Travel

Planning your trip

• United Basic Economy (no carry-on option) and Spirit don't have flight flexibility. You can buy flight flexibility from Spirit.
• 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.

Frontier GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass

If you're looking for a flexible and potentially cost-effective way to travel across the United States and to select international destinations, 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:

• Access to all of Frontier's domestic and international destinations
• Ability to book domestic flights 1 day before departure and international flights 10 days before departure
• Flights priced at $0.01 plus taxes and fees (typically around $14.60 for domestic flights)
• Various pass options: annual, seasonal, and monthly subscriptions

However, it's important to note that the pass comes with certain limitations and considerations:

• Last-minute booking requirements may not suit all travel styles
• Additional costs for baggage and seat selection
• Blackout dates during peak travel periods
• Flights subject to availability

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.

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.

Route Planning with the GoWild! Pass

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 Frontier Airlines route map to visualize and plan your trips effectively.

Tips for Efficient Route Planning

1. 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.
2. Optimize Layovers:
   • Compare different days: A Wednesday flight with a 13-hour layover might have only a 1-hour layover on Monday.
   • Consider weekday vs. weekend schedules, as they often differ significantly.
3. 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.
4. Leverage Multiple Airports: Some metropolitan areas have multiple airports served by Frontier. For instance:
   •  Chicago: O'Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW)
   •  Washington, D.C. area: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
   •  New York City area: LaGuardia (LGA) and Trenton-Mercer (TTN)
5. Check all options to find the most convenient or cost-effective route.
6. 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.
7. Forecast Delays: Understand the historical on-time performance of your route before booking by checking the flight numbers a tool like FlightStats or using them to analyze similar trips on FlightAware
   • 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

Reframing Air Travel: The GoWild! Pass as Public Transit

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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.

Before purchase

• 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?

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?

Preparing for your flight

• Bring a water bottle: Fill after security. Cabin humidity is very low (10-20%), causing dehydration. Drink water regularly during the flight. Large (preferably 24oz+).
• Have enough electrolytes: Eat sodium and potassium rich foods before your flight, on the plane, or during any layover if you have trouble retaining water.
• Pack extra medication: Bring additional doses, and store it in multiple compartments, in case you lose it or extend your trip. Keep in your onboard baggage for easy access.

Japan

Bring as many debit cards as possible in order to obtain cash and pay for transportation cards.