Is Frontier Airlines Really That Bad? A Full Review

These days, there are many budget-friendly airline carriers to choose from. While their flight tickets are cheap, there are certain tradeoffs with the price reduction. That being said, it's always good to see so many more options from many budget airlines.

But finding a cheap flight that checks all the boxes can be pretty confusing. With so many different options, it's hard to know which airline is the best choice for you.

There are always going to be some disadvantages associated with budget-friendly airline carriers. But ultimately, a low-cost airline can save you a lot of money—and that's definitely worth considering.

One low cost airline that many travelers use is Frontier Airlines. But is Frontier Airlines good?

What Is Frontier Airlines?

Frontier Airlines is a Denver-based airline carrier founded in 1994. CEO Bill Franke initially focused on providing low-cost services to smaller markets. Today, the airline has expanded its reach, offering service to approximately 120 destinations worldwide. Many of these destinations are in the U.S.

Indigo Partners LLC owns Frontier Airlines. This private equity firm has some holding stakes and controlling interests in other airlines, including Chilean JetSmart, Volaris, Wizz Air, and Lynx Air (ceased operations).

How Does Frontier Keep Costs Low?

There are several amenities that Frontier lacks to save on costs. But they focus on keeping some essentials. Let's discuss...

Amenities & Entertainment

Frontier does not provide passengers with Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, or electrical outlets. Complimentary snacks are also not provided, but those with a credit card can purchase on board.

While passengers may miss some of these perks, Frontier passes these savings onto travelers with low ticket costs. Because of this, Frontier has become one of the most frequented budget airlines in the U.S.

As with all budget airlines, "It gets you from point A to point B."

Seats & Legroom

So, they got rid of all the things I mentioned above, but what do they do better than other budget air carriers?

On Frontier airplanes, you'll find your seat pitch, which is the space between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it, between 28 and 31 inches.

While this may seem like a small detail, every inch makes a difference in terms of legroom, especially for taller passengers or on long-haul flights.

The seats themselves are also pre-reclined, which might seem unusual. But this design choice allows for more personal space and minimizes those instances of the person in front suddenly reclining into your personal space.

Another advantage about Frontier's seating is the option to upgrade to "Stretch" seating, which offers even more legroom, and a few additional perks. It's an option worth considering if you enjoy a bit more room to stretch out or you simply crave an extra touch of comfort on your journey.

Where Does Frontier Airlines Fly To?

Frontier Airlines is a low-cost carrier that operates flights to more than 75 destinations across the United States.

According to this carrier's official webpage, Frontier Airlines serves over 120 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

Frontier Airlines also offers a handful of international routes, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica services.

Frontier Airline's 2025 All-You-Can-Fly Pass

In a 2023 announcement, Frontier Airlines began offering unlimited flight passes. The pass has continued year after year, garnering some popularity online for frequent fliers.

To curb unfilled seats on flights year-round, Frontier offers the "GoWild" unlimited flight pass for a set price, usually at a discount months prior.

Frontier Airlines is currently selling 2025 GoWild! All You Can Fly passes at a discount of $499 for a limited time from $699 original price. The previous discount of $299 has expired.

When you purchase a GoWild pass, you'll be benefiting in the following ways:

• Take unlimited flights in the purchase time period
• Get access to domestic and international destinations that Frontier flies to
• No more expired miles
• Your Elite Status will help you get FREE bags and seats

They're currently offering a couple of versions of its 2025 Frontier GoWild passes. Right now, the prices are advertised like this:

• Monthly Pass (Valid for 30 days after purchase) - First month 50$ + $99 enrollment fee, renews $149 monthly
• Fall & Winter Pass (Sept 1, 2024 - Feb 28, 2025) - Limited offer $399/year (Automatically renews at $399/year)
• Annual Pass (May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026) - Limited offer $299 (Sold out) | $499 (Current discount) | $699/year

How Does the GoWild Pass Work?

If you've decided to try out Frontier's all-you-can-fly pass, here's what you need to know when booking...

You'll need to go to FlyFrontier.com to book your flights. It sounds easy, but you'll only have access to book flights for a limited window, which is inconvenient or impossible for some people due to work schedules.

You can log on for domestic flights the day before the flight departure. And you'll be able to access international flight options starting 10 days before flight departure.

Depending on which pass you subscribe to, you can fly within the specified dates. For each flight, you'll pay $0.01 in airfare. That sounds great, right?

But don't forget, you'll also need to pay the applicable taxes, fees, and charges when you book. You can also purchase options like bags, seats, and other add-ons for your flight.

The GoWild Frontier Airlines pass offers budget travelers who won't mind being flexible with scheduling the opportunity on more spontaneous trips. But it's not for everyone!

So, Should You Get the GoWild pass?

If you're looking to book specific destinations and are unlikely to be flexible due to other commitments, like work or study, this pass might not be for you. The GoWild pass also has ~60 blackout dates, most during busy holiday seasons.

Also, even with unlimited flights, budget airlines like Frontier will still charge you additional fees for everything, including checked luggage, food and beverages, and priority boarding.

However, if you're a spontaneous person, a digital nomad, or a super traveler who packs light, this pass might be for you!

Frontier Airlines Credit Card

Did you know that Frontier also has its own branded credit card? They've partnered with Barclays to bring customers a Frontier Airlines World Mastercard.

While I'm a huge fan of credit cards and using them to get fantastic travel perks, Frontier's credit card seems lackluster at best. Here's the basic info on the card (as seen on Barclays website):

• The welcome bonus is 50,000 miles after spending $500 and paying the annual fee of $99 within the first 90 days‍
• You can also earn an additional $100 after spending $2,500 on your card within the first card member year
• As for the points system, you'll be earning 5x miles on eligible purchases at flyfrontier.com, 3x miles on restaurant purchases, and 1x miles on all other purchases
• Unlock instant Elite Gold Status after purchase within 90 days
• Reach Elite Status by earning 1 point with every $1 spent on purchases
• 2 free checked bags on Frontier flights

Overall, the reviews for the card are also underwhelming. Most airline-branded credit cards do offer a variety of perks, but this card seems pretty mediocre to me.

Unless you can make the most of the bonus miles and can spend as much, I'd probably consider another more useful credit card!

How to Book a Flight on Frontier Airlines

Follow these steps to book your flight on Frontier Airlines's website:

1. Select the "Lowest Price" option in the drop-down menu. This will ensure that you are shown the cheapest flights available.
2. If you have specific dates or times, enter them into the search engine. Otherwise, you'll be shown a list of flights for the entire month, which can be overwhelming.
3. Once you've found a flight that meets your needs, click the "Book Now" button. You'll be taken to a page where you can enter your personal information and payment details.
4. Be sure to double-check all your information before submitting it. Since you'll be flying on standby, everything must be correct to avoid any delays or problems at the airport.

What's Frontier Airline Baggage Policy Like?

If you're planning on flying Frontier, familiarize yourself with their baggage restrictions and fees before you go to the airport. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you bargained for.

Frontier Airlines has a few different policies depending on what type of ticket you've booked and the size of your luggage.

For example, their "Classic" ticket only allows for one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag. Frontier Airlines personal item size must not exceed 14" tall, 18" wide, and 8" long.

If you want to bring a carry-on bag, you'll have to pay an extra $30. The carry-on bag must not exceed 24" tall, 10" wide, and 16" long.

And if you want to bring a checked bag, that'll be $60. Checked baggage must not exceed 62 linear inches (including the width, height, and depth) and can be no heavier than 40 pounds.

Overweight checked baggage accrues a $50-$100 charge per bag, while oversized checked baggage will cost you a hefty ~$75.

Frontier Airlines Cancellation Policy

Frontier Airlines' cancellation policy, on paper, sounds pretty decent. You'll receive a full refund if you cancel more than seven days before your scheduled departure. If you cancel less than seven days before your departure, you'll have to forfeit the entire cost of the ticket.

All tickets are non-refundable.

But if you chose "the WORKS" option when you made your bookings, you could receive a refund. Frontier also allows all customers to cancel their tickets for full refunds up to 24 hours after purchase.

However... many online Frontier Airlines reviews have pointed out the not-so-decent customer services they've faced when talking with Frontier Airline customer representatives.

While their cancellation policy may sound good on paper, getting on the phone to get your request verified might be the real challenge.

Checking Your Flight Status

Frontier Airlines typically flies into 'smaller' airports than other larger, more expensive airlines. This means that you need to check your Frontier Airlines flight status using the official airline's flight status web page.

If you'd like to check the real-time flight status, check out FlightAware!

What Are People Saying: Frontier Airlines Reviews?

Frontier Airlines has been around for more than 2 decades. As a result, there are a ton of customer reviews online.

For the most part of Frontier Airlines reviews online, many people seem displeased with the airline, with an overall score of just 2.5 stars on TripAdvisor and 2/10 on AirlineQuality.

Much of this dissatisfaction seems to be centered around flight cancellation policy, baggage policy, seat comfort, and onboard experience.

With that said, Frontier Airlines also has positive reviews. Frontier's most popular positive review is its incredibly affordable ticket packages.

You can fly with your family, kids, and friends on low-priced flights. Besides, kids under 15 fly for free with Frontier Airlines if customers use Frontier's DISCOUNT DEN travel club.

Reaching Frontier Airlines Customer Service

Frontier has recently removed its live agent call centers and transitioned entirely to their online chatbot, social media channels, or WhatsApp. lol it's like they're tired of being yelled at.

Generally, the reviews for Frontier customer service have continued to be filled with unhappy customers saying it's hard to talk to someone and even harder actually to receive useful help. It doesn't sound like a good experience at all...

Find the Cheapest Flight!

If you're still looking for the cheapest Frontier Airlines flight, make sure you look on Skyscanner for the most affordable deals out there!

SkyScanner helps you find the cheapest flights available so that you won't have to pay more for flight tickets and save that money for more things to do or food to eat!

If you'd like other options as well, check out the review of Skiplagged or Scott's Cheap Flights, two flight deal services that travelers are in love with!

Is Frontier Airlines Worth it?

With everything said, is Frontier a good airline to fly with?

Honestly, it's not the first nor the second choice airline.

But is Frontier Airlines really that bad?

Frontier Airlines is worth it when considering the incredibly low-priced ticket packages, so my recommendation? It comes with very low expectations. Also, check the prices and compare them with those of other budget or non-budget airlines before you book.

Another thing: bring pillows or back support. While the seats look new, the seats killed my lower back.

If you're interested in the GoWild! Pass, make sure you do the calculations to know if it's worth it. Although an all-you-can-fly pass sounds great, you should double-check that it's actually the cost-effective way to travel.

If you can work around Frontier Airlines 'not-so-loved' cancellation and baggage policies, you'll have a good flying experience! Besides, you'll save time and money when you fly with Frontier Airlines.

However, don't expect a top-tiered customer service if you need to cancel or reschedule your flight! A lot of Frontier Airlines travelers have reported terrible customer service when they tried to ask for refunds, cancelations, or adjustments.

My Rating: 2.4/5

Pros:

• Affordable fares
• "GoWild" pass
• Cover many Western destinations
• Smooth check-in and boarding

Cons:

• Bare-bone flying experience
• Limited Eastern destinations
• Expect Frequent delays/cancelations
• Many add-on fees.
• Poor customer service

Frontier Airlines FAQ

Does Frontier have good reviews?

Frontier Airlines has an overall score of 2 stars on TripAdvisor and 2/10 on AirlineQuality, with most reviews citing issues like flight delays, cancellations, and poor customer service.

Is Frontier Airlines late a lot?

According to the US Department of Transportation, Frontier Airlines had an average of 64.50% on-time flights, beating out Jetblue and Allegiant. While Frontier is ahead of the 2 low-cost airlines, Frontier still scored very low compared to most other airlines.

Does Verizon own Frontier Airlines?

Nope. Frontier Communications is owned by Verizon, not the airlines. Frontier Airlines is owned by Indigo Partners, which has subsidiaries like Wizz Air.

Are Frontier flights uncomfortable?

I've found their flights to be bearable but ultimately similar to all low-cost carriers, very bare-bone. They're generally okay for short flights but increasingly get more uncomfortable for longer-haul flights.

Does Frontier automatically refund Cancelled flights?

According to the Department of Transportation, Frontier will have to refund you the entire amount should a flight gets canceled for any reason, and you've chosen not to book another future paid-for flight. However, you can also fill out Frontier's refund form online to expedite the process.

Ready to Fly? Try Pilot!

Are you looking forward to a trip to the warm Caribbean? Or perhaps you want to travel to a destination in America with Frontier? Whatever your choice, we are committed to helping you make your trip as smooth as possible.