Newbie Seating Question
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: Mileage Plus Premier Member, Hertz #1 Club Gold, National Emerald Club
Posts: 27
Newbie Seating Question
I've never flown Frontier before, though will be doing so for the first time next week as part of an Apple Vacations charter from ORD-CUN. So a few questions.
(1) My flight departs ORD at 6:00 a.m. Can I check-in online prior to or do I have to show up at the counter at 4:00 a.m. (or earlier)? Since this is an international flight, is online check-in even an option?
(2) I can log into my reservation on Frontier's web site. I can currently buy stretch seats for $45 each (there are two of us) for each flight. Are the seats worth the upcharge?
3) I notice in Rows 10 and 26, that there are only 2 seats on each side of the aisle, while all of the other rows have 3 seats on each side. Are these ideal, since my wife and I wouldn't have someone in the row with us, or is there a disadvantage to these seats?
Your assistance is appreciated. I typically fly United and AA, so this is all new to me.
PTEM
(1) My flight departs ORD at 6:00 a.m. Can I check-in online prior to or do I have to show up at the counter at 4:00 a.m. (or earlier)? Since this is an international flight, is online check-in even an option?
(2) I can log into my reservation on Frontier's web site. I can currently buy stretch seats for $45 each (there are two of us) for each flight. Are the seats worth the upcharge?
3) I notice in Rows 10 and 26, that there are only 2 seats on each side of the aisle, while all of the other rows have 3 seats on each side. Are these ideal, since my wife and I wouldn't have someone in the row with us, or is there a disadvantage to these seats?
Your assistance is appreciated. I typically fly United and AA, so this is all new to me.
PTEM
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
1. Yes, you should be able to check in online 24 hours before departure. You still need to be cognizant of Frontier's baggage check cut-off time and make you arrive to the airport with plenty of time. I would also make sure to arrive early enough to make sure that your passport information is recorded. While I often arrive 45 min before a flight, when flying a ULCC like Frontier I would make sure to be at the airport 90 minutes before, just because they often have much longer lines and aren't known for their flexibility.
2. Only you can tell whether the stretch seats are worth it to you. The seat width is the same, but you'll have 36-38 inches of seat pitch (about as much as many domestic first class products), more padding, and a full size tray table. For $45 on a 4 hour flight, I'd probably do it.
3. If you want some privacy these seats may be a good option. It is worth noting that because they're ahead of the exit row you won't have any recline ( I think the A321s have "pre-reclined" seats anyways, so not sure if that's an issue) and you won't be able to lean against the wall to rest.
Enjoy your trip to Cancun!
2. Only you can tell whether the stretch seats are worth it to you. The seat width is the same, but you'll have 36-38 inches of seat pitch (about as much as many domestic first class products), more padding, and a full size tray table. For $45 on a 4 hour flight, I'd probably do it.
3. If you want some privacy these seats may be a good option. It is worth noting that because they're ahead of the exit row you won't have any recline ( I think the A321s have "pre-reclined" seats anyways, so not sure if that's an issue) and you won't be able to lean against the wall to rest.
Enjoy your trip to Cancun!
#3
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
3. If you want some privacy these seats may be a good option. It is worth noting that because they're ahead of the exit row you won't have any recline ( I think the A321s have "pre-reclined" seats anyways, so not sure if that's an issue) and you won't be able to lean against the wall to rest.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 12
I flew from phl to bna and I paid extra for the stretch seat because it said they reclined. For the life of my I couldn't figure out how to get it to recline. Plus the new seats are like sitting on felt covered cinder blocks.
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
The "Stretch Seats" operate differently than any other airline seat I've ever seen. There is a small lever next to the seat cushion that releases the back. There was a video on UTube showing how it works but I couldn't locate it just now.

