We are taking a 2 week trip to Asia and I need to fly from MCO to SFO the night before to meet up with my sister. Our flight to PVG leaves the next day at 1:15pm.


I am looking at a non-stop flight on this route on Monday 10/16. Frontier has one in the evening, which would be cheaper than the United non-stop. I would do the works, since I will have a carry on and a checked bag for my 2 week trip.


What are your thoughts on this airline? Good seat to sit in, since I can choose it ahead of time? I have never flown them before.


Thanks!

Suppose it's cancelled. Does Frontier have another flight that arrives into SFO in time for your TPAC flight (including retrieving bags and checking in for the flight to Asia)?

This will be separate tickets so the risk is on you if you miss the (I assume) UA flight to Asia. OTOH, if both tickets are UA, they're more likely (but not required) to work with you if something goes wrong.

Since Frontier is a LCC, I assume it doesn't interline.

If you understand the rules and it fits your schedule then I find Frontier has a very good inflight product. Their airport staff is all contract workers so they can be a little uneven but are generally OK.

The biggest risk is their limited flight schedule. While their cancellation rate is not much different than other carriers, if a flight is cancelled their limited schedule make it more likely you would have a significant delay.

As suggested above, I would not put myself in a situation without options in case of IROPS... especially when you MUST make the flight to Asia.

Have you looked at Southwest? Lots of flight options on 10/16 which would help in case of IROPS, much more comfortable seats, no extra charge for baggage, and free snacks/beverages all for around the same price as what I saw Frontier was offering without factoring in The Works additional cost.

I fly Frontier on occasion and find they are much more reliable than the other ultra-low-cost carriers. That said, you would have to be crazy to book Frontier in a situation like this.

They have an extremely limited schedule, virtually no back-up planes available, and they do not interline, so if your flight is cancelled or has a long delay, they will not put you on another airline.

You need to get to your next city to catch an international flight. Take a legacy carrier that has numerous back-up options in case weather or ATC or mechanical issues strike. And give yourself plenty of time, just in case.

Do not EVER take a non-interlining ultra low-cost carrier in a situation like yours. (Southwest, which does not interline, is the exception, because they have so many flight options in the event of an IRROP. I'm saying stay away from Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier) Trying to save a few bucks can cost you hundreds - or more - and can be very bad for the digestion.

Just out of curiosity I checked.

Frontier with The Works costs $274.
Southwest has about a dozen options ranging in price form $221 to $289

Southwest includes at least 1 stop and possible a change of planes.
Frontier is a nonstop and with The Works includes a Stretch Seat.

I'd feel better with Southwest in this situation.

If the TPAC flight is operated by UA or has a UA ticket, I'd feel better with UA in this situation. I'd also feel better arriving into SFO the day before the TPAC departure.

Thanks for everyone's input. I elected to book on United to make sure I get out to SFO, just in case. My sis lives in San Fran, so I will get an opportunity to try Frontier on another trip.


I was specifically looking for a non-stop on this flight, as we will be spending ALOT of time in the air the following day. Normally, I take a connector from MCO to SFA when I go to Cali.


Thanks again! ^^^