1st time on Frontier
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SJC/SFO/OAK
Programs: DL PM, SW, Hilton, , UAL PM, AA Gold-skeptic
Posts: 1,632
1st time on Frontier
(aside from the 1980's incarnation, that Peoplexpress purchased).
I'm somewhat spoiled by the products and upgrades afforded to me as a Delta Diamond, but did some homework prior to mentally prepare for this trip...
CVG - SFO Sunday afternoon; low expectations, but generally was OK.
- 30 minute delay (weather/air traffic in SFO)
- My backpack just barely fit into the sizer, but no one besides me checked.
- I put it in the overhead without any complaints or reprimands.
- Pilot and crew were jovial and communicative.
- Slept thru most of the flight, so no comments re the other amenities.
- Everything seemed to work fine - from the reservations process, online check in, seat assignment, etc.
Negatives were the complete lack of IFE, wifi, charging. But the worst part by far was the seat - nothing more than a piece of hard plastic with a tiny bit of cushioning. And no recline (my choice....exit row)....
I knew about all of the rest, but the seat caught me by surprise, and it was uncomfortable.
So overall - - - pretty good, especially for the savings realized. Probably would fly Frontier again....but likely for a shorter flight.
I'm somewhat spoiled by the products and upgrades afforded to me as a Delta Diamond, but did some homework prior to mentally prepare for this trip...
CVG - SFO Sunday afternoon; low expectations, but generally was OK.
- 30 minute delay (weather/air traffic in SFO)
- My backpack just barely fit into the sizer, but no one besides me checked.
- I put it in the overhead without any complaints or reprimands.
- Pilot and crew were jovial and communicative.
- Slept thru most of the flight, so no comments re the other amenities.
- Everything seemed to work fine - from the reservations process, online check in, seat assignment, etc.
Negatives were the complete lack of IFE, wifi, charging. But the worst part by far was the seat - nothing more than a piece of hard plastic with a tiny bit of cushioning. And no recline (my choice....exit row)....
I knew about all of the rest, but the seat caught me by surprise, and it was uncomfortable.
So overall - - - pretty good, especially for the savings realized. Probably would fly Frontier again....but likely for a shorter flight.
Last edited by rrz518; Aug 7, 2017 at 4:41 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Yeah, the seats are a complete joke.
If you can get a fantastic price, it's probably worth it. I hear IROPS can be a complete cluster, though, given the small fleet.
If you can get a fantastic price, it's probably worth it. I hear IROPS can be a complete cluster, though, given the small fleet.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SJC/SFO/OAK
Programs: DL PM, SW, Hilton, , UAL PM, AA Gold-skeptic
Posts: 1,632
The fare was quite low - Sunday evening travel to SFO can be quite costly and this was about 1/3 of the going rate on other carriers.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: DL BA Amex
Posts: 916
(aside from the 1980's incarnation, that Peopexpress purchased).
Negatives were the complete lack of IFE, wifi, charging. But the worst part by far was the seat - nothing more than a piece of hard plastic with a tiny bit of cushioning. And no recline (my choice....exit row)....
Negatives were the complete lack of IFE, wifi, charging. But the worst part by far was the seat - nothing more than a piece of hard plastic with a tiny bit of cushioning. And no recline (my choice....exit row)....
your pros & cons are spot-on...
I have flown Frontier quite a bit in the last year. for 10+ years I was either DL Platinum, or UA 1K. Years ago, when upgrades were plentiful and the food was edible, it was worth spending a little more to keep status. But I just can't justify the difference in price anymore.
Frontier has a pseudo-elite tier, (20K B.I.S. miles) which lets you chose seats towards the front of the plane at time of purchase, and the extra legroom seats at time of check-in. It also lets you take a full-size carry-on free of charge. I usually get zone 1 boarding too. The thin, hard seats are horrible, but when I am saving literally hundreds of dollars per trip, I can live with it.
The main thing I worry about is IROPs... If there is a cancellation, you're stranded until they can fit you on a flight! For this reason I only fly non-stops with Frontier, (and on very rare occasions, Spirit)
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Traveling some where hopefully
Programs: AS, AA Gold, and Hilton
Posts: 1,954
I booked my 1st flight last night. It was 1/10 what DL wanted and after adding seats in front it was still 1/5th the price.
I've been Platinum and Gold on DL but the last 2 years I just look for the lowest price.
Thanks for the info
I've been Platinum and Gold on DL but the last 2 years I just look for the lowest price.
Thanks for the info