Frontier’s new UpFront Plus: What to expect when booking and boarding

Book a Frontier UpFront Plus room

When Frontier announced UpFront Plus in March, the airline touted four key perks: blocked middle seats for more elbow room, quick exits because the rows of seats are at the front of the plane, overall extra legroom and comfort, as well as the ability to be the first to use in-flight service.

I decided to put these perks to the test on a recent flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.

As is often the case with Frontier and other ultra-low-cost airlines, the lowest base fare option you see at first is quite low. Prices start at $34 for a basic ticket (or $26 for those paying Frontier Discount members).

However, that $34 ticket is the traditional low-cost airfare: a seat on the plane and nothing more.

get on the plane

Boarding the plane in the Board First group, I was probably behind a dozen or so passengers on the bridge, most of whom had chosen to board first.

As I prepared to board the Airbus A320, I wondered what a blocked middle seat in UpFront Plus would look like. Will there be any hardware? Or is it just an empty seat that I have to keep an eye on to make sure Frontier honors the purchase?

After all, short-haul business class in Europe often has middle seats blocked off by some kind of console, which serves as a tabletop for those sitting in the aisle and window seats. Additionally, these carriers often offer “soft products” of food and beverages that closely resemble domestic first class in the US.

What is Frontier UpFront Plus like?

Frontier’s UpFront Plus is nothing like that.

At first glance, you wouldn’t even be able to tell that the rows of seats are part of a separate seating arrangement. There are no curtains or other distinguishing features in the cabin.

The only sign that anything is different is in the first two rows: a laminated green card that reads “UpFront Plus.”

Apparently, this tag is intended to block the middle seats in those rows. However, only one row on my flight had the pass, and when boarding, it wasn’t even placed in the correct seat. It’s located in the first row of aisle seats.

I borrowed it for the middle seat in my row after all the passengers had boarded, to illustrate what the layout would be like – and to make sure no one was sitting in the middle seat I’d paid for. drum.

In a statement to TPG after the flight, a Frontier spokesperson told TPG that the carrier has no plans to add physical dividers or panels that would block the middle seat. However, the company says it is creating an elastic band that would “go around the back of the middle seat and denote the UpFront Plus portion of the plane.”

The carrier said those will be implemented sometime this month.

During the flight

Once the flight is underway, it’s clear that only three features distinguish the UpFront Plus: You’re in one of the first two rows, you have slightly more legroom than a standard coach seat, and the middle seat is empty .

In fact, as it happened, the aisle seat remained empty in my row, leaving me with the entire row to myself. (However, the flight attendant did allow passengers in Row 1, in front of me, to store their personal belongings under two seats in my row.)

Suffice it to say, don’t expect a pre-departure drink – or any free drink at all.

I didn’t read all terms and conditions for my ticket, so I secretly wondered whether the airline would charge UpFront Plus passengers for soft drinks or snacks as part of the top-tier Business Plan. Low-cost airlines typically require you to pay extra for any refreshments, although Spirit’s two new premium fares include a variety of free snacks and drinks.

Indeed, that can of ginger beer cost $3.99 on my flight.

True to the airline’s promise when booking, I was one of the first passengers on the plane to have a drink since I sat in one of the first rows. (In fact, I was one of the few people in the neighborhood to order one.)

As you’d expect from a low-cost airline, most other elements of the experience are pretty basic. Small tray table; it fits my iPad perfectly, but a larger laptop would be a pain. Keep that in mind if you want to get work done while flying.

Don’t expect Wi-Fi, entertainment screens or streaming movies – Frontier doesn’t have these, as is the case with many budget carriers around the world.

Deplaning and final thoughts

Also true to Frontier’s sales pitch, one of the best benefits of sitting in an UpFront Plus seat is the ability to get off the plane quickly after a slightly delayed two-hour, 13-minute flight to Houston.

Can I rebook one of the seats?

Sure, if the price difference is modest compared to a basic seat, like on this flight. If it’s three or four times the standard fare? I probably wouldn’t mind — although Frontier executives say customers jumped at the chance for more space, so it’s certainly worth noting.

That said, there’s not much in this experience that’s truly “premium” – at least not compared to what you’d get from a full-service provider. You’re paying to guarantee that you won’t have a seatmate, that’s it. It’s a less cramped way to get from point A to point B — and one that includes luggage and assigned seating in your ticket price.

According to executives, that’s largely the goal of the product: to give passengers willing to pay a little more the chance for a little more space.

“Let’s not overemphasize this,” Biffle said at the Morgan Stanley Laguna conference in September. “We’re not in an alliance. We’re not adding lounges. We’re not having real first class.” We offer a little more space and we find that people are willing to pay.” [for] that thing.”

Improvements on the horizon?

In a statement to TPG, the company reiterated initial customer interest in UpFront Plus and it seemed to hint at potential future improvements.

“We are very pleased with customer feedback to date and continue to explore options to further enhance the product,” the spokesperson said.

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