My husband started his leave early and took the kids down to Florida ahead of me. I purchased a one…read moreway ticket on Frontier Airlines through the Hopper app to join them later in the week.
To be honest, I was dreading the whole experience because I had heard that Frontier was similar to Allegiant Airlines, a discounted airlines, so my expectations were already low going into it. But I'm happy to report it was not as bad as I expected!
First, I booked my one way ticket to Orlando (MCO) from Norfolk (ORF) on the Hopper app. It cost me a total of $92.98 (with Hopper discounts and surcharges). I got the confirmation email from Hopper and a separate confirmation email from Frontier as well.
On the day of my flight, I made sure to check-in online before heading to the airport. I arrived 2 hours ahead of my flight as suggested on the ticket. Boarding was around 2:06pm for a flight departing at 2:51pm.
Things to note:
- Check in online before heading to the airport (read next item). There is a charge for assistance at the airport. You'll also skip the lines.
- For this trip, I walked on the plane with my purse and the clothes on my back, no additional items. With the exception of my purse (personal item), there is a charge for every single thing: seat selection, assistance at the airport, checked baggage, drinks/snacks on board) etc.
- Seat selection - varying charges for seats with extra leg room, the proximity of seat to the front, etc. I can see the need for paying extra for this charge if you are traveling with small children who need your assistance, separation anxiety from traveling buddy etc. At the time of my online check-in, I just let the system pick for me. Despite the messaging that Hopper/Frontier suggest, not picking a seat does not mean you do not get a seat. I felt a little paranoid that if I didn't buy a seat that I won't get one, but that is not the case. But shouldn't just getting a seat as people check in be the standard instead of trying to make a couple of extra bucks with instilling the fear of not getting the seat you want?
- masks are no longer required to fly
- They board in their priority sequence. Frontier Rewards members, individuals with disabilities, people traveling with small children etc.
- plane was pretty packed and seats weren't very roomy, but hey, that's economy LOL.
- flight departed on time (give or take a few minutes due to taxiing position), but the flight itself took less time than quoted on the itinerary
- snacks and drinks (even water) is available for sale. I did not purchase anything, but from the looks of the menu, it's all packaged foods like chips and candies and sodas. There is a limited selection.
- the flight crew was actually very upbeat and nice. I had no issues with them.
For me, this flight served its purpose, cheap and no issues. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. I just feel it's irritating to be met with an option of a "surcharge" at every turn. I just liked the good ol' days when you could check in at the counter with a human, be assigned a seat with the people in your party, a drink and a bag of peanuts with friendly service! But am I asking too much?
Stay safe, Friends! -