Is Frontier Airlines Safe?

Sarah Rand
·4 min read
Frontier Airlines is a budget airline that many assume is unsafe due to its reputation. Learn more about if the airline is safe and is a good option for travelers. Pictured: A Frontier Flight with an image of penguins on its back wing on the tarmac ready for takeoff
Frontier Airlines is a budget airline that many assume is unsafe due to its reputation. Learn more about if the airline is safe and is a good option for travelers. Pictured: A Frontier Flight with an image of penguins on its back wing on the tarmac ready for takeoff

Frontier Airlines is an American budget airline that provides both domestic and international flights. The airline is certainly not new, having offered low-cost flights since 1994. However, Frontier’s motto, “Low Fares Done Right,” has caused the airline to catch some criticism in recent years with a rise in hidden fees.

Safety is a top concern for travelers, but as flight prices have increased over the years, some passengers now prioritize affordability. This is especially true with options like the low-cost Spirit Airlines and newer Breeze Airlines at play.

Of course, there are safety regulations that each airline must adhere to, but comfort and peace of mind go beyond those standards. For travelers debating booking a flight with Frontier Airlines for their next trip, this safety guide may help decipher whether or not the airline is the right choice. We have researched Frontier Airlines’ safety, advancements, and perks so that prospective passengers do not have to.

Safety and FAA Regulations

There are many safety regulations that airlines have to abide by to continue to fly passengers. Frontier is one of the many airlines that comply. Pictured: Airplane tunnel with passengers boarding
There are many safety regulations that airlines have to abide by to continue to fly passengers. Frontier is one of the many airlines that comply. Pictured: Airplane tunnel with passengers boarding

In terms of safety, Frontier Airlines does not have the most positive reputation, though it’s still a popular airline. This is mostly credited to the affordable fares for individual seats that Frontier offers since it was actually rated the worst United States airline in 2023. The AirAdvisor evaluation ranked U.S. airlines for reliability, comfort, safety, price and many other critical criteria that contribute to flyers’ experiences before, during, and after air travel. This, among other reviews, have contributed to the questionable safety ratings of the airline.

The airline scored a 3.22 in the extensive study, while Delta Airlines received a 7.67. This low ranking may surprise some, since Frontier Airlines has never experienced a fatal crash. Airline safety is taken incredibly seriously, as it should, so if an airline cuts too many corners and puts passenger safety at risk, it would be flagged and investigated. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has safety standards that all U.S. commercial carriers have to abide by. These strict standards set by the FAA are used for evaluations that certify airlines to carry passengers. The FAA even conducts research for commercial aviation safety which can be found on their website. Frontier Airlines complies with safety guidelines and has continued to follow industry regulations.

Green Airline

Frontier Airlines has worked hard to reduce its environmental footprint. With a fleet that is less than four years old, the airline has a newer lineup of aircraft. The airline has reduced its carbon footprint with ultra-efficient airbuses and reports to be 43 percent more fuel-efficient than other American airlines.

The airline even has a way of physically showing its prioritization of environmental safety. All of Frontier Airlines’ aircraft have pictures of animals on its planes’ tails. This gives the airline’s fleet a unique look and highlights the wildlife of North America.

Modernization

Airlines have had some modern updates to booking and fleets to compete with other airlines. Pictured: A man on a dark airplane looking out the bright window with a book in his hand
Airlines have had some modern updates to booking and fleets to compete with other airlines. Pictured: A man on a dark airplane looking out the bright window with a book in his hand

Booking

Passengers should be sure to book ahead of time and pay for carry-on or checked luggage to avoid encountering last-minute or extraneous charges, which the airline is known for. Some drawbacks to booking with Frontier is that budget airlines do not have as many lavish amenities, complimentary offerings or entertainment options, compared to their competitors. Any add-on comfort items (or general upgrades) will incur extra fees. The airline does not offer complimentary bites or refreshments, does not offer WiFi and has no in-flight entertainment. Overall, Frontier Airlines is not the best airline to fly for comfort, unless travelers are willing to pay extra.

Fleet

Frontier Airlines has a fleet of 128 aircrafts and all of them are Airbus narrowbodies, which are advanced planes. All Frontier Aircraft’s have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cabin recirculating filters, which help to protect passengers’ health. The advanced aircrafts have efficient design and configuration which help utilize space. This comes in handy when dealing with baggage handling, saving plane weight and even fuel efficiency.

There are only two seat categories for travelers who book flights on Frontier Airlines. The standard seating that Frontier offers has a spatial range of 28 to 31 inches, which is less than the U.S. average for seats. Travelers can opt to book the upgraded Stretch Seats, which have a spatial range of 33 – 38 inches and can recline. These seats are a better fit for longer flights or for those who prefer a little extra room to ensure their comfort while flying.

Pros of Flying Frontier Airlines

There are many benefits to flying with Frontier airlines like their efficient fleet. Pictured: A plane window out looking the sky with an image of a big cat on the wing
There are many benefits to flying with Frontier airlines like their efficient fleet. Pictured: A plane window out looking the sky with an image of a big cat on the wing

When choosing to fly Frontier Airlines, you can look forward to these benefits complimenting the experience:

  • Affordable flights

  • Annual memberships with benefits

  • Fuel efficient aircraft

  • Young, environmentally friendly fleet

Cons of Flying Frontier Airlines

The cons of flying Frontier Airlines are some of the reasons the airline has mixed reviews. Pictured: A frontier aircraft with an image of a polar bear in the back wing
The cons of flying Frontier Airlines are some of the reasons the airline has mixed reviews. Pictured: A frontier aircraft with an image of a polar bear in the back wing

However, the definitive downsides to traveling with Frontier Airlines include:

  • Minimal complimentary amenities

  • No frills

  • Hidden fees

  • Unfavorable reputation