Is Frontier Airlines Good? Honest Review & What You Need to Know

In this honest Frontier Airlines review, we’ll break it all down. You’ll learn what’s included (and what’s not). We’ll share real traveler experiences. And we’ll help you decide if Frontier is right for your trip.

What Kind of Airline Is Frontier?

It’s an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier

Frontier Airlines is classified as an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC). This shapes everything about the flying experience.

Unlike traditional airlines, Frontier has a different business model. They offer exceptionally low base fares. Then they charge separately for most amenities.

Other airlines include these amenities by default. Frontier doesn’t.

What’s Actually Included?

When you book a basic Frontier ticket, here’s what you get:

Transportation from point A to point B
A seat
Your personal item (a small bag that fits under the seat)

That’s it.

What Costs Extra?

Everything else has a price tag:

Carry-on bags
Checked luggage
Seat selection
Drinks (even water)
Snacks
Priority boarding

This unbundled pricing allows Frontier to advertise incredibly low fares. Sometimes as cheap as $19 for certain routes. They generate revenue through add-on fees.

Understanding the Model Is Key

Understanding this model is crucial to flying Frontier successfully. The airline isn’t hiding these fees. They’re upfront about their pricing structure.

However, first-time flyers often experience sticker shock. That advertised $39 fare? It can easily become $120 or more after adding necessary items.

Frontier operates a modern fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. They feature signature animal-themed tail designs. The airline serves over 100 destinations across the United States and international locations.

How Pricing & Fees Really Work

The Frontier pricing structure can feel like a maze. Here’s what you need to know before booking.

What’s Included in Your Base Fare

Your base fare includes:

Your seat
One personal item (maximum dimensions: 18″ x 14″ x 8″)

That’s it. From there, everything has a price tag.

Baggage Fees

Carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin cost money. Prices typically range from $30-$60. It depends on when you add them.

Cheaper at booking
More expensive at the gate

Checked bags run $30-$50 for the first bag. Prices increase for additional bags and higher weights.

Seat Selection Costs

If you don’t pay to choose your seat, you’ll be randomly assigned one at check-in. This could mean a middle seat in the back of the plane.

Standard seat selection fees: $5 to $25

“Stretch” seats with extra legroom: $50-$150 or more (depending on the route)

Bundle Options

Frontier offers bundle options like “The Works” or “The Perks.” These packages include:

Carry-on bags
Checked bags
Seat selection
Other benefits

Bundles cost slightly less than purchasing items individually.

In-Flight Purchases

Nothing is free on the plane. Here’s what things cost:

Bottled water: $3
Sodas: $3
Snacks: $5-$10
Alcoholic beverages: $7-$9

There’s no complimentary beverage service. Even a cup of water costs money. Some flight attendants may provide free tap water if requested.

💡 Pro Tip: How to Keep Your Total Cost Low

Book directly on Frontier’s website
Add extras during booking (not at the airport)
Pack strategically so you only need a personal item
Join Frontier’s frequent flyer program for occasional fee waivers
Compare the total cost including all fees against other airlines
Consider the GoWild pass if you fly Frontier frequently

Pros & Cons of Flying Frontier

Let’s get real about what works and what doesn’t when flying Frontier Airlines.

Pros

Unbeatable base fares

Frontier frequently offers the lowest fares in the market. If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, you can find genuinely cheap flights.

This is especially true during their frequent sales. For short trips where you can travel with just a personal item, Frontier can save you substantial money. You’ll pay less than traditional carriers.

Decent choice for short, simple trips

Flying for two hours or less? Frontier gets you there. The planes are safe and modern. The lack of frills matters less on a quick hop between cities.

Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize destination over journey often find Frontier perfectly adequate. It works well for their needs.

Modern fleet and solid safety ratings

Frontier operates relatively new Airbus aircraft. They have good safety records.

The airline maintains the same safety standards as other U.S. carriers. The FAA regulates them just like Delta or United. From a safety perspective, there’s no significant difference between Frontier and legacy airlines.

Rewards programs and passes for frequent flyers

Frontier’s GoWild pass is interesting. It allows unlimited flights for a flat annual or seasonal fee. This can be an incredible value for travelers who fly often and have flexible schedules.

Their Frontier Miles program also offers opportunities. You can earn and redeem miles. However, the redemption value tends to be lower than major airline programs.

Cons

Extremely uncomfortable seats with minimal legroom

This is the most common complaint about Frontier.

The airline uses thin, slimline seats. They don’t recline. The seat pitch is some of the tightest in the industry (28-31 inches for standard seats).

On flights longer than an hour or two, many passengers find the seats genuinely uncomfortable. Taller travelers struggle significantly. Anyone with back issues may have problems with the seating arrangement.

Fees for absolutely everything

The unbundled pricing model is transparent. But it can be frustrating in practice.

Paying $3 for water? $60 for a carry-on bag? $25 to sit in a specific seat? It adds up quickly.

The constant nickel-and-diming creates a negative experience. This is especially true for travelers accustomed to traditional airlines where these items are included.

Mixed reliability with higher cancellation rates

Frontier’s operational performance lags behind major carriers.

The airline has higher rates of delays and cancellations. This can be particularly problematic. They often have fewer daily flights on a given route.

If your Frontier flight is cancelled, rebooking options may be limited. You could face significant delays. You might even need to book on another airline at full price.

Customer service complaints are widespread

Online reviews and consumer reports consistently highlight frustrations. Frontier’s customer service has issues.

Common problems include:

Long hold times
Difficulty getting refunds
Issues with flight changes
Unresponsive support channels

When things go wrong, getting help or resolution can be challenging and time-consuming.

Operational inconsistencies

Experiences can vary dramatically from flight to flight.

One traveler might have a perfectly smooth journey. Another on the same route encounters problems. Issues include boarding procedures, baggage handling, or gate changes.

This unpredictability makes Frontier a riskier choice. It’s especially risky for time-sensitive or important travel.

Traveler Experiences — What Real People Say

Real traveler feedback on Frontier Airlines falls into distinct camps. It often depends on expectations and how well the trip goes.

The Positive Reviews

Many positive reviews come from travelers who knew what they were getting into. They had uneventful flights.

These passengers typically emphasize the value proposition. Common quotes: “I paid $40 to fly cross-country with just a backpack and it was fine.”

What leads to satisfied customers?

Short flights
Successfully navigating the fee structure
On-time performance

These travelers view Frontier as a practical tool for budget travel.

The Negative Experiences

The negative experiences tend to be more vocal and detailed.

Sticker shock at total costs

Travelers report that their “cheap” ticket ended up costing nearly as much as a legacy carrier. But with worse service.

Comfort complaints

Comfort complaints dominate many reviews. Passengers describe seats as “torture devices” on longer flights. Many express frustration at the inability to recline.

Cancellation and delay nightmares

These experiences generate particularly strong negative reactions.

Travelers report:

Being stranded when flights are cancelled
Limited rebooking options
Additional hotel and meal expenses (not covered by the airline)
Struggling to reach customer service for assistance

Reddit forums and review sites contain numerous accounts. Passengers “saved” money on the fare. But they ended up spending more overall due to operational disruptions.

Customer Service Issues

The customer service aspect receives frequent criticism across platforms.

Common complaints include:

Long hold times
Contradictory information from different representatives
Difficulty processing refunds or credits
Feeling nickel-and-dimed throughout the experience

Even when the flight itself goes smoothly, interactions with staff often leave travelers frustrated. The policies create lasting negative impressions.

The Defenders

Interestingly, some experienced Frontier flyers defend the airline.

They emphasize that Frontier delivers exactly what it promises. Cheap transportation without frills.

These travelers argue that complaints reflect unrealistic expectations. Not actual airline failures.

They view Frontier as a budget tool. It works well when used appropriately. Best for short, simple trips where saving money is the top priority.

Comfort & In-Flight Experience

Let’s be direct: Frontier Airlines is not designed for comfort.

The Seating Situation

The seating experience is one of the most spartan in commercial aviation.

The seats are:

Ultra-thin
Lacking cushioning
Non-reclining (they don’t recline at all)

The legroom:

Seat pitch ranges from 28 to 31 inches for standard seats
Noticeably cramped for most adults
Especially tight on flights exceeding two hours

Stretch Seating Option

The airline offers “Stretch” seating options. These have more legroom (typically 36 inches or more). But they come at a premium price.

The cost can sometimes approach or exceed the base fare itself.

The seats are also narrower than those on many competing airlines. This feels particularly tight for larger passengers. It’s worse when the plane is fully booked.

Entertainment Options

In-flight entertainment is nonexistent. Unless you bring your own device.

What’s missing:

No seatback screens
No WiFi (on most aircraft)
No complimentary entertainment options

You’ll need to download content to your phone or tablet before the flight. Charging ports are not available at every seat. Travel with a fully charged device or portable battery.

Food and Beverage Service

The beverage and food service is entirely pay-as-you-go.

Flight attendants make one or two passes through the cabin. They have a cart offering drinks and snacks for purchase. Don’t expect the complimentary service typical of traditional airlines.

Even a bottle of water or soft drink requires payment. Credit or debit cards are the only accepted payment method. No cash.

Cabin Cleanliness

Cabin cleanliness varies by flight. It seems dependent on turnaround time between flights.

Some passengers report clean, well-maintained cabins. Others note:

Visible trash
Stained seats
Sticky tray tables

The quick turnaround times Frontier aims for can be problematic. They maximize aircraft utilization. But this sometimes results in less thorough cleaning between flights.

Other Comfort Issues

Temperature control is another occasional complaint. Some flights are reported as uncomfortably warm or cold. Though this can happen on any airline.

Overall, the in-flight experience on Frontier is purely functional. You’re essentially getting transportation in a flying bus. With minimal amenities.

Reliability & Customer Support

On-Time Performance

Frontier’s operational reliability is an area where the airline underperforms. They consistently rank lower than major carriers.

According to industry data:

Frontier typically operates around 75-80% of flights on time
Legacy airlines operate 80-85% or higher on time

Cancellation Rates

Cancellation rates tell a similar story. Frontier cancels flights more frequently than major carriers.

Here’s the problem: They often operate only one or two flights per day on many routes. A cancellation can mean significant delays in reaching your destination.

Unlike larger airlines, Frontier has limitations:

Fewer frequent flights
No interline agreements
Limited options for rebooking passengers when disruptions occur

Weather and Mechanical Issues

Weather-related cancellations affect all airlines. But Frontier’s recovery tends to be slower.

Why? They have a smaller operational footprint. They have limited resources.

Mechanical issues and crew scheduling problems also contribute to irregular operations. Passengers often report feeling stuck when things go wrong.

Customer Support Quality

Customer support is perhaps Frontier’s weakest link.

Phone wait times:

Frequently exceed 60 minutes during irregular operations
Some travelers report being unable to reach anyone at all during major disruptions

Social media support:

Relatively responsive for simple questions
Less effective for urgent travel issues requiring immediate resolution

Refunds and Complaints

The process for requesting refunds is often described as bureaucratic and slow. Filing complaints or resolving billing disputes takes time.

Many travelers report submitting requests that go weeks or months without resolution. Persistent follow-up is required to get responses.

The airline’s policies tend to favor vouchers and credits over actual refunds. This can be frustrating for passengers who don’t plan to fly Frontier again.

In-Person Customer Service

In-person customer service at airports varies significantly by location.

At major hubs and popular destinations, Frontier typically has adequate staffing. But at smaller airports or during off-peak times, finding assistance can be challenging.

Gate agents and flight attendants range from helpful and professional to curt and dismissive. There’s no consistent service culture apparent across the airline.

Safety & Operational Notes

Safety Standards

From a safety perspective, Frontier Airlines operates with the same regulatory oversight as all U.S. carriers.

The airline is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They maintain a solid safety record. There are no major incidents or structural concerns that differentiate them from competitors.

The Fleet

Frontier’s fleet consists primarily of modern Airbus A320 family aircraft. This includes A320s and A321s.

These are reliable, fuel-efficient planes. Airlines worldwide use them. The aircraft are generally well-maintained. They undergo the same mandatory inspection and maintenance protocols required by federal regulations.

Do They Cut Corners on Safety?

Budget airlines sometimes face questions about cutting corners. But there’s no evidence that Frontier compromises on safety-critical maintenance or operations.

Pilots are trained to the same standards as those at legacy carriers. The airline follows standard operating procedures. These are consistent with industry best practices.

Operational Challenges vs. Safety

There are operational challenges:

Tight turnaround times
Limited spare aircraft
Thin crew reserves

These can lead to more frequent delays and cancellations. Minor maintenance issues or crew scheduling problems cause disruptions.

However, these are reliability and customer service concerns. Not safety issues. But they do impact the overall travel experience.

Verdict — Is Frontier Worth It?

So, is Frontier Airlines good? The answer depends entirely on your priorities and travel circumstances.

✔ Frontier Is a Good Choice If:

You’re extremely price-sensitive

Every dollar counts. For travelers on tight budgets, Frontier’s low base fares can make trips possible. Trips that would otherwise be unaffordable.

If you can pack everything into a personal item, you’ll save real money. And you don’t mind basic conditions.

You’re taking a short flight

Under 2-3 hours where comfort matters less. A cramped, no-frills experience is far more tolerable on a quick hop. For short regional flights, Frontier can be perfectly adequate.

Your trip is flexible and not time-sensitive

If a delay or cancellation wouldn’t ruin your plans, Frontier works. Maybe you’re traveling for leisure with buffer days built in. Frontier’s reliability issues are less concerning.

Flexible travelers can also take advantage of the GoWild pass. Maximum value.

You’re willing to forgo comfort and amenities

You genuinely don’t care about legroom. Free drinks don’t matter. Customer service isn’t important. You’re comfortable navigating the fee structure.

Frontier delivers what it promises: cheap transportation.

✘ Frontier Is NOT Ideal If:

You have important, time-sensitive travel plans

Business trips. Weddings. Cruises. International connections. These require reliable airlines.

They need strong operational performance. Robust rebooking options. Frontier’s higher cancellation rates make it riskier. Limited daily frequencies compound the problem.

You’re taking a long flight

4+ hours or you have physical discomfort concerns. The seats are genuinely uncomfortable for extended periods. Especially for taller passengers. Or those with back problems.

Paying for a nicer seat can eliminate much of the savings. This makes legacy carriers more competitive.

You value customer service and peace of mind

You want responsive support when things go wrong. Clear policies. A customer-friendly experience.

Frontier will likely disappoint. The airline’s service culture prioritizes efficiency and cost control. Not customer satisfaction.

You’re traveling with checked bags and want seat selection

Once you add a carry-on bag, checked bag, and seat selection to your Frontier fare, something happens. You’re often paying similar or more than you would on Southwest. Or a legacy carrier during a sale.

But with a worse experience.

The Bottom Line

Frontier Airlines is a functional, safe transportation option. It can save you money if you travel light. You need realistic expectations. You can tolerate minimal comfort and inconsistent service.

It’s not a “bad” airline. It’s an ultra-low-cost carrier. They deliver exactly what their business model promises.

Whether that’s “good” depends on something important. Do the savings justify the trade-offs for your specific trip?

Before You Book

Use fare comparison tools. Calculate the total cost including all fees you’ll realistically need. Compare that total against competitors.

Look at Southwest (includes bags and seat selection). Check legacy carriers during sales.

Pack strategically to avoid bag fees. Always have a backup plan in case of cancellations or delays.

Ready to book your next flight?

Make sure you’ve compared total costs across airlines. Read reviews specific to your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are bags included in Frontier tickets?

No. The only item included with your base Frontier ticket is one personal item. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Maximum size: 18″ x 14″ x 8″.

Carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin cost money. Prices range from $30-$60. It depends on when you purchase. Cheaper at booking. More expensive at the gate or check-in.

Checked bags start at $30-$50 for the first bag. Higher fees apply for additional bags or overweight luggage.

How much do Frontier seat fees cost?

If you don’t pay to select a seat, one will be randomly assigned to you at check-in. At no charge. Though it could be a less desirable middle seat toward the back.

If you want to choose your seat:

Standard selection fees: $5 to $25 (depends on seat location and flight)
“Stretch” seats with extra legroom: $50-$150 or higher (depends on route and demand)

Is Frontier reliable for important trips?

Generally, no.

Frontier has higher cancellation and delay rates. Compared to major carriers. They often operate only one or two flights per day on many routes.

If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, rebooking options are limited. You could miss important events.

For time-sensitive travel, a more reliable airline is strongly recommended. Examples:

Business trips
Weddings
Cruises
Connecting international flights

How do I avoid extra fees on Frontier?

Here’s how to keep costs down:

Pack everything into a personal item that fits under the seat
Add any necessary extras during initial booking (not at the airport) for lower prices
Join Frontier’s loyalty program for occasional perks
Consider purchasing “The Works” or “The Perks” bundles if you need multiple add-ons (slightly cheaper than buying items separately)
Bring your own water and snacks (don’t purchase onboard)
Check in exactly 24 hours before departure to get better seat assignments (if you’re not paying for selection)

Is Frontier safe to fly?

Yes.

Frontier Airlines maintains the same safety standards as all U.S. carriers. They’re regulated by the FAA. Their fleet consists of modern Airbus aircraft. They have good safety records.

There are no safety concerns that would differentiate Frontier from legacy airlines. Like United or American.

The airline’s issues relate to customer service, comfort, and operational reliability. Not safety.