Legitimate Flight Freebies And Promotional Deals A Consumer Guide

The aviation industry frequently offers promotional deals and benefits that can significantly reduce travel costs for consumers. However, distinguishing between legitimate offers and misleading promotions requires careful attention to details and terms. This guide examines verified flight freebies and promotional deals available from major airlines, helping travelers understand how to access these benefits while avoiding common scams.

Understanding Legitimate Airline Promotions

Frontier Airlines currently offers promotional codes that provide travelers with complimentary benefits. Their current promotion includes free seat selection and a free carry-on bag when flying out of select airports. The promo code "FREEBIE" must be used during initial booking for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday through June 12, 2024 (excluding blackout dates May 25 and 28). This promotion is limited to flights departing from or arriving at specific airports including Boston (BOS), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Phoenix (PHX), and Raleigh-Durham (RDU).

The free carry-on is limited to one per person per direction, with standard size and weight limits applying. Free standard seat selection must be completed at the time of initial booking, and customers must enter the promo code during their new flight purchase. These benefits are available only at flyfrontier.com and through the Frontier mobile app during the promotional period.

Frontier also offers a "Friends Fly Free" promotion specifically for Discount Den members. To take advantage of this offer, members must sign into their account on FlyFrontier.com, select desired roundtrip flights, and enter promo code FLYFREE. This promotion must be booked by March 24, 2025, and is valid for travel through May 21, 2025, on select days of the week and routes. Additionally, Frontier offers a $0 Economy Bundle that must be booked by March 24 and is valid for travel through August 18, 2025.

Alaska Airlines has occasionally offered limited-time promotional sales, such as their rare 2-for-1 flight sale. During such promotions, when customers book one coach class ticket for travel through October 31, 2020, anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, they receive a second ticket on the same flight for just the taxes and fees. The booking process requires entering specific departure and arrival cities, dates, and indicating two travelers in the booking form. The discount code GETYOURROW must be entered in the discount code field, and customers are encouraged to select window and aisle seats. These promotions are typically time-sensitive, with the Alaska Airlines example ending at 11:59 pm PT on September 16, 2020.

Identifying and Avoiding Flight Freebie Scams

Despite legitimate promotional offers, the airline industry is also plagued by scams and misleading promotions. Many consumers have received postcards in their mail for so-called promotions that imply free travel without explicitly stating the offer is free. For example, some postcards claim recipients have been "selected to receive 2 round-trip airfares to anywhere in the contiguous United States, good for the next 12 months!" While these cards may imply free travel, they deliberately avoid using the word "free" anywhere on the material.

When evaluating airline promotions, consumers should be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true. Legitimate promotions typically come directly from the airline's official website or app, include specific terms and conditions, and have clear expiration dates. Promotions that require payment of "processing fees," "membership dues," or ask for excessive personal information are likely scams. Additionally, promotions that arrive via unsolicited mail, email, or social media messages should be verified directly with the airline before any personal information is provided or payment is made.

Seasonal Flight Sales and Limited-Time Offers

Major airlines frequently offer discounted fares during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These sales events present opportunities for travelers to secure significantly reduced airfare. During the 2024 shopping season, several airlines offered notable deals:

• Frontier Airlines: One-way flights starting as low as $19
• Spirit Airlines: One-way flights starting as low as $25
• Alaska Airlines: One-way flights starting as low as $49
• Southwest Airlines: One-way flights starting as low as $69
• American Airlines: Up to 40% off select flights
• JetBlue: Up to $750 off vacation packages

These seasonal deals are typically available through the airlines' official websites and may have specific blackout dates or travel period restrictions. Travelers interested in these promotions should book early, as discounted fares often sell out quickly.

Maximizing Savings with Airline Programs and Credit Cards

Several strategies can help travelers maximize savings on flights beyond limited-time promotions. One approach is to use travel reward credit cards, which allow cardholders to earn miles or points on everyday purchases. Some cards offer bonus points on airline-specific purchases or travel-related categories. When used responsibly, these cards can significantly reduce the cost of flights.

Popular travel reward credit cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Card ($95 annual fee), the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95 annual fee), and the Alaska Airlines Credit Card ($95 annual fee). While these cards typically have higher interest rates than other credit cards (up to 20% higher), travelers who pay their balances in full each month can benefit from the rewards without incurring interest charges.

Airline membership programs also provide opportunities for savings. Frontier's Discount Den membership, for example, provides access to discounted fares that are only available to members. Joining such programs typically requires an annual fee but can result in significant savings for frequent travelers. Additionally, some airlines offer elite status programs that provide benefits like free checked bag, priority boarding, and seat selection, which can further reduce travel costs.

Using Technology to Find Flight Deals

Technology has made it easier than ever to find and track flight deals. Travel apps like Hopper use sophisticated algorithms to predict price changes for different flights, helping travelers identify the best time to book. These apps allow users to watch specific flights and receive alerts when prices drop.

Hopper also offers a "freeze" feature that allows travelers to lock in a fare for a limited time. If the price drops further after freezing, the traveler pays the lower price. If the price increases, Hopper covers the difference up to $300. This feature provides travelers with protection against price fluctuations while still allowing them to take advantage of potential future discounts.

Beyond flight tracking, many airlines offer dedicated deal sections on their websites where discounted fares are regularly posted. For example, United's flight deals page features clearance-priced tickets aimed at filling empty seats. Similarly, Frontier, JetBlue, and Delta all maintain online deal sections where travelers can find current promotions and discounted fares.

Airline-Specific Promotional Strategies

Different airlines employ various promotional strategies to attract customers. Frontier Airlines, for instance, has implemented "The New Frontier" initiative, which includes product and service enhancements. Among these enhancements is UpFront Plus seating, an upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft. Passengers in UpFront Plus enjoy window or aisle seats with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat. The airline has also announced plans to introduce free, unlimited companion travel for its most loyal customers.

Southwest Airlines has been implementing changes to its fare structure and policies. These changes include introducing a new Basic Fare option, which is their lowest price point but comes with fewer perks and flexibility. The airline has also begun applying expiration dates to flight credits based on the fare type purchased. Looking ahead, Southwest has announced plans to introduce assigned seating to match customer preferences, premium seat upgrades, a redesigned boarding process and cabin layout, and redeemable red-eye flights for expanded travel flexibility.

Alaska Airlines has occasionally offered unique promotions like their 2-for-1 flight sale, where customers could purchase one ticket and receive a second ticket for just the taxes and fees. During such promotions, Alaska has emphasized middle seat blocking to provide passengers with additional space. The airline has also highlighted its enhanced cleaning procedures and elimination of change fees as part of their customer service improvements.

Conclusion

Legitimate flight freebies and promotional offers do exist, but they often come with specific terms, conditions, and limitations. Frontier Airlines currently offers promotional codes that provide free seat selection and carry-on bags for travel to specific airports on certain dates. Alaska Airlines has occasionally offered 2-for-1 flight sales where the second ticket is priced at just taxes and fees. Additionally, seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday present opportunities for significant savings on airfare.

To maximize flight savings, travelers can consider using travel reward credit cards, joining airline membership programs, and utilizing technology to track and predict price changes. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant against scams and misleading promotions that imply free travel without explicitly delivering on that promise. When evaluating any airline promotion, consumers should verify the offer directly with the airline, read all terms and conditions, and be cautious of any requests for payment or excessive personal information.

By understanding legitimate promotional strategies, utilizing savings programs, and remaining vigilant against scams, travelers can take advantage of genuine opportunities to reduce their flight costs while enjoying the benefits of air travel.

Sources

1. Frontier Airlines Freebies Promotion
2. Free Airline Tickets: Scams, Rackets and Rip-offs
3. Cheapest Flights Guide
4. Frontier Airlines Friends Fly Free
5. Southwest Airlines Updates
6. Alaska Airlines 2-for-1 Flight Sale