Frontier Airlines Review [2024]: Are the low ratings justified?

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 out there, 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 at the end of the day, a low-cost airline can save you a lot of money—and that's definitely worth considering.

One budget-friendly airline that's used by many travelers is Frontier Airlines. But is Frontier Airlines good?

I'll dive into the details on whether Frontier Airlines is a reliable and trustworthy airline to book your flights with!

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 across the world. Many of these destinations are in the U.S.

Frontier Airlines is owned by Indigo Partners LLC. This private equity firm has a couple of holding stakes and controlling interests in other airlines, including Chilean JetSmart, Volaris, Wizz Air, and Lynx Air.

How Does Frontier Keep Costs Low?

There are a number of smaller amenities that Frontier doesn't have to save on costs. But they do focus on keeping some important quality items. Let's discuss...

Amenities & Entertainment

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

While some of these perks may be missed by passengers, 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.

Seats & Legroom

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

Frontier has committed itself to quality with things like comfortable seats and more legroom. On its 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, to be 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 bubble.

One other 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 about 120 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

Frontier Airlines also offers a handful of international routes, including services to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. Frontier's focus on providing low fares has made it a popular choice for budget-minded travelers.

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

In a 2023 announcement, Frontier Airlines will begin offering unlimited flight passes as early as spring 2023. Let's dissect what that actually means.

In an effort to curb unfilled seats on flights year-round, Frontier will begin to offer the "GoWild" unlimited flight pass.

As we're now in 2024, I can tell you more about the details and pricing for Frontier's GoWildPass. 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

Currently they're offering a couple of different version of its 2025 Frontier GoWild passes. Right now the prices are advertised like this:

• Frontier Airlines Monthly Pass (Valid for 30 days after purchase) - 0$ + $99 instalment fee, renews $149 monthly
• Frontier Airlines Fall & Winter Pass (Sept 2, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024) - $999/year [499/year Limited Time Offer]
• Frontier Airlines Annual Pass (May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025) - $599/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 for some people is inconvenient or impossible due to work schedules.

For domestic flights, you can log on 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'll be able to fly within the specified dates. For each flight, you'll pay $0.01 in airfare—sounds great right?

But don't forget, you'll also need to pay the applicable taxes, fees, and charges when you book. At this time, 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 definitely 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 lacklustre at best. Here's the basic info on the card (as seen on Barclays website in Jan 2024):

• The welcome bonus is 40,000 miles after spending $500 and paying the annual fee of $89 within the first 90 days‍
• You can also earn an additional 20,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on your card within the first 6 months
• 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
• Get to Elite Status quicker by earning 1 Qualifying Mile with every $1 spent on purchases or by flying Frontier
• Get access to Family Pooling, which means you can share and redeem miles with family and friends
• Receive a $100 Flight Voucher on each anniversary of your card with eligible purchases

Overall the reviews for the card are also underwhelming. Most people have an issue with the points expiring, as well as being very inflexible, and that the card doesn't offer free baggage. Most airline-branded credit cards do offer baggage perks, which is one of their more useful perks.

Unless you can really make the most of the $100 Flight Voucher, 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 Airline'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 in mind, 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 on 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, make sure to 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's Military Perks

If you're a part of the U.S. military (active duty armed forces, reserves, national guard members), Frontier Airline has some perks for you!

Frontier Airlines will give you the following in baggage waived when you present your Common Access Card (CAC) with uniformed services affiliation at the check-in counter.

• 1 waived personal item
• 1 waived carry-on bag
• 2 waived checked luggage

Keep in mind that this perk only applies to you and will not extend to your family members or traveling buddies and all bags still must comply with baggage policy and weight limits.

However, oversize and overweight baggage fees are waived for the first 2 checked bags.

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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, it's getting on the phone to get your request verified that 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 realtime 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, a lot of 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 a ton of positive reviews. For instance, Frontier Airlines flight attendants do a great job. But perhaps this airline'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.

How Do You Reach Frontier Airlines Customer Service?

Until recently, you have been able to call or reach Frontier's customer support online if you have an issue with your flight.

Frontier has very recently removed it's live agent call centers and transitioned completely to their online chatbot, social media channels, or WhatsApp.

Generally, the reviews for Frontier customer service have continued to be filled with unhappy customers saying its hard to talk to someone and even harder to actually receive useful help. Doesn't sound like a stellar 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 cheapest deals out there!

SkyScanner helps you find the cheapest flights available so that you wouldn'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 of 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? Come with very low expectations. Also check the prices and compare the prices 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.

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

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

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

My Rating: 2.7/5

Pros:

• Affordable fares
• "GoWild" 2024 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 trip advisor 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.

Is Frontier Airlines owned by Verizon?

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 gets more uncomfortable for longer-haul flights.

Does Frontier automatically refund Cancelled flights?

According to Department of Transportation, Frontier will have to refund you the entire amount should a flight get cancelled for any reason and you've chosen not to book another future paid-for flight. However, you're also able to 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.