First Flight
 

Flew Frontier this week for the first time, and I must say, I was impressed! The staff was courteous, and the real-time flight map is cool! I even managed to get an exit-row window seat on my flight out.

And on top of everything, green happens to be my favorite color. I will definitely fly Frontier again if the occasion ever arises.

Amen -- they are a breath of fresh air. I matched status with Dividend Miles Gold / Milage Plus Premier and now get DirectTV for free on all Frontier flights in 2004 as an Ascent member.

My 2003 holiday experience DEN-RSW was great. Only shortcoming was upon return, the shared check-in at RSW with Delta is kind of a wreck. It was almost as if the Delta people had no idea how to deal with the Frontier passengers and baggage, even though it is a daily flight.

Oh well, as Frontier grows, they won't have to share for long.

Apparently lots of people are discovering Frontier. During the Oct-Dec. quarter, F9's rev. passenger miles increased 51% over the previous year, on only an 18% increase in available seat miles. Pretty amazing, I think.

[This message has been edited by myleguy (edited Feb 07, 2004).]

Frontier Express?
 

How do the "accommodations" on Frontier Express's regional jets (CR7, operated by Horizon) compare to those on Frontier's Airbus and Boeing planes?

I flew Frontier Express in Mid-March from DEN to TUS. The only "downside" was we took off from the basement "A" gates in DEN (I don't like those gates). Otherwise, the Horizon staff was great...no complaints.

Glad some other folks share my opinion. I reluctantly took Frontier one time when it was my only option, only to be pleasantly surprised. I'd fly them again any time.

I am really excited to be flying Frontier soon. I hear nothing but good things about them and have some flights in July booked with them (MDW-DEN-LAX-DEN-MDW) I booked them early in Feb. and the grand total with taxes for 2 adults is 403.50! I was shocked I was so happy.

My first trip with F9 in November, DEN-FLL-DEN, was the best US domestic flight I've ever taken with any airline and in any class...I was sold on F9 right away..fortunately they offered comps and then announced PHL as a destination which now fits me perfect, so I look forward to many more F9 segments in the future!

N674UW

I flew Frontier recently for the first time. Count me among those who will seek out further flights on this wonderful airline! I've been silver or gold on NW until this year and now I've found a new home. No upgrades but I love the Direct TV and friendly staff.

Plus the price was better than right...LAX-MSP-LAX for $118.20 round trip!

Very impressed!
 

I took my very first flight on F9 a couple of weeks ago. Even with less than 7 days advance notice, I was able to buy a $148 roundtrip to LA (with all taxes included). Mind you, this is a direct service to LA from MSP!! NW did not match that fare... which in a sense I can understand will be damaging to their bottom line. On the other hand, I thought NW will be ruthless in driving out competition immediately.

Anyway, F9's service was great. Both ground and air staffs were friendly and courteous. Although I didn't pay to watch their DirectTV program, I thought their IFE was fantastic for a 3-4 hours flight. I noticed there weren't any major disruptions with the broadcast as well. Totally worth the $5, rather than doing nothing but staring at other people or trying hard to sleep.

Meals were exceptional by coach class standard. Their Thai Chicken Wrap was pretty good!
Speaking of coach, their seats were comfortable. I didn't measure, but their seat pitch was adequate, perhaps better than most of the major airlines (with the exception of AA's MRTC).

In all, I would definitely fly with them again. ^ ^ Their passenger load was better than I expected. Hopefully F9 can make some money to keep this route alive. This will definitely benefit MSP travelers going to La-La Land. :)

BTW, I noticed their fares are usually cheaper on their own website, than their published fares on other third-party websites like Travelocity or Expedia.

Follow-up:

I agree with the comments about great attitude of the people with both the outbound and (Horizon operated) return. The outbound was on an old 737-300 (many of the signs also in German, so probably an old LH or Swiss Air plane). Typical coach seat, not that great, close pitch. Return was on a regional jet (2-2 configuration). I was not able to get an exit row but did get an aisle seat. Although I am not that tall (5'11"), the pitch was uncomfortably tight, as my knees were touching the next seat the entire time(the occupant fortunately did not try to recline). (I had a similar experience recently on an American Eagle operated RJ; no MRTC on those either.)

We did get Fritos with the drinks on the return, which was a nice touch.

Edited to add: Several hours after the flight had landed, I received the flight notification (text message) on my cell phone that the flight would be departing on time. Nice to know.

seating?
 

I am a current Premier Executive at United and I am sick of how they treat their passengers and the high costs on most flights. I am going to test Frontier next week for a DEN-LGA flight. How do they assign seats? I am a tall guy with long legs and wide shoulders, I don't mind the window or aisle seats on a A319, but the middle seat would be miserable. Can you get a seat assignment when you buy the tix? The bulkhead and exit rows are assigned at check-in, so if I get there 4 hours early I would get one? :) For a 4 hour flight, I would do it! Thanks for the info guys...

Timm

Yes, you can choose a seat when booking. And yes, you're likely to be able to get an exit row if you arrive early enough (not sure about bulkheads, and of course there are no guarantees). I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.