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Prologue:

Welcome to this report on a new airline for me - Ultra Low Cost "Frontier".

Every time an avgeek sets foot on a new airline the feeling is similar to a kid entering a candy store. The anticipation of discovering a new airline can be overpowering. Truth be told I was not planning to fly Frontier at all but when I happen to come across a fare of about $48 roundtrip it was too tempting to let it pass and I succumbed.

So here I am sampling a new product for a day. I will be flying to LAX in the morning and returning in the early evening which worked perfectly.

Frontier is located in the Intl Terminal @ SFO and a quick look at the counter you find that it is very empty. There is a reason for that - Frontier wants the pax to do everything single transaction on its webpage or app. If you want to talk to a human being you are charged for the privilege. It's as simple as that.

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F9 fares can be really cheap but if you purchase the lowest fare you will need to pay for anything extra. You are allowed a personal item but no carry-on. At some stations the gate agents ask pax to place their personal items into the measuring compartments. If they exceed the size you will be charged $99 on the spot.

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After security and on the way to the gate. It's always nice to board a flight from the international terminal. The experience feels a bit more elevated and sophisticated.

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I accessed the Virgin Clubhouse through my Priority Pass membership. However catering is extremely limited for Priority Pass members and consists of croissant noodles fruits and cookies.

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I had some tea and left.

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Golden Gate Lounge

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This lounge is a contract one used by some airlines and administered by Air France. The AF lounge used to be a Priority Pass participant but since the new renovation it only allows AF and KL premium and elite members flying on the respective carriers. Priority Pass pax are referred to the Golden Gate lounge as consolation prize.

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Buffet

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Catering is not bad.

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During check in the airline assigns you any seat available. Even within check in time if you decide to switch seats F9 charges you for the privilege. The 2 first rows of Economy are "premium" seats with more legroom and a middle seat blocked.

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Initially I was assigned 9B but at the gate they made an announcement asking if single pax wanted to switch to EMERG EXIT. The flight seemed to be a bit oversold so i jumped at the opportunity and by the time I got to the agent I took the last seat in that row. If I changed to this seat on my own it would have cost me $58.

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The pilot returning to the plane.

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Baggage sizers are prominent at the gate of every Frontier flight.

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An announcement was made for priority boarding and everybody lined up.

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A crew member greeted pax as they boarded which is not expected from an ultra low cost but it's a nice touch.

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The tails of Frontier planes are painted with animals and each seem to have a particular name. Nice marketing.

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EMER EXIT row.

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Good legroom.

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Crew member was nice and welcomed pax as they boarded.

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Contents of the set pocket.

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Everything is BOB including soft drinks.

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Take off.

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I had to try the snack box for $9

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When the cabin was preparing to land I asked a passing FA for some souvenirs and trading cards. She came back and gave me these. Very nice!

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Parking at the gate.

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========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 8/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

========== Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse ==========



Staff Service: 9/10
Entertainment: /10
Business Center: /10
Food: 6/10
Lounge Design: 10/10
Spa and Bathroom: 10/10
Wifi: 10/10

========== Frontier Airlines - Airline ==========



Cabine comfort: 9/10
Crew: 10/10
Entertainment: /10
On-time performance: 9/10
Appetizer: 0/10
Starter: 0/10
Main Meal: 0/10
Main Meal-2: 0/10
Cheese: 0/10
Desserts: 0/10
Alcohols: 0/10
Mid-flight snack: 0/10
Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Los Angeles Intl Arpt (LAX) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

Summary:

Frontier proved to be a nice surprise on this flight. Crew was professional and friendly which was a major bonus. I can't help but think of previous flights that I have taken with Southwest and JetBlue and today's crew was better than on those 2 instances and those carriers are known for their inflight service which is ironic.

Because of its low cost model Frontier will charge you for everything which is expected. Service onboard is by request only. They don't even pass with a beverage cart.

If you know what to expect and set your expectations accordingly then Frontier is a great choice, especially if you buy a really great fare.

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