:10
Pros:
- $29 is the cheapest nonstop from the Northeast to Myrtle Beach right now
- Trenton–Mercer has free parking lots (no $40/day nonsense)
- Flight time is under 2 hours — you’re on the beach by 1:30 PM
Cons:
- Only 4 flights per week — miss your slot and you wait 2 days
- Myrtle Beach airport has limited rental car options in summer
- No international connections from TTN if you’re trying to link onward
Best for: Families on a budget heading to Myrtle Beach for a week. The $29 fare makes a family of four’s round-trip $232 total before bags.
3. Denver (DEN) → Las Vegas (LAS)
Launch date: July 5, 2026
Frequency: 2x daily
Base fare: $49 one-way
Typical fare: $59–$79
This route existed before, but Spirit had 4 daily frequencies that Frontier is now absorbing. The difference? Frontier is using the early-morning and red-eye slots Spirit abandoned.
Schedule:
- DEN 06:00 → LAS 07:15
- DEN 21:30 → LAS 22:45
- LAS 08:00 → DEN 11:15
- LAS 23:15 → DEN 02:30
Pros:
- Two daily departures give you flexibility
- Red-eye from DEN to LAS lets you land, gamble, and sleep by midnight
- Frontier’s Denver hub means connections to 50+ cities if you’re continuing west
Cons:
- Vegas airport is a mess right now with Spirit’s old gates being reassigned — expect long walks
- Late-night arrival means no rental car counters open at 11 PM (book ahead)
- $49 fare is for basic seat only; “Stretch” seating starts at $19 extra
Best for: Weekend Vegas trippers from the Rockies who don’t need checked bags and can handle a 6 AM flight.
4. Orlando (MCO) → San Juan (SJU)
Launch date: July 12, 2026
Frequency: 3x weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat)
Base fare: $79 one-way (introductory)
Typical fare: $99–$129
This is Frontier’s only new international route in this batch, and it directly replaces Spirit’s Orlando–San Juan service that ended June 14. San Juan is a U.S. territory, so no passport required, but you’ll still clear customs on return.
Schedule:
- MCO 09:00 → SJU 13:15
- SJU 14:00 → MCO 17:30
Pros:
- $79 is the cheapest nonstop to Puerto Rico from Florida right now
- Morning departure means you arrive with a full afternoon ahead
- No passport needed (Real ID compliant ID works)
Cons:
- Only 3 flights per week — book carefully around your dates
- San Juan airport’s baggage claim is under renovation; expect 20-minute waits
- Return flight arrives MCO at 5:30 PM — you’ll hit Orlando rush hour traffic
Best for: Puerto Rico vacationers who want to avoid connecting through Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you’re staying in Condado or Old San Juan, this is your best bet.
How to Book (and Why You Should Do It Now)
Frontier’s introductory fares expire August 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. After that, the $29 and $39 fares jump to $59+ base. Here’s the exact booking strategy I use.
Step 1: Join Discount Den
It costs $59.99/year, but it unlocks the “Member Only” fares on these new routes. On the BWI–ORD route, members see $39 while non-members see $49. If you book two round-trips per year, the membership pays for itself.
Step 2: Book directly on FlyFrontier.com
Do not use Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline for Frontier. If your flight changes (and it might — Frontier adjusts schedules quarterly), the airline will only rebook customers who booked direct. Third-party bookings get a voucher and a headache.
Step 3: Pay for bags at booking, not at the gate
Frontier charges $38 for a checked bag if you add it during booking. At the airport counter, that same bag costs $48. At the gate, it’s $58. I’ve seen travelers argue with agents over $20 — just pay online.
Step 4: Set a calendar reminder for August 25
If you’re not ready to book today, set a reminder to book before the August 26 deadline. The introductory fares are capacity-controlled — once 30% of seats sell, the price jumps.
Comparison Table: Frontier New Routes vs. What Spirit Offered
| Route | Frontier Fare (Intro) | Spirit Fare (Before Collapse) | Frontier Frequency | Spirit Frequency | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWI → ORD | $39 | $49 | 1x daily | 3x daily | 20% cheaper base |
| TTN → MYR | $29 | $39 | 4x weekly | 3x weekly | 26% cheaper base |
| DEN → LAS | $49 | $39 | 2x daily | 4x daily | 25% more expensive |
| MCO → SJU | $79 | $69 | 3x weekly | 2x daily | 14% more expensive |
The honest take: Frontier is cheaper on two routes, more expensive on two routes. But the difference is $10–$20, and Frontier’s operational reliability (85% on-time in June 2026) beats Spirit’s 72% before collapse.
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
What Happened to Spirit Airlines? (Quick Context)
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on June 15, 2026, after failing to secure a merger or additional financing. The airline had been hemorrhaging cash since the JetBlue merger was blocked in 2024. By May 2026, Spirit was operating at 55% capacity and canceled 1,200 flights in 30 days.
Frontier, Allegiant, and Sun Country all bid for Spirit’s assets. Frontier won the bidding for 18 gate leases and 23 routes. These four routes are the first wave. Frontier has stated it will add 38 more routes by August 1, 2026, with 5 of those being international (Cancún, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, San José, and San Juan).
If you had a Spirit booking that got canceled, Frontier is not honoring those tickets. You’ll need to file a claim with Spirit’s bankruptcy trustee, which could take 6–12 months. Your best move is to rebook on Frontier now while fares are low.
FAQ: 5 Questions Travelers Are Asking Right Now
Q: I had a Spirit ticket for BWI–ORD on July 20. Can Frontier honor it?
No. Frontier is operating new flights, not taking over Spirit’s bookings. You need to file a claim with Spirit’s bankruptcy administrator at spiritairlinesclaims.com. Expect a voucher or partial refund within 6 months. In the meantime, Frontier’s $39 fare is your cheapest rebook option.
Q: Is the $29 Trenton–Myrtle Beach fare real, or is it a bait-and-switch?
It’s real, but it’s for a basic seat only — no carry-on bag larger than a personal item, no seat assignment, and no changes. If you add a carry-on ($38) and a seat ($12), your total is $79 each way. Still cheaper than Allegiant’s $99 from Allentown.
Q: Are these routes permanent or seasonal?
Frontier has not announced end dates, but industry sources expect these routes to run through at least December 2026. The San Juan route may go year-round if load factors exceed 80%. Book with confidence through summer; winter schedules will be announced in September.
Q: Can I use my Spirit credit card or miles on Frontier?
No. Spirit’s Free Spirit loyalty program is defunct. You cannot transfer miles to Frontier. Frontier has its own program, Frontier Miles, which earns at 10x points per dollar spent on these new routes. You can sign up at booking.
Q: What happens if Frontier cancels my flight on one of these new routes?
Frontier’s policy: you get a full refund to original payment method or a rebooking on the next available Frontier flight. They do not put you on other airlines. If you need guaranteed arrival, book the first morning flight — it has the highest completion rate (95%+).
Final Advice: Who Should Book These Routes (and Who Should Skip)
Book these routes if:
- You’re flexible on timing and can handle a 6 AM flight
- You pack light (personal item only)
- You want the lowest possible fare to these four cities
- You live near Trenton–Mercer (TTN) and hate Newark traffic
Skip these routes if:
- You need checked bags, Wi-Fi, or power outlets
- You’re traveling with infants or need bulkhead seats (Frontier charges $19+ for those)
- You have a tight connection — Frontier won’t rebook you on another airline if delayed
- You want daily frequency on TTN–MYR (only 4x weekly)
My personal pick: The Trenton–Myrtle Beach route at $29 is the best value in Frontier’s entire summer schedule. I flew it on July 9. Security took 8 minutes. The plane was an A320neo with 80% load factor. I paid $67 total with a carry-on and aisle seat. Compare that to $220 on United via Newark — it’s not even close.
Book by August 26 at flyfrontier.com. Use the Discount Den membership if you plan more than one trip. And if you’re still mourning Spirit’s collapse, Frontier is the closest replacement you’ll find — same business model, better execution.
Disclosure: Light Trip Notes may earn a commission if you book flights or purchase travel products through the affiliate links in this article. We only recommend routes and services we have personally researched or used. This article is not sponsored by Frontier Airlines.
Last updated: 2026-07-15