My Honest Review of Frontier Airlines (2024)

This September we flew with Frontier Airlines for the first time. A direct flight from Columbus to Denver, including luggage, for $244! How can you beat that? But then I started reading the reviews, and I got nervous. I already have flight anxiety, and the reviews were making it seem like I was taking a tin can in the sky. But now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I can let everyone know what they’re in for, first-hand.

It’s truly no frills.

There is nothing luxurious about Frontier. They literally call it an “air bus” which I thought was hilarious until I learned that’s an actual term. The seats do not recline, and the tray tables can barely fit a drink on them, let alone a book or anything else. It really does feel like you’re on a bus.

EVERYTHING is a la carte.

Even water is extra. No, frontier does not include any drinks or snacks on their flights. So pack your own snacks, and buy a bottle of water once you’re inside the aiport. Or better yet, bring an empty water bottle and fill it once you’re there. Most airports have purified water filling stations now! Luggage is not included in the base price, except one personal item. I should also mention it’s an extra $5 to choose your seat. So be aware that that $99 ticket could end up being closer to $140ish.

Be aware of luggage.

A lot of reviews I read were people upset that the base ticket price does not include luggage. But it’s all right there in the fine print! I already mentioned every ticket includes a personal item. Just make sure to weigh and measure your luggage before you leave, because they will nickel and dime you whenever they can. If your personal item doesn’t fit under the seat, they will consider it a carry-on, and they will charge you for it.

The seats are…less than desired.

I kept reading that the seats were like plastic folding chairs. Well, they weren’t quite that bad, but they weren’t great either. Thin, vinyl seats that don’t recline, with almost zero leg room. The leg room didn’t bother me so much, but my 6’5″ boyfriend was not as comfortable.

Get the app.

For as budget of an airline as Frontier is, they have a surprisingly nice app! You can check in, load your boarding passes, pay bills, and even chat with customer service. Though if you pull up your boarding pass, I would screenshot it. Cell reception in airports is not always reliable.

Overall, it was fine for the price. Key word, FINE. I would fly Frontier again, but I think three hours would be my cap. I’ll buy the dirt cheap tickets to be uncomfortable for a couple hours, that’s a fair trade off. But if the flight were any longer, I think I would just suck it up and pay the extra money for comfort.