What You Should Know Before Flying Frontier Airlines

October 31, 2023

What You Should Know Before Flying Frontier Airlines

What You Should Know Before Flying Frontier Airlines

Introduction: Frontier Airlines – A Budget Traveler’s Dream or Nightmare?

Alright, travel tribe, we’ve all been there. Scrolling through flight deals, and bam! An unbelievably low fare on Frontier Airlines pops up. With its distinctive animal tails and tempting fares, it’s hard not to be drawn in. But as with all budget airlines, there’s more beneath the surface. So, before you jump on that deal, let’s unpack the Frontier experience. Is it the dream ticket for budget travelers or a series of unexpected surprises waiting to unfold?

The Real Cost of a ‘Cheap’ Ticket

Those enticing $19 fares? They can quickly balloon with added fees. From baggage charges to seat selection, the extras can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. It’s like buying a basic burger and then realizing that lettuce, tomato, and the bun cost extra.

The ‘Works’ and ‘The Perks’

Frontier offers two main bundles: ‘The Works’ and ‘The Perks’. Think of them as the combo meals of air travel. These bundles can include benefits like seat selection, baggage allowances, and priority boarding, often at a price that’s easier on the wallet than adding each service a la carte. Personally, I’ve never purchased these bundles. (I’ve received them for free with my Frontier Status, but more on that later). By the time you add these on, you might as well consider other airlines like Delta or Southwest.

Baggage Policies

Remember that time I mistook my slightly oversized backpack as a personal item? Yep, that was an unexpected fee I hadn’t budgeted for. Lesson learned!

Carry-On and Checked Bag Fees: Frontier’s pricing model for bags can feel like a maze. Prices vary based on when and where you pay, so planning ahead is key.
Size and Weight Limits: Frontier isn’t playing around with their baggage dimensions. Before you start stuffing that suitcase, make sure it fits their criteria.

Seating on Frontier

Frontier gives you the option to select your seat for a fee. If you’re not too fussed about where you sit, you can roll the dice and let them assign you a seat during check-in. But if you’re hoping for that window view or extra legroom, it might be worth the splurge. And when I say check in early, I really mean it! Frontier is notorious for overbooking their flights. So, if you haven’t purchased a seat, they assign seats on a first-come, first-serve basis starting 24 hours before flight time. Set those alarms, divas; you’ll thank me later!

My Own Lesson Learned

Alright, travel tribe, gather around for a tale of unexpected twists and turns. Our bags were packed, Mickey ears included, and the excitement was palpable. We had meticulously planned our Disney adventure, down to the last detail. But as fate would have it, Frontier had a different adventure in store for us.

We arrived at the airport, visions of Disney parades dancing in our heads, only to be hit with the news: our flight was overbooked. Now, I’d heard of this happening, but never imagined I’d be one of the unlucky few caught in this predicament. The realization was like a splash of cold water – our well-laid plans were unraveling before our eyes.

In a desperate bid to salvage our trip, we found ourselves racing to another airport an hour away, hoping to catch a last-minute flight on a different airline. The stress was palpable, the stakes high. And the cost? An unexpected $250 for last-minute one-way tickets, not to mention the emotional toll of the ordeal.

But every cloud has its silver lining. This harrowing experience taught me a valuable lesson about the unpredictable nature of air travel, especially with airlines known for overbooking. And when I say check in early, I really mean it! I learned the hard way. lol

Avoiding Additional Costs

Frontier’s model is clear: you pay for what you choose. But with a little savvy, you can navigate their system without breaking the bank.

Read, Read, and Read Some More: Frontier’s website is a treasure trove of information. They’re transparent about their fees, but the onus is on you to pay attention.
Purchase Everything Online: From baggage fees to in-flight snacks – booking online is your best bet to save those bucks. Plus, with frequent sales and deals, you might just snag a bargain.
Know What You’re (Not) Getting: Frontier is a no-frills airline. So, pack your snacks, download your entertainment, and bring that neck pillow. A little prep can make your flight much more enjoyable.

When Does Flying Frontier Make Sense?

Alright, divas, let’s get real. While Frontier offers some jaw-dropping deals, it’s not always the best fit for every type of trip. So, when should you consider hopping on a Frontier flight, and when might you want to explore other options? Let’s break it down:

Short Trips: If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a quick visit to see family or friends, Frontier can be a fantastic choice. Their no-frills model is perfect for those who don’t need a lot of extras for a short hop.
Leisure Vacations: When you’re on vacation mode and time is on your side, potential delays or hiccups that can sometimes come with budget airlines might not be a big deal. Plus, the money saved on flights can be splurged on experiences at the destination!
Direct Flights: One of Frontier’s strengths is its range of direct flights. If they offer a non-stop route to your desired destination from your city, it can be a game-changer. Who doesn’t love skipping layovers?
Traveling Light: If you’re a master packer or just heading out for a brief trip, Frontier’s baggage fees won’t hit you as hard. Pack smart, and you might just get away with their personal item allowance.
Significant Price Differences: Sometimes, the price difference between Frontier and other airlines is just too good to pass up. If you’ve done your homework and factored in potential additional costs, and Frontier still comes out on top, it’s a no-brainer.
Status Matching: If you’ve got premium status with another airline or hotel, Frontier’s Status Match program can be a sweet deal. You’ll get to enjoy some of the perks without the usual costs.
Flexibility is Your Middle Name: If you’re the kind of traveler who goes with the flow, Frontier’s unpredictabilities won’t faze you. With a flexible attitude, you can navigate any potential challenges and still come out on top.

Ballin’ on a Budget with Frontier

Thanks to Frontier, we’ve been able to embark on some truly epic adventures without breaking the bank. Here are some of our top “Ballin’ on a Budget” trips, made possible by those unbeatable Frontier deals:

Ballin on a Budget in Cancun: Sun, sand, and savings! Our Cancun adventure was one for the books, and the best part? It didn’t cost us an arm and a leg.
4 Nights in Valladolid under $250 for everything!: Valladolid was a hidden gem, and exploring it on a shoestring budget made the experience even sweeter.
Ballin on a Budget: Universal Studios Edition: Who said theme park vacations have to be pricey? With Frontier’s deals, we enjoyed Universal Studios without the usual hefty price tag.
How we got to Anguilla for under $500 by flying to Puerto Rico First: A strategic flight plan and Frontier’s deals made our Anguilla dream a reality without the typical high costs.
3 Nights in NOLA for $100 per night: The vibrant streets of New Orleans beckoned, and thanks to Frontier, we danced our way through NOLA without emptying our wallets.
Belize Birthdays: How I took my mother in law to Belize for under $350 #FrontierMapChallenge: Celebrating in style in Belize, and all on a budget! This trip was a testament to Frontier’s unbeatable deals and a little creative planning on our part.

Status Matching with Frontier

Alright, divas, let’s dive into one of the travel world’s best-kept secrets: status matching. If you’re a frequent flyer or a loyal guest at certain hotels, you might be sitting on a golden ticket to elevate your Frontier experience. Here’s the scoop:

What is Status Matching? Status matching is a program offered by many airlines, including Frontier, where they’ll “match” your elite status from another airline or sometimes even from hotel loyalty programs. Essentially, it’s Frontier’s way of saying, “Hey, we see you’re a valued customer elsewhere. Come try us out with similar perks!”
Why Consider It? If you’ve earned elite status with another airline, you’ve likely enjoyed perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and maybe even complimentary upgrades. With Frontier’s status match, you can enjoy similar benefits without starting from scratch. It’s like being welcomed into the VIP club from day one.
How Does It Work with Frontier? To get status matched with Frontier, you’ll typically need to show proof of your elite status with another airline or hotel program. Once approved, Frontier will grant you a comparable status in their own loyalty program, often for a limited promotional period. The idea is to give you a taste of the perks in hopes you’ll fly with them more frequently.
The Perks: Depending on the status level you’re matched to, you could enjoy benefits like waived baggage fees, priority boarding, seat selection, and more. It’s like getting the “The Works” or “The Perks” bundles without the extra cost.
The Fine Print: Remember, divas, status matching is often a one-time deal. Once you’ve been matched, you’ll need to earn status the traditional way in subsequent years by racking up miles or meeting other criteria. Also, the promotional period for your matched status can vary, so make sure you’re clear on the terms.
Pro Tip: Some travelers strategically leverage status matching when they know they’ll be flying a particular airline more frequently in the near future. So, if you’ve got a bunch of Frontier flights on the horizon, now might be the perfect time to explore this option.

In a nutshell, if you’ve put in the work to earn elite status elsewhere, don’t let it go to waste. Status matching with Frontier can unlock a world of perks, making your budget-friendly travels feel just a bit more luxurious. So, why not give it a whirl and fly like a true diva?

FAQs

What’s the deal with Frontier’s Discount Den membership? “If you’re a frequent flyer with Frontier, the Discount Den can offer some sweet savings. But if you’re just taking the occasional trip, it might not be the best fit.”
How can I get the most out of Frontier’s frequent flyer program? “Frontier Miles can be a great way to earn free flights. The key is to rack up those miles and keep an eye out for special promotions.”
Any tips for a smooth check-in process with Frontier? “Absolutely! Check in online, print or download your boarding pass, and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Oh, and remember to check the size and weight of your bags to avoid any last-minute surprises.”

Catch flights, not feelings!

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