Frontier Airlines Review - Work Hard Travel Well (2024)

Are you traveling with Frontier Airlines for the first time? Here’s my comprehensive Frontier Airlines review, covering everything from the booking process to the in-flight experience. Whether you’re looking for Frontier Airlines reviews or simply curious about Frontier Airlines destinations, this guide will help you decide if this no-frills airline meets your travel needs.

Booking Process and Flight Options

Booking a flight with Frontier Airlines is straightforward. Head to FlyFrontier.com, where you can input your origin, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers. Don’t forget to check for any promo codes that might be available. You can choose between viewing flights for a specific date or exploring a month’s view to find the cheapest options.

Frontier Airlines offers three types of flights:

1. Standard Flight: Includes a free personal item, the option of a carry-on or checked bag, seat assignment choices, and one mile earned per mile flown.
2. Discount Den Membership: Requires a fee but offers discounts on flights.
3. The WORKS Bundle: This includes all the benefits of the Standard Flight plus additional perks like flight flexibility and refundable ticket options. For those interested, Frontier’s monthly pass is available, though details for this option will be covered in a separate video.

My Flight Experience: Atlanta to Las Vegas

I chose a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Las Vegas for $95, with an option for installment payments through Uplift. After filling in passenger details, I faced a choice: either bundle services or customize my options. The WORKS bundle provides a personal item, carry-on bag, checked bag, and seat selection. Upgrading to the WORKS also grants flight flexibility and a refund option, if necessary.

For my trip, I opted for the customization option, choosing the first three rows for seating, which came at an extra cost. I selected a checked bag, noting that Frontier’s weight limit for checked bags is 40 pounds, unlike the 50-pound limit on many other airlines. This could mean additional charges if your bag exceeds 40 pounds.

Cost Analysis and Tips

When booking with Frontier, consider whether the added costs of extras like seat selection, checked bags, and carry-on bags make sense for you. For my one-way flight, the total came to $177.98, which included the cost of bags and sitting in the front rows. Frontier offers a 24-hour cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel your booking without a fee if your plans change.

If you’re looking at the WORKS bundle, keep in mind that it includes a carry-on bag, checked bag, and seat selection. You may not get the premium front-row seats, but it might be cheaper overall if you need both bags. Always compare the bundle cost to the customization option to find the best deal for your needs.

Day of the Flight

On the day of the flight, I chose an evening departure. I printed my boarding pass at home to avoid the fee for printing at the airport. This small step can save you a few dollars. After dropping off my pre-paid checked bag, I was ready to board.

In-Flight Experience

The in-flight experience with Frontier Airlines was decent. As a no-frills airline, Frontier charges for nearly everything beyond your basic seat. This includes printing boarding passes at the airport, using ticket agents for assistance, and even early boarding.

Comparing Frontier to other no-frills airlines like Spirit, I found Frontier’s service more satisfactory. The flight was on time, the customer service was better, and the planes were cleaner. However, I did find the seat cushioning lacking, particularly in the lower back area. If you have back issues like I do, you might want to bring a small cushion or jacket to help support your back.

Frontier Airlines does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment, so make sure to download any content you want to watch or listen to before boarding. This is especially important for long flights, like my trip from Atlanta to Las Vegas.

Frontier Airlines vs. Other Airlines

One major drawback of flying Frontier Airlines is the lack of included amenities. When you add up the costs of baggage fees, seat selection, and other extras, you might find that flying with a full-service airline like Southwest or Delta is more cost-effective. These airlines include two free checked bags, a free carry-on, and seat selection in the base fare.

For example, if I were to fly Delta, I wouldn’t need to pay for my checked bag or carry-on. Depending on the specific circ*mstances of my trip, this could make the total cost comparable to or even cheaper than Frontier.

Frontier Airlines Destinations

Frontier Airlines offers a wide range of destinations across the United States and beyond, making it a convenient choice for budget travelers looking to explore various cities and regions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key destinations serviced by Frontier Airlines:

Domestic Destinations

East Coast:

• New York City, NY (LGA, JFK)
• Boston, MA (BOS)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA, IAD)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Orlando, FL (MCO)
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)

Central U.S.:

• Chicago, IL (ORD, MDW)
• Dallas, TX (DFW)
• Houston, TX (IAH, HOU)
• Atlanta, GA (ATL)
• Denver, CO (DEN) – Frontier’s hub
• Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
• Kansas City, MO (MCI)

West Coast:

• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• San Francisco, CA (SFO)
• Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
• Seattle, WA (SEA)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
• San Diego, CA (SAN)

Mountain West:

• Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
• Boise, ID (BOI)
• Albuquerque, NM (ABQ)

South:

• Nashville, TN (BNA)
• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• New Orleans, LA (MSY)
• Tampa, FL (TPA)

International Destinations

Caribbean:

• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Cancun, Mexico (CUN)
• Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)

Central America:

Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)

San José, Costa Rica (SJO)

Is Frontier Airlines Safe?

Frontier Airlines is considered safe to fly with, adhering to the same stringent safety standards and regulations as all major airlines operating in the United States. The airline complies with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which ensure that airlines meet high standards for aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and operational procedures. Here are some key points regarding the safety of Frontier Airlines:

FAA Oversight and Compliance:

Frontier Airlines is subject to regular inspections and audits by the FAA. These audits ensure that the airline complies with safety regulations, including those related to aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and operational procedures.

Modern Fleet:

Frontier operates a relatively young and modern fleet of Airbus aircraft, primarily the A320 family, known for their safety and reliability. A newer fleet often translates to fewer technical issues and a more consistent operational performance.

While Frontier Airlines is often noted for its no-frills service model, which includes additional fees for amenities like seat selection and baggage, these aspects do not impact the airline’s safety. Most criticisms are related to customer service and not safety concerns.

Would I fly Frontier Airlines again? Yes, but with reservations. While the experience was better than I expected, particularly compared to Spirit Airlines, the lack of amenities and additional costs for basic services are drawbacks. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler who doesn’t mind a no-frills experience, Frontier could be a good option. Just be sure to weigh the costs of extras and compare them with full-service airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

If you’re planning a trip soon, check out my other travel videos, including my experiences in Las Vegas and more.