When traveling with family, especially with young children, it’s essential to consider the boarding process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. One of the most common questions asked by families is whether Frontier Airlines offers family boarding. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Frontier’s boarding policy and explore what options are available for families.
Understanding Frontier’s Boarding Policy
Frontier Airlines has a unique boarding policy that is designed to be efficient and cost-effective. The airline uses a zone-based boarding system, where passengers are assigned a specific zone based on their seat selection and fare type. The zones are boarded in a specific order, with passengers who have paid for priority boarding or have selected seats in the front of the plane boarding first.
Zone-Based Boarding System
Frontier’s zone-based boarding system is divided into several zones, each with its own boarding group. The zones are as follows:
- Zone 1: Passengers who have paid for priority boarding or have selected seats in the front of the plane
- Zone 2: Passengers who have selected seats in the middle of the plane
- Zone 3: Passengers who have selected seats in the back of the plane
- Zone 4: Passengers who have not selected seats or have been assigned seats by the airline
How Family Boarding Works on Frontier
While Frontier does not offer a specific family boarding policy, the airline does provide some flexibility for families with young children. Families with children under the age of 15 can board the plane together, but they must board in their assigned zone. This means that if a family has selected seats in different zones, they will need to board the plane separately.
However, Frontier does offer a few options for families who want to board the plane together:
- Family Seating: Frontier offers a family seating option that allows families to select seats together, even if they are not in the same zone. This option is available for an additional fee, which varies depending on the route and fare type.
- Priority Boarding: Families can also purchase priority boarding, which allows them to board the plane in Zone 1. This option is available for an additional fee, which varies depending on the route and fare type.
Tips for Families Boarding on Frontier
While Frontier’s boarding policy may not be the most family-friendly, there are a few tips that can help make the process smoother:
- Select seats together: If possible, select seats together as a family to ensure that you can board the plane together.
- Purchase family seating: If you’re unable to select seats together, consider purchasing family seating, which allows you to select seats together for an additional fee.
- Purchase priority boarding: If you want to board the plane in Zone 1, consider purchasing priority boarding, which is available for an additional fee.
- Arrive early: Arrive at the gate early to ensure that you can board the plane in your assigned zone.
Additional Fees for Family Boarding
While Frontier’s family boarding options may be convenient, they do come with additional fees. The cost of family seating and priority boarding varies depending on the route and fare type, but here are some estimated costs:
- Family seating: $15-$30 per person
- Priority boarding: $15-$30 per person
Is Family Boarding on Frontier Worth the Cost?
Whether or not family boarding on Frontier is worth the cost depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re traveling with young children and want to ensure that you can board the plane together, the additional cost may be worth it. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options, such as selecting seats together or arriving at the gate early.
Comparison to Other Airlines
Frontier’s family boarding policy is not unique, and many other airlines offer similar options. Here’s a comparison of Frontier’s family boarding policy to other major airlines:
- American Airlines: American Airlines offers a family boarding policy that allows families with children under the age of 15 to board the plane together, regardless of their seat selection.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines offers a family boarding policy that allows families with children under the age of 15 to board the plane together, but only if they have selected seats together.
- United Airlines: United Airlines offers a family boarding policy that allows families with children under the age of 15 to board the plane together, but only if they have selected seats together.
Conclusion
While Frontier’s family boarding policy may not be the most family-friendly, the airline does offer some flexibility for families with young children. By selecting seats together, purchasing family seating, or purchasing priority boarding, families can ensure that they can board the plane together. However, these options do come with additional fees, which may not be worth it for every family. Ultimately, the decision to pay for family boarding on Frontier depends on your individual circumstances and budget.
| Airline | Family Boarding Policy | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | Families with children under 15 can board together, but must board in assigned zone | $15-$30 per person for family seating and priority boarding |
| American Airlines | Families with children under 15 can board together, regardless of seat selection | No additional fees |
| Delta Air Lines | Families with children under 15 can board together, but only if they have selected seats together | No additional fees |
| United Airlines | Families with children under 15 can board together, but only if they have selected seats together | No additional fees |
By understanding Frontier’s family boarding policy and comparing it to other airlines, families can make informed decisions about their travel plans and budget.
What is family boarding on Frontier Airlines?
Family boarding on Frontier Airlines is a policy that allows families with children under a certain age to board the plane before other passengers. This policy is designed to make it easier for families to find seats together and get settled before the flight takes off. Family boarding typically occurs after passengers with disabilities and elite status have boarded, but before the general boarding process begins.
It’s worth noting that family boarding is not the same as pre-boarding, which is a separate process that allows certain passengers to board the plane before anyone else. Pre-boarding is typically reserved for passengers with disabilities or special needs, while family boarding is designed specifically for families with young children.
Who is eligible for family boarding on Frontier Airlines?
To be eligible for family boarding on Frontier Airlines, you must be traveling with a child who is under the age of 18. Additionally, you must have purchased a seat for your child, as lap infants are not eligible for family boarding. If you have multiple children under the age of 18, you can board with all of them, but you must have purchased a seat for each child.
It’s also worth noting that family boarding is only available on flights that offer assigned seating. If you’re flying on a flight that offers open seating, you will not be eligible for family boarding. Additionally, family boarding is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the airline for the most up-to-date information.
How does family boarding work on Frontier Airlines?
When you arrive at the gate, look for the family boarding sign, which is usually indicated by a sign that says “Family Boarding” or “Families with Children.” When family boarding is called, you can board the plane with your child. You will need to show your boarding pass to the gate agent, who will verify that you have a child under the age of 18 with you.
Once you board the plane, you can find your seat and get settled. Keep in mind that family boarding is designed to make it easier for families to find seats together, but it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be able to sit together. If you want to ensure that you can sit together, you may want to consider purchasing seats together in advance.
Can I purchase seats together for my family?
Yes, you can purchase seats together for your family on Frontier Airlines. In fact, the airline recommends that families purchase seats together in advance to ensure that they can sit together. You can purchase seats together when you book your flight, or you can add seats to your reservation later.
Keep in mind that purchasing seats together can add to the cost of your flight, so be sure to factor that into your budget. However, it’s often worth the extra cost to ensure that your family can sit together and make the most of your flight.
What if I have a lap infant?
If you have a lap infant, you are not eligible for family boarding on Frontier Airlines. Lap infants are not assigned a seat and do not have a boarding pass, so they are not eligible for family boarding. However, you can still board the plane with your lap infant during the general boarding process.
Keep in mind that if you have a lap infant, you may want to consider purchasing a seat for them, especially if you’re flying on a busy flight. This can help ensure that you have enough space for your infant and can make the flight more comfortable for everyone.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat on board?
Yes, you can bring a stroller or car seat on board a Frontier Airlines flight, but there are some restrictions. Strollers and car seats must be gate-checked, which means that you’ll need to check them at the gate before you board the plane. They will be returned to you at the gate when you arrive at your destination.
Keep in mind that strollers and car seats must meet certain size and weight requirements to be gate-checked. You can check with the airline for more information on their stroller and car seat policies.
Are there any other perks for families on Frontier Airlines?
Yes, Frontier Airlines offers several other perks for families. For example, the airline offers a “Kids Fly Free” program, which allows children under the age of 14 to fly for free on certain flights. The airline also offers a variety of kid-friendly amenities, such as free live TV and movies, and a selection of snacks and drinks.
Additionally, Frontier Airlines offers a “WORKS” bundle, which includes perks like extra legroom, priority boarding, and a free checked bag. This can be a great option for families who want to make the most of their flight.