A Detailed Review of Frontier Airlines

Introduction

Frontier Airlines was founded in 1994 in the United States of America. It is known as a primary low-cost carrier and is often remembered for its no-frills approach. The airline serves a variety of domestic and international destinations with a fleet primarily made up of Airbus A320 family aircraft. Frontier is recognised for its affordable ticket prices, though it charges for many services that other airlines might include in the base fare. But is Frontier the right choice for your next trip? In this review, we’ll explain what you can expect from the airline, when it’s a great deal and when you might want to look elsewhere.

Airline Category: Budget

When to Use Frontier Airlines

Routes and Destinations
Frontier Airlines primarily serves domestic routes across the U.S. but also offers flights to several international destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. With a network focused on major cities and popular vacation spots, Frontier connects travellers to bustling metropolises and sunny beach destinations.

Best For
Frontier is ideal for budget-conscious travellers prioritising low ticket prices over luxury in-flight services. It’s perfect for short-haul trips, families looking to save on air travel, or anyone who doesn’t mind paying extra for checked bags or seat selection. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and can navigate add-on fees, Frontier offers some of the most affordable options.

When NOT to Use Frontier Airlines

Frontier might not be your best option if you’re planning a long-haul flight or need a more comfortable, premium experience. As a budget travel airline, you’ll find limited amenities, such as cramped seating and no complimentary food or beverages. Additionally, if you’re used to perks like priority boarding, lounge access, or in-flight entertainment, Frontier’s basic approach may not be what you are after. If you seek a more luxurious experience, it is best to avoid Frontier.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low-cost fares with great deals on domestic and short-haul flights
• Simple and efficient booking process
• Wide range of destinations, especially for budget-conscious travellers heading to popular vacation spots
• Frequent deals and promotions for savvy travellers who can book at the last minute or are flexible with travel dates

Cons:

• Limited in-flight amenities (no free snacks, drinks, or entertainment)
• Cramped seating with minimal legroom in economy class
• Additional fees for almost everything, from carry-on bags to seat selection
• Inconsistent service – you may encounter longer delays or less personalised customer service due to the airline’s budget model
• Limited international routes compared to full-service airlines

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability
Booking with Frontier Airlines is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly website and mobile app. You can easily search for flights, select seats, and add extra services like baggage or upgrades. The app provides a convenient way to access everything in one place, from managing your booking to checking flight statuses and accessing your boarding passes.

Payment and Ticketing
Frontier offers several payment options, including credit and debit cards. However, be mindful of the additional fees that can add up. Charges for checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport can quickly add to your overall ticket cost. The airline is transparent about these fees during the booking process, but they can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention.

In-Flight Experience

Food
Budget airlines are expected to have limited food service. There are no complimentary meals, but you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals. For shorter flights, this is generally fine, though it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks if you’re expecting more variety. For longer flights, the options remain basic, with a few additional snacks or pre-packaged meals available for purchase. Premium cabin services are not offered, as Frontier mainly focuses on budget travel.

Entertainment
On most flights, you’ll need to rely on your personal device, books or your choice of portable entertainment. Frontier Airlines doesn’t offer in-flight entertainment like seat-back screens or free movies. So make sure to pick up a magazine to book from the airport or download some offline podcasts and playlists before flying.

Does Frontier have Wi-Fi on board?

Availability and Performance
Wi-Fi is available on most Frontier Airlines flights, but it is expensive. It’s not free, and the connection can sometimes be spotty, particularly on shorter or more crowded flights. While the service is generally reliable for basic tasks like browsing the web or checking emails, streaming or heavy data usage might be slower. If staying connected during your flight is essential, check the Wi-Fi availability and fees when booking.

Service

Customer Service
Customer service with Frontier Airlines can be inconsistent. While you may experience helpful and friendly staff at the airport, reaching out for assistance via phone or email can often lead to long wait times and less satisfactory responses. The airline’s customer service team is generally focused on resolving issues quickly. Still, due to its budget model, you may not always receive the personalised attention or support you’d expect from full-service carriers.

Reliability
Frontier Airlines tends to have a higher rate of delays than other airlines, especially during peak travel periods. When delays or cancellations occur, compensation options are fairly limited. While you may receive a voucher for food or a flight credit, there are often no substantial reimbursements unless the delay is significant. It’s a good idea to monitor your flight status and be prepared for potential delays. Make sure to have appropriate travel insurance to help in case of cancellations or missed flights.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons
If you’re considering alternatives similar in cost to Frontier, consider Southwest and Spirit Airlines. Southwest, for example, offers free checked bags and a more relaxed approach to seat selection, making it a better choice for travellers looking to avoid extra fees. Spirit Airlines, like Frontier, has a bare-bones model with lower base fares but similar add-on charges. However, Spirit’s network may offer more flexibility regarding route options. JetBlue offers affordable fares with more in-flight amenities, including free snacks, entertainment, and better legroom, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra comfort.

What They Offer

• Southwest Airlines: Southwest offers free checked bags, free carry-ons, and no change fees, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid surprise charges. Their Customer Service is often praised for being more personable, and the airline has a relaxed boarding process, which appeals to frequent flyers and families.
• Spirit Airlines: Best for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind paying for extras like seat selection or carry-ons. Spirit’s ultra-low base fares make it attractive for short-haul flights, though passengers should expect additional fees for almost everything. It’s a solid option for those looking to save on the ticket price and willing to pack light and travel without frills.
• JetBlue: A middle ground between low-cost and full-service airlines. JetBlue is perfect for those who want affordable pricing but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. It offers more legroom than most budget carriers, free in-flight entertainment, and complimentary snacks and drinks. It is ideal for leisure and family travellers who value extra comfort without breaking the bank.
• Allegiant Air: Similar to Frontier regarding budget pricing, Allegiant is better suited for travel to less mainstream destinations, particularly for vacation spots. With affordable ticket prices and a network of routes to smaller airports, Allegiant is a solid option for travellers heading to niche or regional destinations. However, like Frontier, expect to pay extra for seats and luggage.

Conclusion

Frontier Airlines is a solid choice for budget-consumer travellers, particularly those booking short-haul flights. With its low base fares and a no-frills approach, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to save on ticket prices and is willing to pay extra for things like baggage or seat selection. However, if you’re seeking a more comfortable flight experience with complimentary amenities, better customer service, or more reliable on-time performance, you may want to consider other options. Frontier works best for travellers who prioritise affordability over luxury and are flexible with their expectations.

Final Thoughts

Have you flown with Frontier Airlines? We’d love to hear about your experience – drop a comment below and share your thoughts! If you’re ready to book your next adventure, check out the latest deals and flight options here.