Thoughts and feedback on Frontier

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Our go-to airline has always been Jetblue. My husband is a big fellow (6' 4" tall and 300+ pounds) so we always upgrade to the Even More Space Seating for his comfort. We love that Jetblue has assigned seating and a TV on each seat.

Fast forward to earlier this year, when we moved from Canada to the the USA. While Jetblue services some of the neighboring airports in our new community, they don't offer non-stops to Orlando from any of them (DH is dead set against a connecting flight). In order to get a nonstop, we have to fly in and out of Fort Lauderdale...which is not ideal. We have done that now, twice (May and October of this year) and that drive from airport to resort on arrival and departure day is a real pain in the rump.

Our three options for nonstops to MCO from our local airport are Delta, Spirit and Frontier. Delta is super expensive, so we're ruling that one out for now. I flat out refuse to fly Spirit. Frontier seems to be our best option of the 3, and offers "Stretch Seating" ..... though I'm not certain how that compares to Jetblue's Even More Space.

Prices with Frontier are excellent, as are flight times. We would upgrade to their "Works" package so baggage, seat selection, etc. would all be covered. I think the only thing we'd really miss are the TV's, but with tables and cell phones (and no kids to entertain), we can deal for 2.5 hours.

I am most concerned about my DH's comfort, and was hoping someone ..... especially maybe someone who is a larger person themselves, or has traveled with a bigger bodied individual.....could give me some feedback on those Stretch seats. I would hate to see him miserably uncomfortable to both start and end the trip. All other Frontier feedback is also appreciated! Now's the time for me to find out the good, bad and ugly.

 

[Dis703]

I can't comment on the seats for someone who is larger as I'm only 5'2", but the seats aren't cushioned at all and don't recline. The tables are also tiny, only big enough to hold a drink and snack, not to place a laptop or anything like that.

That said both are non issues for our family for a short 2 hour and 15 minute flight and we've had excellent experiences with them overall. The prices are incredibly cheap from my area as well so it's been a win win all around. We pretty much fly them exclusively for the past few years now.

 

[wallyboag]

I am about your husband's size, just an inch short in height but around the same weight. I've flown Frontier cross country on 5 hour flights to Orlando three times now in both the regular seats and the stretch seats.

In terms of comfortability, I have flown on a lot of carriers in a lot of seats. I do not find the seats on Frontier to be any more or less comfortable than any seats on any other plane. I have heard a lot of people complaining about comfort on the seats, though, so your mileage may vary. Is it comfortable? Not at all. But I've never been in a coach seat on a plane that was comfortable. My opinion is your husband will be alright on Frontier.

A note from the previous post: The "stretch" seats do recline. The lever is hidden under the front of the seat cushion. Regular seats on the plane do not recline. Also, stretch seats have larger tray tables than the rest of the plane, though they still are not ample by any means.

A not on your seat selection: For your husband's sake, I would recommend row 2 or 3 on the plane. In row 2 or 3 your feet can go under the seat in front of you, whereas in row 1 there is a bulkhead so there is not as much room to stash feet under the seat in front. Also, while the leg room is slightly larger in the exit rows in the middle of the plane, the seats are a little narrower and the armrests are immovable, so probably best to get row 2 or 3 if they are available.

Frontier is a great airline in my experience. The flight crew has always been very friendly. The fares are unbeatable, in my opinion as well. Also, if you are not worried about canceling the flight, you can save a little by not buying the works and only picking and choosing the specific things you need. When I travel with my family, we only buy one checked bag between the three of us. That saves quite a bit over buying the works package for all three.

Also note, while you have to pay for a carry on, you are allowed one free "personal item" which is defined as anything that will fit under the seat in front of you. I've flown a few weekend trips with a backpack with a couple of changes of clothes and my toiletries in it. No baggage fees at all and no need for a checked bag by myself. Round trip from San Diego to MCO was only $40 this way! Incredible deal!

 

[greenclan67]

Gina what about going to Flint with Allegiant as well? We are looking at Frontier as well.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I can't comment on the seats for someone who is larger as I'm only 5'2", but the seats aren't cushioned at all and don't recline. The tables are also tiny, only big enough to hold a drink and snack, not to place a laptop or anything like that.

That said both are non issues for our family for a short 2 hour and 15 minute flight and we've had excellent experiences with them overall. The prices are incredibly cheap from my area as well so it's been a win win all around. We pretty much fly them exclusively for the past few years now.

I am not too worried about the lack of recline, as we try not to recline the seats anyway (I hate thinking that I am crowding the person behind me).

Thank you for the positive feedback, though!! If you have been flying them for the past several years, I assume you've had no issues with any major delays or lost luggage?

I am about your husband's size, just an inch short in height but around the same weight. I've flown Frontier cross country on 5 hour flights to Orlando three times now in both the regular seats and the stretch seats.

In terms of comfortability, I have flown on a lot of carriers in a lot of seats. I do not find the seats on Frontier to be any more or less comfortable than any seats on any other plane. I have heard a lot of people complaining about comfort on the seats, though, so your mileage may vary. Is it comfortable? Not at all. But I've never been in a coach seat on a plane that was comfortable. My opinion is your husband will be alright on Frontier.

A note from the previous post: The "stretch" seats do recline. The lever is hidden under the front of the seat cushion. Regular seats on the plane do not recline. Also, stretch seats have larger tray tables than the rest of the plane, though they still are not ample by any means.

A not on your seat selection: For your husband's sake, I would recommend row 2 or 3 on the plane. In row 2 or 3 your feet can go under the seat in front of you, whereas in row 1 there is a bulkhead so there is not as much room to stash feet under the seat in front. Also, while the leg room is slightly larger in the exit rows in the middle of the plane, the seats are a little narrower and the armrests are immovable, so probably best to get row 2 or 3 if they are available.

Frontier is a great airline in my experience. The flight crew has always been very friendly. The fares are unbeatable, in my opinion as well. Also, if you are not worried about canceling the flight, you can save a little by not buying the works and only picking and choosing the specific things you need. When I travel with my family, we only buy one checked bag between the three of us. That saves quite a bit over buying the works package for all three.

Also note, while you have to pay for a carry on, you are allowed one free "personal item" which is defined as anything that will fit under the seat in front of you. I've flown a few weekend trips with a backpack with a couple of changes of clothes and my toiletries in it. No baggage fees at all and no need for a checked bag by myself. Round trip from San Diego to MCO was only $40 this way! Incredible deal!

Fantastic feedback.....thank you so much for that!! You have reassured us on so many levels. I will definitely price out just the upgrades we need (stretch seats, carry ons, etc.) and compare it against the works. The cancellability is a nice perk to have (just in case....we do have older parents, so you never know when an emergency may arise for one of them) but not essential.

I appreciate you taking the time to give me such a detailed reply. You rock!

Gina what about going to Flint with Allegiant as well? We are looking at Frontier as well.

Honestly, until you posted, I had no idea Allegiant flew nonstop from Flint. I poked around their site this morning, and while its definitely an option from a price perspective, its not really ideal either. The flight home is early (leaving at 9 am.....so that's a very early morning start to get checked out and to the airport by 7-ish), and we'd still have an hour to and from Flint from home (the commute to DTW, at around 20 minutes, has truly spoiled us). I couldn't find much about extra legroom or upgraded seating on Allegiant (maybe they don't have it?) and their seat width and pitch is less than on Frontier.

Sometimes I think I'm looking for a 'perfect scenario' (affordable, comfortable, nonstop, and convenient) and that it just doesn't exist.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I booked my first trip on Frontier. Flight leaves in Decemeber so I can't express any feedback. What I can tell you is everything that I read. I have found some really negative feedback on this airline. 99% of the negative feedback has to do with the extra fees, from the sound of your post, you are fully aware of the extra fees and still willing to make the plunge. I've also read some positive points like the ones Wallyboag made. I honestly feel like, if it were me, I'd book it, try it out one time, if you hate it that bad, never fly them again. That is what I am doing. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[Dis703]

I am not too worried about the lack of recline, as we try not to recline the seats anyway (I hate thinking that I am crowding the person behind me).

Thank you for the positive feedback, though!! If you have been flying them for the past several years, I assume you've had no issues with any major delays or lost luggage?
QUOTE]

No issues with bags. Although to be fair we don't check luggage most of the flights as we learned to travel light to avoid the fees. But we only had one small delay and it was weather related. 45 minutes late taking off because a plane had to de-ice, but they made it up in flight and we were only 20 minutes late landing.

 

[Dis703]

I booked my first trip on Frontier. Flight leaves in Decemeber so I can't express any feedback. What I can tell you is everything that I read. I have found some really negative feedback on this airline. 99% of the negative feedback has to do with the extra fees, from the sound of your post, you are fully aware of the extra fees and still willing to make the plunge. I've also read some positive points like the ones Wallyboag made. I honestly feel like, if it were me, I'd book it, try it out one time, if you hate it that bad, never fly them again. That is what I am doing. Good luck and have a great trip.

I've found this to be very true. If you really read the negative reviews the vast majority are infuriated over the pricing structure and many bought tickets having no idea. But that's what a discount airline is all about. It's essentially a la carte pricing. You only pay for what you need or want. If you want absolutely everything included, it might not be a great value, but if you are okay with not having snacks, don't need 2 checked bags, etc. you can save a ton. I was terrified after reading the reviews at first, but have had nothing but great experiences.

The only other legitimate concern I think can be worth noting is the lack of overall flights. Depending on the airport there can be places they only fly once a day or sometimes only 4 days a week. So it's definitely worth knowing about if your dates are not flexible if something happens and your flight should be canceled. This is part of why I fly out of PHL and not always Trenton even thought it's 30 minutes further. Trenton has 1 and sometimes 2 flights a day while Philly has had 4 or 5 which leaves me with a chance to get out before the next day if something happens.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have a problem with Frontier, but it is a moral one. They ran a contest a year or so ago to put a mascot on one of their tails. When they didn't like who won (a one-eyed dog), they simply opted out and never followed thru. As an animal lover that rubs me the wrong way, and I would never fly them.

 

[Callie]

I would avoid Allegiant. They have a ton of mechanical issues and very little flexibility. I'm shocked Southwest doesn't offer any nonstop flights from Michigan. I did just fly them with a transfer and it wasn't that bad.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would avoid Allegiant. They have a ton of mechanical issues and very little flexibility. I'm shocked Southwest doesn't offer any nonstop flights from Michigan. I did just fly them with a transfer and it wasn't that bad.

They do at times offer non stops from Michigan. But they are very limited.

 

[Lewisc]

I have a problem with Frontier, but it is a moral one. They ran a contest a year or so ago to put a mascot on one of their tails. When they didn't like who won (a one-eyed dog), they simply opted out and never followed thru. As an animal lover that rubs me the wrong way, and I would never fly them.

America's got Talent gives the producers the right to ignore voting and pick the winner using any method they chose to use.
Frontier's rules
Frontier Airlines has full rights to make the final decision on animal depictions and name on its airplane in the event it determines a name is unsuitable or inappropriate.

 

[maxiesmom]

America's got Talent gives the producers the right to ignore voting and pick the winner using any method they chose to use.
Frontier's rules
Frontier Airlines has full rights to make the final decision on animal depictions and name on its airplane in the event it determines a name is unsuitable or inappropriate.

America's got Talent gives the producers the right to ignore voting and pick the winner using any method they chose to use.
Frontier's rules
Frontier Airlines has full rights to make the final decision on animal depictions and name on its airplane in the event it determines a name is unsuitable or inappropriate.

Doesn't change the fact that it was a crappy move on their part