How Does Frontier Assign Seats
 

I set-up a trip on Frontier for family to come and visit. Upon arrival, they complained for the first 1/2 hr. about Frontier's seat assignment fiasco out of Indy. Since they have absolutely zero status, didn't check-in until physically at the airport, I just chalked it up to that and the fact they act like the Clampett's when traveling.

So, last night, I went online at the 24-hour mark to check them in on the return flight and get their seat assignments for them. What I saw surprised me enough to ask the question, how does Frontier assign seats to a family of five traveling on the same record itinerary?

Here's what I found... Grandma and Mama get to sit next to each other in one row and then the three kids (ages 5 - 12) are spread across other rows in the cabin. I can understand it probably is difficult to get everyone in the same row, but can't Frontier's seating system get the family closer together? Or, at least pair the children with an adult, as opposed to placing the adults together? All I know is that I am glad I am not on the flight tonight when my sister starts marshalling passengers around in order to get the kiddies near her.

Get ready Indy... the Clampett's are on their way home tonight.

Hopefully this will be resolved for future flights because they are letting everyone pick their seats no matter what the fare is. Now it'll be up to the purchaser to get the seats close together.

Seats can now be assigned at time of purchase.

Prior to June 1, there were no seat assignments for Economy passengers at time of purchase. It's probably safe to assume this trip was booked prior to June 1.

When you check-in online, don't let the computer default to "aisle seat" or "window seat". It will split your group up wherever aisle/window seats are available. You have to click the drop down box and select "view seat map". Then, you pick specific seats.

RSVP hit the nail on the head as the tickets were purchased last March. So, you couldn't select the seats until 24 hours prior to departure.

Personally, I'm glad they changed the rules and are letting people pick their seats now when they book the flight, regardless of the fare class. I would think for price conscious consumers (i.e. nearly all of us ;)), this is a benefit over other carriers like Southwest.

I was able to call Frontier and assign seating over the phone for a (prior to) June 1 reservation for my sister and her family.

I should have done the same. Never even crossed my mind. But, don't tell my sister.

Won't say a word!...We all fly tommorow (20th)...for some, 1st experience on F9. Kids are looking forward to the TV's in the headrests, just like the TATL on NW last year...it kept them well behaved!

There seems to be quite a few seating issues. Just flew DEN-SAN today and overheard several other people complaining about seating assignments.

We had booked MKE-DEN-SAN a few months ago through YX, and since the second segment was with Frontier, couldn't pick seats on that flight. A few days before flying though, I checked the reservation online and it now allowed me to pick seats. This was great since I was flying with my wife and 1 year old. So I picked the seats together, and when we arrived at the airport today the agent handed me two boarding passes with middle seats in different rows. :confused: Even though I had a confirmation email that had my seat assignments, she couldn't change anything. Thankfully we were able to switch with someone and avoid a tough flight.

So beware, if you booked through YX and have a segment with Frontier, I'd call to see if you can confirm seats rather than rely on the online service.

Also, res software is not smart enough to pair adult with child in this example. Enjoy the option to, once again, select your seat with any fare.