Frontier is probably one of the best airlines in the industry, especially in terms of low-fare providers. They were founded in 1994 and are based out of Denver Colorado. They offer 80 destinations in the United States and abroad, mostly in North America, with flights going to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and other nearby realms close to the United States. Frontier has one of the most generous programs for rewards in the industry. 20,000 economy frequent flier miles gets a client a round-trip ticket anywhere in the United States. Frontier however, does not do sharing of its frequent flyer miles with other airlines, much like the American Airlines Group does. Frontier is currently upgrading its fleet, which is a nice feature. Most airlines have planes in their fleet that are close to fifteen years old. Frontier uses mostly Airbus jets for its main fleet, including the Airbus 319 and 320. The average age of a Frontier jet is about 8-1/2 years, meaning that Frontier wants the best jets possible for its customers. One downside of Frontier's mergers and acquisitions was the closing of the Milwaukee hub. We found that this adversely impacted Frontier employees, as well as reducing some of their flights that were a central component in their business model because of the central location of the Milwaukee hub.

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The Good

Ticket prices
Rewards program
Boarding
Flight statistics

Frontier is a low-fare airline. They stay true to this reputation by offering the lowest prices for flights. They are often one of the lowest or the lowest priced option for their flights. They also offer one of the most generous rewards programs. 20,000 economy frequent flier miles gets a round-trip ticket anywhere in the United States served by Frontier. There are also special deals that are always available and changing on the Frontier website that will help lower their prices even more. Frontier has few destinations though, so while they may the lowest option, they may not be available for the flights a customer needs. Frontier also does not allow their frequent flier miles to be shared with other airlines. This is unfortunate since other airlines such as American Airlines does allow this. Frontier Airlines has certain specified times for boarding their flights: • 45 minutes before departure: bags must be checked in • 30 minutes before departure: passengers must be at the gate, boarding will begin • 15 minutes before departure: final boarding • 10 minutes before departure: doors close They also have a few groups that will always board their plane first. They include: 1. Special Services: anyone needing wheelchair or other boarding assistance and unaccompanied minors 2. Passengers who have purchased a carry-on bag 3. Courtesy boarding: families traveling with children under three and any other passenger requiring additional time or assistance Seats are assigned on Frontier flights which help make the boarding process smoother as passengers know exactly where they are headed when they enter the aircraft. Frontier recommends that passengers choose their seats while they are booking their tickets. This way passengers can choose their preference, and try to keep their party together however it does cost a fee to choose a seat. If a seat is not chosen at booking, one will randomly be assigned during the check-in process for free. Check-in can be done at the airport or online and must be done at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 60 minutes for international flights. Frontier has fairly average on-time percentages for their daily flights. The received the following statistics from Flightstats.com: • 80% on-time • 7% late • 3% very late • 7% excessive Many of the top airlines are slightly higher than this rating. The margin that they are better is not much however, Frontier is still rather consistent for being generally on time. Their most active routes, however, did receive much lower ratings than top airlines. Generally the top airlines active routes are receiving four to five-star ratings, while Frontier flights received mostly two to three-star ratings. Their top flights include: • Denver to Portland (4.1 stars, 88% on time) • San Diego to Denver (3.7 stars, 87% on time) • Denver to Minneapolis (3.4 stars, 85% on time) Their lowest flight is Denver to Dallas (1.4 stars, 74% on time). These ratings show that Frontier is not as consistent with providing on time, not delayed or canceled flights as some of the other airlines. Frontier offers more than 275 daily flights and is a much smaller airline than some of the top they are compared to. Their most active routes looked at are all domestic locations. Frontier Airlines began in 1994 and has been providing low-fare air travel for the past 21 years. 21 years of service does not make them a brand new airline. They have had time to grow with the industry, and expand. They are however, a young airline when compared with some of the major airlines. A number of other airlines, both major and small, have been around for over 80 years, about four times as long as Frontier. An advantage to Frontier's young age is their young fleet. Many of their airplanes are newer than other airlines offer. Frontier is also the proud winner of the Federal Aviation Administration's 2014 Diamond Award for maintenance excellence. They were also recently named the industry's most fuel-efficient airline by the International Council on Clean Transportation. Along with these awards, Frontier is one of the safest airlines. They have never had a fatal accident, an impressive feat for a low-fare carrier.

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The Bad

Baggage
Amenities

Because Frontier is a low-cost airline, they do not offer any free baggage. All checked and carry-on bags cost money. Baggage is cheaper when it is booked online at least 24 hours before departure. There is a price increase for bags checked at the ticket counter of the airport and another increase for bags checked at the gate. There are also certain size restrictions for checked luggage. Bags must not exceed 62 inches collectively (Length + Width + Depth) and 50 pounds. Bags that exceed this will have an additional charge of $75 for each bag that is overweight and $75 for each oversized bag, and bags over 100 pounds or in excess of 110 linear inches will not be accepted. Because Frontier is a low-fare airline, they do not offer many of the standard amenities found on much larger airlines. They do not offer any entertainment options or Wi-Fi. They state that they would rather pass those savings onto the customers. They also do not offer any complimentary food or beverages. They do have an array of options for snacks and beverages that are available for purchase on the flight however. Their non-alcoholic drinks cost $2. This is unusual even for low-fare airlines. Generally other low cost airlines provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and maybe some light snacks. Frontier however charges for all food onboard. Their snack choices include: • Chex mix • Almond M&M's • Beef Jerky • Pringles Chips • Gummy Bears • Rice Krispies • Frontier Trail Mix Frontier also offers a number of bundled options for different snacks and drinks. They serve coffee as well and their alcoholic beverages will run about $7 a drink.

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The Bottom Line

We would recommend Frontier without reservation and would even go so far as to say that they are one of the best low-fare airlines in the industry. We liked their relatively young fleet, the Airbus planes that make up their fleet, and the customer experience that customers get. We really liked our phone-in experience. Our questions were easily answered and we also really liked the no-hassle refund policy for customers who have a canceled flight. If you're flight is canceled or delayed up to three hours, you will get a refund of your ticket or a new flight.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

2.9

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282 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

18%

4 grade

21%

3 grade

17%

2 grade

13%

1 grade

30%

Sentiment Criteria

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nako Bismarck, ND

I have a love/hate relationship with this airline. The prices are pretty good and they almost always have a discount code to use. I did, however, monitor the same 2 or 3 flights for a few months and no matter what the discount was, whether it be 50% or 99% (yes it was that high at one point) the end price seemed to be the same, after the additional fees. My next point are those fees. I don't think they should be able to advertise "Flights From As Low As $20" If the end price is going to be $150 more due to seats and luggage. Yes, its still considerably less than other airlines but I consider it false advertising and it really just makes the base fare seem like a facade. I won't say anything about the amenities because that's what you get with a discount airline and I don't have much experience with the customer service side myself but my grandmother who tried to get my 80 yr/old one legged grandfather on a flight that they claimed was no longer boarding about 40 minutes prior to the flight leaving, and they were made to come back at 5am the next day. I've also had a few lights delayed or changed, and while none of them have been an inconvenience for me because I usually anticipate any changes, I can see how this would be a problem for almost anyone else. All around, it's an okay airline and I do use it for quick trips but they do have a lot issues that need to be addressed.

8 years ago

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debbie Pleasant Grove, UT

I traveled with my 2 children on a short flight. It was a bit stressful because I was concerned about being all together. I did not want to pay the fee to choose seats together, but it turned out okay. There seemed to be a fee for everything though, and in most cases I would prefer a more straight forward process.

8 years ago

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Breanna Jones Salt Lake City, UT

Frontier provides cheap flights, so expect just that. If you have low expectations, you won't be disappointed. I think it is silly to have to pay for a carry-on. Seats are not the most comfortable but with frontier, you get what you paid for and that is it.

9 years ago

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Casey Austin, TX

Other than a 2 hour flight delay out of Austin to Las Vegas my 1st experience with Frontier was great. The cabin crew were very friendly and professional. They made the flight very comfortable and were very attentive. Overall a positive experience.

11 years ago

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Amy Christian ,

You can not beat the fares for Frontier. It is just a little TOO not frills for my taste however. When I had to pay extra to just get a seat assignment, that was rediculous. And when I realized the flight I was on didn’t even serve water, I was pretty disappointed. I know you get what you pay for, and I have to remember that when I book frontier in the future. Which I will! Just not for long flights.

6 years ago

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Robert Wilson Bethesda, MD

Flew from DC to Denver. Price was fantastic. The seats were horrible - they were extremely stripped down of any type of padding and were small. I am 6 foot and felt very cramped. The actual service was good, ran on time with no issues. This is a "no-frills' airline and feels like it. Would use again but only on a shorter flight - anything more than two hours is going to be uncomfortable.

6 years ago

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Sanetta Rigby Riverton, UT

The only reason I am still flying with the airline is the fact that the prices out beat all other airlines by quite a bit and I'm on a budget. That being said, the flights are often changed from the original flight you booked give or take and hour or two. They don't offer free snacks, free carry on, free seat assignment, and their seat spacing is super small. I will say that do have pretty good customer service and the flight attendants are nice and accommodating. I would still recommend for those who need a cheap flight and can handle the lack of basics that other airlines offer.

6 years ago

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Shannon B Salt Lake City, UT

I like that Frontier offers significantly lower price tickets. The only turn off to this company is that they charge for carry-ons. I haven't actually flown on Frontier, but I have had purchased tickets before that I needed to cancel and they made the canceling process really easy and I was fully reimbursed. Will likely fly with them in the future!

6 years ago

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Erin Rhoton Pleasant Grove, UT

You definitely get what you pay for when you fly Frontier. The flights on Frontier can be VERY cheap but the extra fees that can be added on are expensive. You have to pay for any carry-on bigger that a small backpack and you have to pay to pick your seat. The customer service isn’t great but if you are trying to get somewhere (with just a small backpack) it’s a great deal!

8 years ago

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Nana Asiata Herriman, UT

Frontier Airlines is sometimes very stricken about being on time and what time you should be there to board the planes. They also have lots of delayed flights so be prepared to wait a couple of hours or two.

8 years ago

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April aphe8493 Castle Rock, CO

I fly frontier to most but it doesn't mean I like it. It is just usually cheaper than most other flights. There was a time when frontier was a normal plane and has somewhat decent seats and tables, but then they changed their seats to thin metal and their tables to the size of a very small notebook or planner. It annoys me so much.

6 years ago

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Janan Grange Pleasant Grove, UT

I flew Frontier Airlines last year. My only issue with flying with them was that I didn't realize the charged so much for luggage. Fortunately, I realized it the night before and was able to repack the family into luggage amounts that we could afford. I wish there was a way to let customers know this before.

6 years ago

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KC Riverton, UT

This is not the airline we usually use, but I got pulled in by the super cheap prices. The price may indeed be a good deal, but you need to make sure you account for any luggage you might need to bring with you! I just don't like the hidden fees.

6 years ago

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Kaydence Bonino Riverton, UT

If you are looking for a cheap flight and can get away with only bringing a backpack than frontier is a good choice. The seats don't recline and they don't offer any free snacks but you can find killer deals on flights. They get you with luggage fees as well as if you want to pick your seat.

6 years ago

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Mike Liddle Provo, UT

My only complaint is about availability. The flights are cheap and great, but the closest hub is Denver, and there aren’t lots of flights from there at convenient times giving me huge layovers that I don’t want to deal with.

7 years ago

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betsy fowler Lehi, UT

I used to love this company, but they have really gone downhill in the past three years, since they were bought. Now I feel like Frontier charges for everything, to the point it feels like they are "nickle and diming" their customers. They no longer have that hometown feeling they used to have either.

7 years ago

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P Crawley Pleasant Grove, UT

The ticket prices are misleading because you have to pay extra to even carry on a small bag for the overhead bin. It would be easier to tell how much I will have to pay if that cost is built into the price already. And the seats are more uncomfortable than other airlines.

7 years ago

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Leslee Muramoto Draper, UT

Prices are a little more affordable than other airlines, but not worth what you’re giving up. The seats are very cramped and you have to pay for the smallest snacks! I’m not a very high maintenance person but it’s worth the extra few dollars to get a little more space and something to munch on during the flight.

7 years ago

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Adam Crawley Pleasant Grove, UT

Frontier is definitely one of the cheapest options of flying out there, which I love. As well, they usually do leave and arrive on time. However, you definitely get what you pay for. The seats are hard and uncomfortable and the planes are much older than the planes from other airlines.

8 years ago

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Madge Easton Orem, UT

My experience with Frontier was flying from Salt Lake City to Austin a few years ago. The first leg of the flight was comfortable but the second was not as much because we moved to a smaller airplane. I don't like the fact that I am charged for every piece of luggage I bring on the plane. They have cheap prices until you ad in the luggage fees.

8 years ago

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L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

You must be on time for your flight or at least as early as possible because if you don't check in early enough they will not let you board the plane. Have to pay for everything extra and the flight selection is not that great.

8 years ago

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Kaleb Herbert Gilbert, AZ

I only fly Frontier to get to Colorado Springs as it is the cheapest. You get what you pay for. It works for a cheap flight to get me to see my family.

8 years ago

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Darren Cardwell Riverton, UT

really low budget no frills and not very comfortable seats and for sure little leg room. Price is usually great and they do fly some places others don't

8 years ago

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Kelly Edgewood, MD

So sad they terminated service from the DC area to St. Augustine. I'd give them a 10 if they brought it back, but for now we have no reason to fly with Frontier.

11 years ago

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Joseph rex Salt Lake City, UT

Cheap yes. Feels cheap? Yes. I can handle it when I spend $19-$59 for a flight but anything more than that would be nice if l you didn’t charge for a glass of water. Nickel and dime. It is what it is.

6 years ago

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Alex Danielson Riverton, UT

We've always have been pleased with Frontier's service and overall product. We've also been turned off by their many fees and appearance to be less expensive than other competitors. Just not my style.

6 years ago

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Kaelyn Strong Salt Lake City, UT

Absolutely a budget friendly airlines. But, seats really could be a bit more comfy. And let you know that IF you don’t purchase a seat online, at the gate you will be left to buy whatever price seat is left.

7 years ago

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Marissa Redwood Falls, MN

I've found a lot of cheap flights through Frontier. But you get what you pay for. And they nickel and dime everything. Not my preferred airline, but sometimes I fly them because they are the cheapest and most direct flight.

7 years ago

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John Schwab Sandy, UT

I would like Frontier Airlines to improve their pricing methods. It takes a lot of clicking to determine the actual price of a ticket.

9 years ago

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Rathan Kumar Boulder, CO

Very cheap flights as I commute back and forth from ohio. Only problem is baggage handling. Last time they forgot to put my bag on the carousel for 40 minutes.

6 years ago

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Linda Webb Eagle Mountain, UT

We got a deal on flight to Houston through Priceline and after paying for all your luggage and not having a nice plane I would opt for paying more next time

6 years ago

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Jillaine Clark Orem, UT

I've had quite a few negative experiences with Frontier. I hate that you have to pay 45 bucks for a carryon. It's the same as checking a bag. They aren't very reliable.

6 years ago

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Haidyn Houtz South Jordan, UT

this airline was all right. Nothing special about it. I would fly with them again if I needed to but I’m not necessarily trying to pick them over other airlines.

8 years ago

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Bella Houtz South Jordan, UT

Frontier is a good airline. It is however limited in flights. They are friendly and seem to run on time. The pricing is fair not great but we don't have a hub in SLC.

8 years ago

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Matt Campbell Lynnwood, WA

Flew home from Vegas to Seattle, cheap flight, but you get what you pay for. If it wasn't a quick trip I'd have chosen a different carrier.

6 years ago

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Tony Riverton, UT

As far as price goes, you won't find a more inexpensive airline. However, in the 6 times I've flown on Frontier, I've had 4 delays.

6 years ago

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Cori Jacobsen Ollerton Alpine, UT

Since when do you pay for a drink on a flight? Seriously, you are charging for my 6 oz Diet Coke? Formal staff. Where is the friendly skies attitude?

7 years ago

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ally blackhurst Pleasant Grove, UT

They advertise super low prices but there always seems to be hidden fees. Their planes seem old and don’t have very many amenities.

7 years ago

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Royal A. Brown III

Charged us both ways for overhead bags even though we had payed Xtra for bulkhead seats.

8 years ago

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Karina Aguilar Managua, MN

frontier airlines secured me a deal to fly to utah for a cheap price which gave me more money to spend on my trip!

6 years ago

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Justin Riggs Salt Lake City, UT

If you need a lower cost airline and need to get to markets especially in the west than this is your choice.

6 years ago

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chris Francom Lehi, UT

They have low fares but the price seems to add up quickly if you have to check a bag or take a carry on.

6 years ago

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Dale L Farmer Littleton, CO

The baggage fees were very high. The service was OK. I just didn't enjoy flying with them as much as other airlines.

7 years ago

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Lori Fletcher Saratoga Springs, UT

I won’t use Frontier because of their “hidden” fees. They false advertise their “low costs.”

7 years ago

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

We enjoy flying from Salt Lake City to Denver the price is cheap but be prepared to have delayed flights.

8 years ago

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Shanna South Jordan, UT

Frontier has really uncomfortable seats. The flight was great but the plane stunk.

8 years ago

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Paul J. Nolan

good to excellent...boarding and unboarding

7 years ago

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Maria Draper, UT

So cheap, but a painful way to fly. Great for college kids.

8 years ago