Flight Details
- Airline: Frontier Airlines
- Class: Economy
- Route: Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD) via Las Vegas (LAS)
- Aircraft: Airbus A321neo & Airbus A320neo
It’s the airline that everyone loves to hate. Frontier Airlines frequently tops the charts for customer dissatisfaction, so as part of my 2-week USA Aviation Tour, I had to see for myself. Is it a budget-travel nightmare, or is it just misunderstood? I booked a trip from Los Angeles to Chicago with a 15-hour “gamble” stop in Las Vegas.
LAX: The $20 Human Interaction
Checking in at LAX was my first taste of the “Ultra Low Cost” model. I was actually told I was “too early” to check my bag and had to wait 15 minutes. Once the clock struck one, I paid an extra $20 just to speak to a human agent at the counter. To her credit, she was lovely, but it’s a steep price for a 30-second interaction!
One logistical note: At LAX, you check in at Terminal 1, but a bus shuttles you to the Midfield Satellite Concourse. It’s a bit of a trek, but the upside is great plane spotting and access to international terminal amenities.
On Board: Gray Vibes & Endangered Animals
My first leg was on an Airbus A321 Neo featuring a high-density 240-seat configuration. The cabin was clean and neat, but the gray color palette felt cold and uninspiring.
A unique touch is Frontier’s livery; each plane features a different animal to highlight endangered species. My plane’s ambassador was Lobo the Grey Wolf.
Service: “The German Way”
I was genuinely impressed by the cabin crew. I’m always vocal about safety, and this crew was incredibly strict and vocal about instructions. It felt a bit harsh or “fierce” at first—almost German—but you quickly realize they are just being professional and ensuring a safe flight.
The Vegas Gamble: $80 at the Bellagio
Tourism in Vegas must be at a low, because I managed to snag a room at the world-famous Bellagio for just $80! The room was fantastic with an automatic curtain system and a great view.
Naturally, I had to head down to the casino. My Patreons in the WhatsApp group suggested I bet on the numbers of my favorite plane, the Airbus A310. I put $50 on 3 and $50 on 10. The result? 18 Red. I lost it all. Lesson learned: don’t gamble!
Leg 2: Row 13 & The Smell of Weed
For the 6:00 a.m. flight to Chicago, I flew on an Airbus A320 Neo. I grabbed a seat in Row 13 a row many US airlines skip because of superstition. Because of that, I ended up with the whole row to myself!
However, one thing I couldn’t escape was the smell. Everywhere I went in the US on this trip, it just reeked of weed—including the boarding area. Not exactly the “fresh” vibe I was hoping for.
The Verdict: Solid, but Not Special
I survived Frontier, and honestly? It wasn’t that bad. I was on time twice, the crew was professional, and the “Cahill Trick” (booking the last row or the “unlucky” row) worked perfectly to get me extra space.
The downside? Once you add in the baggage fees and seat selection, it isn’t actually that cheap. I could have flown United or Delta for the same price and gotten a free snack. It’s a solid A-to-B product, but don’t expect any frills.
Planning your own US tour?
Click here to find the best deals on Skyscanner!
I stayed at the Bellagio Las Vegas – Use my link to book your stay here!
This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!
FOLLOW MY JOURNEY
About the Author
Josh Cahill is an award-winning Aviation YouTuber who is reportedly one of the most-watched flight reviewers on the internet. He organised Afghanistan’s first all-female flight together with Kam Air in February 2021 on a flight from Herat to Kabul for which he received the Aviation Achievement Award. His favourite hobby? Flying exotic airlines nobody has ever heard of.
