Frontier Airlines Review

Frontier is an ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Denver, Colorado. With over 120 destinations across the United States, Mexico, and Central America, it is an ideal choice of airline for travelers on a budget and those traveling lightly.

Frontier doesn’t offer the common amenities you’d find on other airlines. Is this something you’d be happy with? What’s the flight experience like without them? Do you just want to get from A to B at the lowest cost, or will the lack of amenities be a big no-no for you?

I took a Frontier Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to Denver, Colorado – the day after the global outage that had disastrous consequences for banks, businesses, health and emergency services, and of course airlines.

Here I share with you my experience with Frontier Airlines, plus all the details on air fares, extras, and more.

Where Can You Fly With Frontier Airlines?

You’ll find Frontier on numerous destinations around the USA. This includes:

… plus dozens of other destinations.Â

My Experience Flying Frontier Airlines

So as I’ve mentioned, by Frontier flight from Portland, Oregon, to Denver, Colorado was scheduled the day after the global outage – I was stressed out to say the least worrying about it.

To allow for any issues at the airport, I arrived two hours early. The line through security at Portland Airport took about 45 minutes – this is longer than usual, likely because many people’s flights had been rescheduled following their cancellations the day before.

However, somehow, my flight with Frontier departed a few minutes early, and landed in Denver about 20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

The flight itself was also pleasant, and I go through each aspect in just a moment. I was initially assigned the middle seat, but no one was in the window seat by the time we departed, so I shifted over for a window view.

Even without the details, that’s a pretty decent flight from Frontier. However it happened, Frontier got me from A to B ahead of schedule during a global electrical outage, when hundreds of flights were delayed worldwide.

Meals On Board

Since the flight was only two hours, no meals were served on board. This goes for every Frontier flight, and they do not offer complimentary snacks or drinks; they’re only available for purchase.

This is because Frontier is a budget airline. Snacks on various flights include ChexMix, pretzels, a nut mix, and M&Ms. You can purchase soda and alcoholic beverages like spirits, beer, and wine on select flights. 

America’s Greenest Airline

All aboard ‘America’s Greenest Airline!‘ This is yet another reason to fly Frontier.

They’ve collaborated with One Tree Planted, an organization that plants trees to help with reforestation in the Pacific Northwest, with the long-term goal of protecting Orcas.

Even though Frontier’s fares are low, they’re also 43% more fuel efficient. They’re working hard to reduce their environmental footprint in the hopes of traveling greener. In 2022, Frontier saved 133 million gallons of fuel through its sustainable practices. 

Frontier achieves this green status because it operates the largest A320neo family fleet in the United States. Because it has one of the youngest fleets in the state, it burns less fuel and is way more efficient than many other fleets in America.

This fleet has an ultra-efficient GTF engine. When an aircraft is heavy, it will burn more fuel. Frontier’s fleets are lighter thanks to their lightweight Recaro seats, which result in a 30% reduction in weight. 

Frontier goes even further to lighten their fleets by encouraging passengers to pack lighter. When I say ‘encourage’, I mean they charge pretty hefty carry-on and checked bag prices.

But it works! By traveling lighter, you’re also making a positive impact on the planet.

Other ways Frontier achieve green greatness is by encouraging customers to use a mobile boarding pass, having a paperless cockpit, and also transitioning from plastic to biodegradable cups. 

Ever noticed an image of an animal of the fins of their aircrafts? Different aircrafts have an endangered animal on it, to raise awareness on their species and why we must do more.

For example, their Aircraft Registration N316FR aircraft to France has ‘Shelly’ the sea turtle on it, with facts and information available on how we can help her and why she’s so magnificent.

Other aircrafts feature Hugh the Manatee, Wiley the Bison, Spot the Jaguar, Blanco the Polar Bear, and Francie the Piping Plover.

They’re also very vocal about their future steps to reducing their carbon footprint and making the world a greener place, such as by building their fleets with a new GTF engine that makes less noise pollution and less of a carbon footprint. 

Entertainment On Board

Unfortunately, Frontier does not offer onboard entertainment. Because they’re a budget airline, the lack of electrical outlets and in-flight entertainment means a reduced flight cost.

For some of us, I understand this would be a problem. I personally was very happy to read my book and get some work done on my laptop. Frontier do not have Wi-Fi available either on their flights, to reduce costs – so bear this is mind when considering how to pass the time.

Purchasing A Bag

Personal items are included with every Frontier fare and checked before boarding. There is a size checker right before you board the plane, and staff will watch you place your bag inside to check its dimensions. Make sure it fits!

If you want to include a carry-on bag, purchasing it when you buy your flight is best. Carry-on bags cost around $60 and up. You can also buy a checked bag starting at $60 and up.

Ensure it’s 40 pounds and under; otherwise, you’ll have to pay the overweight fee. If you have more than 40 pounds, you can upgrade it on the mobile app and website from 41-50 pounds and 51-99 pounds. 

Paying For Seats

Seats vary in price depending on where you’re flying. They typically start at $16 per seat, but range up to $38.

I rarely pay for a seat, and skip this option when checking into my flight. I usually get pretty lucky with my seat assignment, and I don’t mind where I sit if it’s a shorter flight. 

Frontier Stretch Seating

If you’re tall or prefer seats with extra legroom, Frontier offers stretch seating. Most seats range from 28 to 31 inches on Frontier, which is less than the average of 31 inches.

With Frontier stretch seating, you’ll get an extra five to seven inches to stretch your legs. They also recline and have larger tray tables. Some stretch seating costs $16, while longer flights start at $56. 

How To Book With Frontier Airlines

Booking on the Frontier website is simple and easy. Include your departure and arrival city, your date of departure, and your return date if you plan on doing a round trip.

The next page will take you to departure times, and you can select whichever suits your schedule. Then, you’ll see four different types of fares. 

Basic Fare

The Basic fare is the cheapest and excellent for a weekend trip to a neighboring state. This fare allows one personal item only, and you will likely be measured for size when you board. 

Economy Bundle

The Economy bundle includes one personal item, one carry-on, standard seat selection, and no change or cancellation fees before your flight.

This is an excellent option if you’re traveling longer than a short weekend away, since it gives you more leeway to pack more items and bring them on the plane. 

Premium Bundle

The Premium bundle includes one personal item, a carry-on, premium seat selection, no change or cancellation fees, and boarding first. This is a good option if you like a bit of comfort while traveling and have more of a budget for flights. 

Business Bundle

The Business bundle includes a personal item, carry-on, upfront plus seat selection with an empty middle seat, no change or cancel fees, boarding first, and two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds. 

Our Verdict On Frontier Airlines 

As one of the most affordable and greenest airlines in the United States, Frontier is an excellent option for budget travelers reaching 120 destinations around the USA, Mexico, and Central America.

Four different fares – Basic fare, Economy bundle, Premium bundle, and Business bundle – allow you to choose one based on your budget. My flight from Portland to Denver was comfortable, efficient, and on time, even during unusual circumstances.

If the lack of entertainment, Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks and drinks doesn’t bother you, flying on Frontier is a top option for a quick and easy getaway at a great price.