Frontier Airlines returns to Oakland Airport with flights to Las Vegas
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Frontier Airlines resumed service at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport on Thursday, launching new nonstop flights to Las Vegas after a three-year absence from the East Bay.
The discount carrier's return was marked by a ribbon-cutting celebration and drew enthusiastic travelers eager to board the inaugural flight. Frontier said one-way fares to Las Vegas start at $49, with promotional fares as low as $29 for a limited time.
"Whooh! Vegas," shouted the Ramirez family as they prepared to board.
The family from Vallejo said the route offers a convenient and affordable way to continue a family tradition.
"We love Vegas," said Conception Ramirez.
"She loves gambling," Ramirez added, referring to her mother Ana Conrado. "We have to go every year. We have to go."
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Conrado said she enjoys spending time in the casinos.
"I like the machine, the machine, I play the machine. I like everything," Conrado said.
Local officials and airport leaders welcomed the airline's return.
"Let's fly!" said state Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Oakland, during the celebration.
Tyri Squyres, a vice president with Frontier Airlines, encouraged travelers to take advantage of the new route.
"Today would be a good day to book a flight to Vegas," Squyres said. "Today, we have a special offer to celebrate our new service. Fares as low as $29 on our website."
Travelers said the low fares were a major attraction.
"It's cheaper, and it's affordable for everybody," said Ana Ramirez.
Frontier is filling space vacated by Spirit Airlines, which previously operated from the airport before its bankruptcy.
MORE: Spirit Airlines pulling out of the Bay Area, stopping flights to Oakland and San Jose
Port of Oakland officials said the new service expands travel options for East Bay residents.
"It's a great day for the airport and for travelers," said Kristi McKenney, executive director of the Port of Oakland. "It's another positive step in expanding our choices."
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also welcomed the airline's return.
"Frontier's decision to return to Oakland reinforces Oakland's place as a critical gateway for the Bay Area," Lee said. "Oakland is open for business and, definitely, Oakland is on the move. This is just another day that exemplifies that fact."
"More flights also means more work for real folks in this community in East Oakland," Simon said.
Frontier ended all East Bay service in 2023. Travelers said the airline's return provides both convenience and savings.
"It's so much easier for my family. We go to Vegas every year. It's closer to my grandma, especially since she lives in San Pablo," Ana Ramirez said. "And for us too, since we only have to drive over one bridge to come here."
San Leandro resident Lai Perez said the airport's proximity was a major benefit.
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"Instead of going to SF, we can fly from here," Perez said. "It's just four minutes away from our house."
Perez and her husband were traveling to Las Vegas to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
"(It's our) first-year wedding anniversary," said Perez. "Super excited."
The trip will also mark their first visit to Las Vegas. They have a lot of plans.
"Casinos, check the Strip. I think we are going to watch Backstreet Boys," Perez said.
Frontier said additional services are planned from Oakland.
"We are going to be adding a week of holiday flying to Southern California to Ontario Airport. It's live and for sale on the website," Squyres said.
Frontier will operate Las Vegas flights from Oakland 11 times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The airline noted that passengers should expect additional fees for carry-on luggage.
