Newbie to Frontier
Jun 17, 2011 | 1:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 39
Newbie to Frontier
I've been reading posts about Frontier and am getting a little concerned about my already booked flight for the Saturday after Thanksgiving - from PVU to DEN to PHL.
What will happen IF they "go under" before then? Will I be out $$?
As it is, I've already "lost" $$ by booking so early as the prices went down considerably about 2 weeks after I booked (non-refundable). I accept this fate as I agreed to the price knowing it was non-refundable.
It also looks like I can call them to upgrade to stretch now that they're allowing even economy to select stretch seating. Just haven't felt like dealing with the long hold times I've heard about. It's not a big deal to me...just thought it might be nice since this is the first time I'll be flying for more than 2-1/2 hours.
What will happen IF they "go under" before then? Will I be out $$?
As it is, I've already "lost" $$ by booking so early as the prices went down considerably about 2 weeks after I booked (non-refundable). I accept this fate as I agreed to the price knowing it was non-refundable.
It also looks like I can call them to upgrade to stretch now that they're allowing even economy to select stretch seating. Just haven't felt like dealing with the long hold times I've heard about. It's not a big deal to me...just thought it might be nice since this is the first time I'll be flying for more than 2-1/2 hours.
Jun 17, 2011 | 1:31 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MKE
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Frontier EarlyReturns Summit
Posts: 766
It would take a lot to make them go under before thanksgiving. The pilots just voted for the restructuring so I wouldn't worry about it at all. Go ahead and call and it will tell you what the hold time is, and if you feel like waiting then wait it out. Also, I would just consider it for the DEN-PHL leg as the flight from PVU isn't long at all. And finally, the only thing I would slightly worry about is if they were to drop the PVU route, in which case they would most likely reaccomodate you through SLC where they have numerous daily flights.
Welcome to Frontier!
Welcome to Frontier!
Jun 17, 2011 | 1:44 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 39
It would take a lot to make them go under before thanksgiving. The pilots just voted for the restructuring so I wouldn't worry about it at all. Go ahead and call and it will tell you what the hold time is, and if you feel like waiting then wait it out. Also, I would just consider it for the DEN-PHL leg as the flight from PVU isn't long at all. And finally, the only thing I would slightly worry about is if they were to drop the PVU route, in which case they would most likely reaccomodate you through SLC where they have numerous daily flights.
Welcome to Frontier!
Welcome to Frontier!
Yeah, I was only going to upgrade on the DEN-PHL portion. I have a sticky on my PC to remind me to call. I'll just do it when I'm "in the mood".
And, I'm not too worried about the PVU situation. Just hope if they do send us up to SLC that we'll still make our connection in DEN.
One of the reasons I booked so early was to let them know someone was interested in the PVU flights. I like the idea of a small airport...plus it's close to my daughter & SIL in Orem. (Yes, I know SLC isn't that far from them)
Jun 17, 2011 | 3:42 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,653
I dont think you have much to worry about for several reasons.
1. The simple volume (both in bulk and in decibels) of Frontier criticism shouldnt sway your opinion.
Its ironic in a sense. What has brought critics out of the woodwork (especially elsewhere, as this board has been comparably sane and tranquil) has been word of the restructuring. The very thing which is aimed to right the ship has brought out the critics in full force. For months there have been relatively clear, occasionally ominous words in communications and conference calls that action needed to be taken. Now that the restructuring plan has been made public even as milestones have successfully been achieved the talk of Frontier being unviable has ramped up.
Its as though the boat was leaking seriously for awhile, but now that the boat is being repaired, now people are panicking. Republic has been bailing out the water and continues to do so, but has said that they will stop if the boat doesnt get fixed. Very little of the debate is that the boat repair plan is flawed. Much of the message-board chatter, instead, has been that the author always knew the boat would sink because they knew it was doomed from day one, or that they made sailing mistakes several voyages ago, or because only ships (not boats) can stay afloat, or for a variety of what appear to be axes to grind against various things to do with the boat, crew and captain.
Thats not every poster and not every message of course not. And compared to other boards, this place has been remarkably calm and rational. But it is nevertheless remarkable that panic about the disease flared most when the cure was formulated.
Not to say that the cure is guaranteed, of course. But recognize that the self-feeding escalation of doom chatter on various boards is not necessarily correlated with continued escalation of Frontier danger. The time to worry is if there are signs the restructuring is a failure.
2. The restructuring plan appears to be progressing, with a big hurdle cleared today in the pilots agreement.
3. If you purchased with a credit card, they are ultimately on the hook for services purchased but not delivered. Always buy things like airline tickets with a credit card.
4. Finally, if worse comes to worse, history shows us that it generally takes forever to kill an airline. Now Ive stated reasons why I dont think theres serious danger of Frontier disappearing soon, and the pilot concession approval today is a critical milestone passed. But from a cold, detached perspective, youre traveling this November. Recent history suggests that it takes a great deal of time for an airline to die. Even if the gloomiest critics are right about Frontiers viability, it seems highly unlikely to me that Frontier would be gone that quickly.
So for various reasons, I think youll be fine.
1. The simple volume (both in bulk and in decibels) of Frontier criticism shouldnt sway your opinion.
Its ironic in a sense. What has brought critics out of the woodwork (especially elsewhere, as this board has been comparably sane and tranquil) has been word of the restructuring. The very thing which is aimed to right the ship has brought out the critics in full force. For months there have been relatively clear, occasionally ominous words in communications and conference calls that action needed to be taken. Now that the restructuring plan has been made public even as milestones have successfully been achieved the talk of Frontier being unviable has ramped up.
Its as though the boat was leaking seriously for awhile, but now that the boat is being repaired, now people are panicking. Republic has been bailing out the water and continues to do so, but has said that they will stop if the boat doesnt get fixed. Very little of the debate is that the boat repair plan is flawed. Much of the message-board chatter, instead, has been that the author always knew the boat would sink because they knew it was doomed from day one, or that they made sailing mistakes several voyages ago, or because only ships (not boats) can stay afloat, or for a variety of what appear to be axes to grind against various things to do with the boat, crew and captain.
Thats not every poster and not every message of course not. And compared to other boards, this place has been remarkably calm and rational. But it is nevertheless remarkable that panic about the disease flared most when the cure was formulated.
Not to say that the cure is guaranteed, of course. But recognize that the self-feeding escalation of doom chatter on various boards is not necessarily correlated with continued escalation of Frontier danger. The time to worry is if there are signs the restructuring is a failure.
2. The restructuring plan appears to be progressing, with a big hurdle cleared today in the pilots agreement.
3. If you purchased with a credit card, they are ultimately on the hook for services purchased but not delivered. Always buy things like airline tickets with a credit card.
4. Finally, if worse comes to worse, history shows us that it generally takes forever to kill an airline. Now Ive stated reasons why I dont think theres serious danger of Frontier disappearing soon, and the pilot concession approval today is a critical milestone passed. But from a cold, detached perspective, youre traveling this November. Recent history suggests that it takes a great deal of time for an airline to die. Even if the gloomiest critics are right about Frontiers viability, it seems highly unlikely to me that Frontier would be gone that quickly.
So for various reasons, I think youll be fine.
Jun 17, 2011 | 4:35 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MKE
Posts: 2,161
It also looks like I can call them to upgrade to stretch now that they're allowing even economy to select stretch seating. Just haven't felt like dealing with the long hold times I've heard about. It's not a big deal to me...just thought it might be nice since this is the first time I'll be flying for more than 2-1/2 hours.
Shortest, but far from short.
Jun 17, 2011 | 6:20 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: MKE
Programs: Midwest Miles, AirTran A+ Rewards
Posts: 1,445
I'm a little bummed by all the recent news myself... If you go to other boards people are jumping all over MKE as the sole reason for Frontier's financial problems. I doubt DEN is doing that much better because of the three way tug of war going on there. Pile on to all this the Denver Airport is making contingency plans in case Frontier goes bankrupt. I did voice my concerns about Frontier becoming the surviving brand before the decision was made to dump the Midwest name. If Frontier dumps MKE as a hub I don't think they will survive as a one hub airline at DEN. Plain and simple. Just my two cents.
Jun 17, 2011 | 6:47 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MKE
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Frontier EarlyReturns Summit
Posts: 766
I wholeheartedly agree. The war in DEN shows no signs of slowing down, while at MKE they are seeing signs of progress. The drops of PIT, OMA, and IND should be a sign that WN does not wish to compete on small routes where F9 can place a few daily ERJs and hopefully flourish. There isn't a lot of traffic on those routes but with consistant nonstop service they should be able to control the O/D market. Multiple hubs allow them to diversify and spread the load accross the system instead of having a single point of failure.
Jun 18, 2011 | 9:27 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I booked a pre-Christmas ski trip to SLC with Frontier. Their fares were the cheapest by more than $60 with Continental sending me to Houston for a layover as the next cheapest option.
I am happy with my purchase for a few reasons
1) It is on an awesome credit card that will murder anyone who screws me over. Okay not that awesome, but the 2% CB Fidelity Amex card isn't bad.
2) Classic Fare. I didn't purchase this, but these upgrades are the most sensible upgrades I have ever witness. DirectTV (7-8$ value per leg it seems?). 2 free checked bags, and the little perks more miles, less costly re-booking. I am a person who buys lowest cost months in advance as I am budgeting the trip to be as cost efficient as possible. But in reality I do nickle and dime myself on these services.
3) Wifi on the EMB190 I will be on. I really do appreciate airlines who operate in the 21st century with such basic necessities such as my demand for the internet.
4) Competition. I WANT FRONTIER TO EXIST. I really do like the unique approach they bring to the market. It is like a low-cost carrier where you can actually get decent amenities for a working mans wage.
5) They use A320's and EMB190's. I've flown GRR, DTW, and ORD to SLC just a plethora of times now and I have been on everything from a CRJ200 to a 737, md80/90, a319, a320, crj700, emb145. And I like just stepping on to a big plane with warm cookies and directv. Combine that with some bud-lite, stretch seats, and pepperoni pizza and I think I would say this is the "party plane".
What is most surprising is the dramatic increase in fare costs this year. My trip could be had for $350-389 round-trip before. Now the lowest cost fare turns out to be 429+ with all the global alliance airliners being 5-6-700. I checked DTW/ORD and somehow they are more expensive then flying out of GRR.
To me this is a no brainer.
$428.71 out the door. Upgrade to stretch for like $10 if I can. $20 Checked bags. Everything comes out to be cheaper than any large carrier and once again I get more amenities.
Frontier = a winner so far in my book. Lets just hope I don't miss my connection on the way home (52min layover in DEN on the last flight out to GRR).
I am happy with my purchase for a few reasons
1) It is on an awesome credit card that will murder anyone who screws me over. Okay not that awesome, but the 2% CB Fidelity Amex card isn't bad.
2) Classic Fare. I didn't purchase this, but these upgrades are the most sensible upgrades I have ever witness. DirectTV (7-8$ value per leg it seems?). 2 free checked bags, and the little perks more miles, less costly re-booking. I am a person who buys lowest cost months in advance as I am budgeting the trip to be as cost efficient as possible. But in reality I do nickle and dime myself on these services.
3) Wifi on the EMB190 I will be on. I really do appreciate airlines who operate in the 21st century with such basic necessities such as my demand for the internet.
4) Competition. I WANT FRONTIER TO EXIST. I really do like the unique approach they bring to the market. It is like a low-cost carrier where you can actually get decent amenities for a working mans wage.
5) They use A320's and EMB190's. I've flown GRR, DTW, and ORD to SLC just a plethora of times now and I have been on everything from a CRJ200 to a 737, md80/90, a319, a320, crj700, emb145. And I like just stepping on to a big plane with warm cookies and directv. Combine that with some bud-lite, stretch seats, and pepperoni pizza and I think I would say this is the "party plane".
What is most surprising is the dramatic increase in fare costs this year. My trip could be had for $350-389 round-trip before. Now the lowest cost fare turns out to be 429+ with all the global alliance airliners being 5-6-700. I checked DTW/ORD and somehow they are more expensive then flying out of GRR.
To me this is a no brainer.
$428.71 out the door. Upgrade to stretch for like $10 if I can. $20 Checked bags. Everything comes out to be cheaper than any large carrier and once again I get more amenities.
Frontier = a winner so far in my book. Lets just hope I don't miss my connection on the way home (52min layover in DEN on the last flight out to GRR).
Jun 18, 2011 | 10:41 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,653
Glad you found a good option with Frontier. Air fares are defniitely higher overall, which is good for the viability of airlines but obviously not good for travelers' pocketbooks.
Just to be clear on the inflight entertainment (and hopefully you're already aware) the TV is only on Airbus flights. And while the E190's will have wifi, and at least a few already have it installed, it is not yet active. There have been large, frustrating delays by the installation company. With your trip being quite a few months away, that buys time for the situation to improve.
Just to be clear on the inflight entertainment (and hopefully you're already aware) the TV is only on Airbus flights. And while the E190's will have wifi, and at least a few already have it installed, it is not yet active. There have been large, frustrating delays by the installation company. With your trip being quite a few months away, that buys time for the situation to improve.
Jun 18, 2011 | 12:19 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
Glad you found a good option with Frontier. Air fares are defniitely higher overall, which is good for the viability of airlines but obviously not good for travelers' pocketbooks.
Just to be clear on the inflight entertainment (and hopefully you're already aware) the TV is only on Airbus flights. And while the E190's will have wifi, and at least a few already have it installed, it is not yet active. There have been large, frustrating delays by the installation company. With your trip being quite a few months away, that buys time for the situation to improve.
Just to be clear on the inflight entertainment (and hopefully you're already aware) the TV is only on Airbus flights. And while the E190's will have wifi, and at least a few already have it installed, it is not yet active. There have been large, frustrating delays by the installation company. With your trip being quite a few months away, that buys time for the situation to improve.
Jun 19, 2011 | 1:49 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: My opinions are my own and not that of my employer(s)
Posts: 1,411
What is most surprising is the dramatic increase in fare costs this year. My trip could be had for $350-389 round-trip before. Now the lowest cost fare turns out to be 429+ with all the global alliance airliners being 5-6-700. I checked DTW/ORD and somehow they are more expensive then flying out of GRR.
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/economi...ges/index.aspx
Last edited by traveller001; Jun 19, 2011 at 2:01 am
Jun 20, 2011 | 7:09 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 39
I dont think you have much to worry about for several reasons.
1. The simple volume (both in bulk and in decibels) of Frontier criticism shouldnt sway your opinion.
Its ironic in a sense. What has brought critics out of the woodwork (especially elsewhere, as this board has been comparably sane and tranquil) has been word of the restructuring. The very thing which is aimed to right the ship has brought out the critics in full force. For months there have been relatively clear, occasionally ominous words in communications and conference calls that action needed to be taken. Now that the restructuring plan has been made public even as milestones have successfully been achieved the talk of Frontier being unviable has ramped up.
Its as though the boat was leaking seriously for awhile, but now that the boat is being repaired, now people are panicking. Republic has been bailing out the water and continues to do so, but has said that they will stop if the boat doesnt get fixed. Very little of the debate is that the boat repair plan is flawed. Much of the message-board chatter, instead, has been that the author always knew the boat would sink because they knew it was doomed from day one, or that they made sailing mistakes several voyages ago, or because only ships (not boats) can stay afloat, or for a variety of what appear to be axes to grind against various things to do with the boat, crew and captain.
Thats not every poster and not every message of course not. And compared to other boards, this place has been remarkably calm and rational. But it is nevertheless remarkable that panic about the disease flared most when the cure was formulated.
Not to say that the cure is guaranteed, of course. But recognize that the self-feeding escalation of doom chatter on various boards is not necessarily correlated with continued escalation of Frontier danger. The time to worry is if there are signs the restructuring is a failure.
2. The restructuring plan appears to be progressing, with a big hurdle cleared today in the pilots agreement.
3. If you purchased with a credit card, they are ultimately on the hook for services purchased but not delivered. Always buy things like airline tickets with a credit card.
4. Finally, if worse comes to worse, history shows us that it generally takes forever to kill an airline. Now Ive stated reasons why I dont think theres serious danger of Frontier disappearing soon, and the pilot concession approval today is a critical milestone passed. But from a cold, detached perspective, youre traveling this November. Recent history suggests that it takes a great deal of time for an airline to die. Even if the gloomiest critics are right about Frontiers viability, it seems highly unlikely to me that Frontier would be gone that quickly.
So for various reasons, I think youll be fine.
1. The simple volume (both in bulk and in decibels) of Frontier criticism shouldnt sway your opinion.
Its ironic in a sense. What has brought critics out of the woodwork (especially elsewhere, as this board has been comparably sane and tranquil) has been word of the restructuring. The very thing which is aimed to right the ship has brought out the critics in full force. For months there have been relatively clear, occasionally ominous words in communications and conference calls that action needed to be taken. Now that the restructuring plan has been made public even as milestones have successfully been achieved the talk of Frontier being unviable has ramped up.
Its as though the boat was leaking seriously for awhile, but now that the boat is being repaired, now people are panicking. Republic has been bailing out the water and continues to do so, but has said that they will stop if the boat doesnt get fixed. Very little of the debate is that the boat repair plan is flawed. Much of the message-board chatter, instead, has been that the author always knew the boat would sink because they knew it was doomed from day one, or that they made sailing mistakes several voyages ago, or because only ships (not boats) can stay afloat, or for a variety of what appear to be axes to grind against various things to do with the boat, crew and captain.
Thats not every poster and not every message of course not. And compared to other boards, this place has been remarkably calm and rational. But it is nevertheless remarkable that panic about the disease flared most when the cure was formulated.
Not to say that the cure is guaranteed, of course. But recognize that the self-feeding escalation of doom chatter on various boards is not necessarily correlated with continued escalation of Frontier danger. The time to worry is if there are signs the restructuring is a failure.
2. The restructuring plan appears to be progressing, with a big hurdle cleared today in the pilots agreement.
3. If you purchased with a credit card, they are ultimately on the hook for services purchased but not delivered. Always buy things like airline tickets with a credit card.
4. Finally, if worse comes to worse, history shows us that it generally takes forever to kill an airline. Now Ive stated reasons why I dont think theres serious danger of Frontier disappearing soon, and the pilot concession approval today is a critical milestone passed. But from a cold, detached perspective, youre traveling this November. Recent history suggests that it takes a great deal of time for an airline to die. Even if the gloomiest critics are right about Frontiers viability, it seems highly unlikely to me that Frontier would be gone that quickly.
So for various reasons, I think youll be fine.
I do read forums/naysayers with a grain of salt. Heck, if I did, I'd probably be canceling my train trip out to Utah based on all the bad luck Amtrak is having with the flooding out west. And here I was concerned about snow in November.
Yes, I used my credit card. I use my debit card as a credit card 99% of the time for this reason.