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| * On airlines that aren't Spirit and Frontier, you can often change your flight to have more time in a place. It's often worthwhile, because it costs substantially less than flying back to the location again. | | * On airlines that aren't Spirit and Frontier, you can often change your flight to have more time in a place. It's often worthwhile, because it costs substantially less than flying back to the location again. |
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| === Frontier GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass === | | == Before purchase == |
| If you're looking for a flexible and potentially cost-effective way to travel across the United States and to select international destinations, [https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/gowild-pass Frontier Airlines' GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass] might be worth considering. This subscription-based program offers unlimited flights for a fixed price, allowing spontaneous travelers to explore multiple destinations without the burden of high individual flight costs. Key features of the GoWild! Pass include:
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| * Access to all of Frontier's domestic and international destinations
| | ====== General ====== |
| * Ability to book domestic flights 1 day before departuree and international flights 10 days before departure
| | * Are you going to use public transit to get to and from the airport? Have you checked if public transit is open at the departure and arrival times? |
| * Flights priced at $0.01 plus taxes and fees (typically around $14.60 for domestic flights)
| | * If you aren't getting to and out of the airport via transit, have you accounted for the cost in time and money of your other transportation method? Some cities have an airport close to the city and an airport farther away, and the additional transportation cost of the farther way airport sometimes eats up the difference. |
| * Various pass options: annual, seasonal, and monthly subscriptions
| | * [https://matrix.itasoftware.com/search ITA Matrix] is a flight search engine that is like an "advanced mode" for Google Flights. Since it doesn't rely on caching, it sometimes has more up-to-date results. It also allows more sophisticated querying. |
| However, it's important to note that the pass comes with certain limitations and considerations:
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| * Last-minute booking requirements may not suit all travel styles
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| * Additional costs for baggage and seat selection
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| * Blackout dates during peak travel periods
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| * Flights subject to availability
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| When planning your trip using the GoWild! Pass, flexibility is key. This option is best suited for travelers with adaptable schedules who don't mind some uncertainty in their travel plans.
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| === Booking with the GoWild! Pass === | |
| Often the Frontier Flight Pass allows you to book at the fully discounted rate (between $15 and $30) more than 24 hours before your flight– sometimes up to 48 hours before the flight. If you're planning to take a flight that hasn't yet dropped in price, check the price frequently before your intended departure time and book as soon as it drops.
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| === Route Planning with the GoWild! Pass ===
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| Frontier Airlines serves 95 destinations, but navigating this network efficiently requires strategic planning. Not all city pairs offer direct or convenient connections, so it's crucial to optimize your travel plans. Use the interactive [https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-frontier-airlines-f9 Frontier Airlines route map] to visualize and plan your trips effectively.
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| ==== Tips for Efficient Route Planning ==== | | ====== Youth ====== |
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| # '''Prioritize Direct Flights''': Focus on destinations with non-stop connections from your departure city. Direct flights save time and reduce the risk of missed connections.
| | * [https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/young-adult-discount.html United Airlines] offers 5% off flights for young adults between 18 and 23 who book via the portal until December 31st, 2025. |
| # '''Optimize Layovers''':
| | * [https://www.amtrak.com/student-discounts Amtrak] offers 15% off train tickets for students who book via the portal between 17 and 24. |
| #* Compare different days: A Wednesday flight with a 13-hour layover might have only a 1-hour layover on Monday.
| | * [https://www.studentuniverse.com/flights Student Universe] allows college students to book cheaper flights. (Not tested) |
| #* Consider weekday vs. weekend schedules, as they often differ significantly.
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| # '''Transform Layovers into Stopovers''': Instead of enduring long waits in airports, plan multi-city trips. For example, turn a 13-hour layover into an opportunity to explore an additional destination or meet people.
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| # '''Leverage Multiple Airports''': Some metropolitan areas have multiple airports served by Frontier. For instance:
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| #* Chicago: O'Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW)
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| #* Washington, D.C. area: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
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| #* New York City area: LaGuardia (LGA) and Trenton-Mercer (TTN)
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| # Check all options to find the most convenient or cost-effective route.
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| # '''Be Flexible with Dates''': Flight availability and prices can vary significantly day to day. If your schedule allows, compare multiple date options ahead of time to find the best itinerary.
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| # '''Forecast Delays:''' Understand the historical on-time performance of your route before booking by checking the flight numbers a tool like [https://www.flightstats.com/v2/ FlightStats] or using them to analyze similar trips on [https://www.flightaware.com/ FlightAware]
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| #* When forecasting using historical data, trips on the same day of week, at similar times, between the same airports are most likely to behave the most similarly
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| ==== Reframing Air Travel: The GoWild! Pass as Public Transit ==== | | ====== Credit Card Points ====== |
| To maximize the benefits of the GoWild! Pass, it's helpful to approach air travel more like using public transportation rather than as a luxury experience. Here's how this mindset shift can benefit you:
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| # '''Affordability''': Like transit passes, the GoWild! Pass offers potential savings for frequent travelers. Calculate your cost per flight to understand its value for your travel patterns.
| | * [https://roame.travel/ Pointhound] and [https://roame.travel/ Roame] are travel search engines intended for credit card point use. (Not tested) |
| # '''Dynamic Schedules''': Frontier's flight schedules can vary significantly by day of the week. Stay flexible and check multiple dates when planning, just as you might with bus or train timetables.
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| # '''Fixed Route Network''': Similar to transit systems, Frontier operates on set routes. Be prepared to make connections or adjust your destination choices based on available options.
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| # '''No-Frills Service''': Expect a basic travel experience. Like public transit, additional comforts (e.g., seat selection, extra baggage) come at a cost. Pack light and bring your own entertainment and snacks.
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| # '''Last-Minute Availability''': The GoWild! Pass allows for spontaneous travel, subject to availability. This flexibility is similar to hopping on the next bus or train without advance booking.
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| # '''Potential for Delays''': Like public transportation, flights can face delays due to various factors. Build buffer time into your schedules, especially for important events or connections.
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| # '''Focus on Functionality''': Prioritize getting from point A to B efficiently over luxury amenities. This mindset can help you tolerate minor inconveniences and focus on the value of reaching your destination.
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| By adopting this public transit-like approach to air travel with the GoWild! Pass, you can better navigate its constraints while maximizing its benefits as a flexible and potentially cost-effective travel resource. Remember, the key to successful trip planning with this pass is adaptability, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace a more utilitarian approach to flying.
| | * High-end flights (ex. direct flights across an ocean and a continent) tend to get most value per point. |
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| == Before purchase ==
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| * Are you going to use public transit to get to and from the airport? Have you checked if public transit is open at the departure and arrival times?
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| * If you aren't getting to and out of the airport via transit, have you accounted for the cost in time and money of your other transportation method? Some cities have an airport close to the city and an airport farther away, and the additional transportation cost of the farther way airport sometimes eats up the difference.
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| * Check out the page on [[Travel Hacking]] to maximize travel value while minimizing cash spent.
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| == After purchase == | | == After purchase == |
| * Have you set an alarm with time to get to airport + 30 minutes for last minute packing before your desired arrival time for the departure? | | * Have you set an alarm with time to get to airport + 30 minutes for last minute packing before your desired arrival time for the departure? |
