What to expect when Flying Frontier Airlines!

Oh Frontier airlines why did you change…

I have flown Frontier airlines a lot the past 6 years . In the beginning it wasn’t bad their service was very similar to Southwest and Jet blue. Free direct TV on every seat and great customer service. Three years ago the company decided to change to”low-cost carrier” to now “Ultra low cost carrier”. Yes. Their business model is almost like Spirit airlines. I only fly Frontier or Spirit Airlines when I am too cheap or lazy to book on Delta , American or Southwest. Yes fares are really cheap with these guys like 19 dollars one way on certain days. But there are a lot of extra fees …..

The fees!!

Nothing is free on this airline except water(some times).You allowed  to bring ONE personal item ( Like a small bag ,purse or briefcase) for free as long it fits underneath the seat in front of you. Baggage fees are five dollars cheaper at the time of booking the flight online then later. Check in fees( 20 dollars at booking 25 dollars at the check in counter and 60 dollars check in at the gate) Over head bin fees(30 dollars at booking, 35 at check in 40 dollars at the airport counter and 60 dollars at the gate.).As you see It is cheaper to check in a bag than pay to use the overhead bin. Unlike spirit they will make you pay a penalty of 60 dollars if have more than one carry on bag at the gate. If you cannot combine your bags or pay the fee they will not board you.

More fees continued

Like Spirit you do have to pay to select your seat. The first 2-4 rows are the stretch seating(premium economy) seating that cost between 15-75 dollars. All other rows cost between 4-30 dollars. Keep in mind if you are booking for a large group or family there is no guarantee that you will be seated together if you opt out in paying for select seating. If you are tall or not good with cramp leg space it would be wise to pay for the stretch seating or emergency row.

Boarding and Inflight..

Boarding the plane was surprisingly pretty smooth. They use the standard zone system. Flight attendants were very helpful. They do interact with the customers. No more Directv on the planes. The airline has slowly refurbished their planes with a new slim line seats to increase seating capacity. They are really thin with no padding. The seating can be uncomfortable for those who are flying long distance flights. There are no free snacks and drinks on Frontier they have a menu that details cost and what is available for sale inflight. Soda and juice 4-6 dollars beer and wine 8-10 dollars . Chips and other assorted snacks 8-15 dollars. I would advise you to buy snacks,water and soda in the airport.

Delays and Cancellations.

This airline has limited flights to certain destinations. Delays are common. If your flight cancelled you might be automatically rebooked on a flight in 24 hours to a few days.And flight credit and hotel accommodation is a may issue. Missed flights are subject to rebooking fees. So if it’s a must to arrive on time I would spend more money and book with a legacy carrier.

The Verdict..

Frontier is another no frills airline that just get where you need to go providing the bare minimum service in exchange for super cheap airfares. And I Know a lot of people experiences are not as positive as others. Its is maybe they did not read the fine print or had an unexpected delay.. I would fly this airline if I have plenty of time and not traveling for business or going on a cruise. Again it not for everybody.