WOW! This has been fantastic. Your responses are exactly what I was looking for. Many great points-of-view, both pro and con. Below are my thoughts after reviewing your feedback.
Originally Posted by
MikeFromMKE
I think Frontier is a wonderful value.
Especially for flyers out of DEN.
I put a LOT of weight on attitute -- good attitude. In my book, F9 wins.
So true!
Originally Posted by
IllinoisMan
I really like FL's business class...
It is a very good product. If F9 offered a product like FL's, it'd be a no-brainer for me.
Originally Posted by
knope2001
...you're a big fish in a small pond with Frontier. When you need a big airline to come through for you, you're a little fish in a small pond.
You are so right. There's no doubt that I'd make the mid-tier level, but I certainly remember how different the service was between 1K and Prem. Exec. on UA. It was like night and day.
Originally Posted by
lougord99
You didn't mention how firm your travel plans usually are. Frontier's no fee for change of plans is potentially a huge money saver.
An excellent point I totally hadn't considered. As a consultant, plans change frequently. Therefore, as a Summit, I'll be able to keep Client air expenses low.
Originally Posted by
zdave
This year I'm likely to be traveling a bunch to the Carolinas, and they have no flight options that put me anywhere close.
So true. The Carolina's are a huge hole in their network. Thankfully, those two states are not on my radar at this time.
Originally Posted by
khoward
Us F9 elites have to hope that Frontier keeps its independence, doesn't slash perks to the bone and maintains its high service levels (planes, schedules and people) out of DEN.
Your entire post was spot on. And, if I'm going to stay in the fold, then the proof will be in the pudding over the coming months with your statement above. It's critically important to me.
Originally Posted by
CreditMadeEZ
Would you have enough status to get upgraded enough? I expect it would depend on whether you have the flexibility to take the flights that would let you get upgraded.
From what I've learned, upgrades on AA out of DEN are pretty easy to secure as most of the flights I'd be on, their Elites would be on the counter flight out of their hub. Of course, Thursday and Friday evening returns to DEN may be tricky if I had to connect through ORD or DFW.
Originally Posted by
CreditMadeEZ
BTW, although there are some nice folks with American, with AA going through bankruptcy, folks are a little edgier now.
Really good point. I used to really like UA. That is until they went through the bankruptcy process. It was the miserable call center that turned me off initially, but the work slow downs and poor cabin service were the straws that broke this camel's back and brought me to F9 originally.
Originally Posted by
ByrdluvsAWACO
While I like F9, their FFP is a complete dead end. As you mentioned the lack of intl partners seriously devalues any miles earned and the elite bonus is rather poor.
I know. It really shows you how important a FFP is to the true frequent flyer. I don't think F9 truly understands the value of loyalty and how a FFP can cement it.
Originally Posted by
knope2001
--Flying to ATL is a connection in ORD or DFW
--Flying to NYC is a connection in ORD or DFW
--Flying to LAX may well become a connection in DFW, because DEN-LAX is flown by AA Eagle, and the big planned cuts in bankruptcy court will likely put non-hub flying like DEN-LAX in danger.
Clearly the issue I am not valuing properly is all of the non-stop flying out of DEN by Frontier. While my two biggest markets are going to be Chicago & Dallas and easily served by frequent AA flights, I know that long-term, I'll get frustrated pretty quick with the time required by hub connections. For example, DEN-LGA on F9 is always going to be around 3 3/4 hours whereas AA will most likely run me at least 5 1/2. Those minutes and hours will add up pretty quickly.
Now come down off that ledge before you slip and fall.
I'm off! Thanks for the help everyone. I'm going to stay in the fold for now and see what transpires over the next 6 - 9 months. If the FFP fails to add additional value, then I'll re-examine my decision, transition to another carrier in 2013, and cash in my miles for a family trip to Punta Cana, or back to Costa Rica.