This September we flew with Frontier Airlines for the first time. A direct flight from Columbus to Denver, including luggage, for $244! How can you beat that? But then I started reading the reviews, and I got nervous. I already have flight anxiety, and the reviews were making it seem like I was taking a tin can in the sky. But now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I can let everyone know what they’re in for, first-hand.
It’s truly no frills. There is nothing luxurious about Frontier. They literally call it an “air bus” which I thought was hilarious until I learned that’s an actual term. The seats do not recline, and the tray tables can barely fit a drink on them, let alone a book or anything else. It really does feel like you’re on a bus.
EVERYTHING is a la carte. Even water. No, frontier does not include any drinks or snacks on their flights. So pack your own snacks, and buy a bottle of water once you’re inside the aiport. Or better yet, bring an empty water bottle and fill it once you’re there. Most airports have purified water filling stations now! Luggage is not included in the base price, except one personal item. I should also mention it’s an extra $5 to choose your seat. So be aware that that $99 ticket could end up being closer to $140ish.
Be aware of luggage. A lot of reviews I read were people upset that the base ticket price does not include luggage. But it’s all right there in the fine print! I already mentioned every ticket includes a personal item. Just make sure to weigh and measure your luggage before you leave, because they will nickel and dime you whenever they can. If your personal item doesn’t fit under the seat, they will consider it a carry-on, and they will charge you for it.
The seats are…less than desired. I kept reading that the seats were like plastic folding chairs. Well, they weren’t quite that bad, but they weren’t great either. Thin, vinyl seats that don’t recline, with almost zero leg room. The leg room didn’t bother me so much, but my 6’5″ boyfriend was not as comfortable.
Get the app. For as budget of an airline as Frontier is, they have a surprisingly nice app! You can check in, load your boarding passes, pay bills, and even chat with customer service. Though if you pull up your boarding pass, I would screenshot it. Cell reception in airports is not always reliable.
Overall, it was fine for the price. Key word, FINE. I would fly Frontier again, but I think three hours would be my cap. I’ll buy the dirt cheap tickets to be uncomfortable for a couple hours, that’s a fair trade off. But if the flight were any longer, I think I would just suck it up and pay the extra money for comfort.
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I’ve never flown with Frontier but this is all good to know. I have flight anxiety as well and I’m always nervous to try out a new airline!
Same! But honestly it was one of the smoothest flights I’ve taken this year – the pilot was great!
I couldn’t agree with you more. I have flown frontier airlines many times and agree it is literally an “air bus!” But their flights are always cheap and on time in my experience, so thats a plus!
Yup! I agree, it’s a great deal for shorter flights.
Oh my! I have flight anxiety too! I appreciate your review!
Flight anxiety is the worrrrrst!
I have always had good experiences with Frontier. Love the prices!
Same!
I’ve flown Frontier many times. The deal from Houston to Denver is often too good to pass up- often $150 or less round trip! But I have had issues with them, the greatest being their tendency to bump you off your flight. They don’t do this while you’re at the airport- they do it in advance. You will suddenly receive an email saying that your flight has been changed to one much earlier, which you may not like at all. Even though you reserved your seat- or so you thought- they have this right to move you to another flight. As long as you still get to your destination when you originally expected, then they feel the deal is fair. This has happened to me more than once with Frontier and one time, I had to cancel my trip because they changed my flight to one leaving Houston at 7am as opposed to my original departure of 3pm. I couldn’t make the 7am and therefore had to cancel and seek out an afternoon flight on another airline.
That sounds terrible! Luckily I’ve never had this issue. Hopefully I never will! Yikes!
Air buses are pretty common in Europe! But those seats don’t look very inviting lol. I always take airline reviews with a pinch of salt because like you said you get people complaining that they have to pay extra for luggage – well, yeah! And some people have crazy expectations when they’re only paying a few quid for a flight! I think if you know what you’re getting into then it’s usually okay, so it’s good to read a review like this. 🙂 And I think I agree that 3 hours would be my cap too!
Thank you! The seats were not the best, but not the worst either – it was….sufficient for a shorter flight lol.
Hey!! I just messaged you on our FB page too…love your blog. We fly our kids on Froniter…we book quite a few flights for them so this is the best deal for us…sorry kiddos….want to visit us? Suck it up!! LOL….They have never had a bad experience. Now that they are familiar with the airline they just come fully prepared with snacks, books water etc.
Hahah it’s not a BAD airline my any means! Especially for kiddos who don’t have to care about leg room yet!
I’ve flown Frontier a few times. It’s definitely not the most comfortable airline but the prices can be worth it! Shorter flights aren’t too bad but I flew Frontier from Cincinnati to Las Vegas and my butt was sore from the uncomfortable seats haha. The price was still worth it though!
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I quite like reading through an article that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!