Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. However, the logistics of air travel with kids can also be stressful, especially when it comes to seating arrangements. One of the biggest concerns for parents is whether they will be seated next to their children during the flight. When flying with budget airlines like Frontier, it’s essential to understand their specific seating policies to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Frontier Airlines Seating Policy: A Closer Look
Frontier Airlines, known for its ultra-low fares, operates on an à la carte model where you pay for everything separately – from baggage to seat selection. This means that unlike some other airlines, seat assignments are not automatically included in the base fare. Understanding this fundamental aspect of Frontier’s business model is crucial for families traveling together.
Generally, Frontier does not guarantee that children will be seated next to their parents unless you pay for seat assignments in advance. This policy is designed to keep fares low, but it places the onus on the traveler to ensure their desired seating arrangement.
The Importance of Pre-Selecting Seats
For families, pre-selecting seats is often a necessity, not a luxury. The thought of a young child sitting alone on a flight can be unsettling for both the child and the parent. Pre-selecting seats ensures peace of mind and helps avoid potential disruptions during the flight.
Moreover, depending on the age of the child, sitting separately might not even be permissible under safety regulations. Airlines generally have policies in place to ensure that young children are seated with a responsible adult.
Consequences of Not Selecting Seats
If you choose not to pre-select seats on Frontier, the airline will assign seats randomly at check-in. While they may try to accommodate families traveling together, there is no guarantee. This can lead to situations where parents are seated rows away from their children, which can be a source of significant stress and anxiety.
In the worst-case scenario, if the flight is full, the airline might not be able to find adjacent seats, leading to the need to ask other passengers to switch seats, which can be awkward and potentially unsuccessful.
Understanding Frontier’s Seating Options
Frontier offers various seating options, each with its own price point and benefits. Understanding these options allows families to make informed decisions based on their budget and preferences.
Standard Seats
Standard seats are the most basic option and are typically located throughout the aircraft. These seats come with a fee, which varies depending on the flight and the specific seat location. Selecting standard seats in advance is the most common way to ensure that families sit together.
Stretch Seating
Stretch seating offers additional legroom and is typically located in the front of the aircraft or in exit rows. These seats come at a premium price but can be a worthwhile investment for taller individuals or those who simply prefer more space. Families might consider stretch seating if they want to ensure extra comfort during their flight.
Preferred Seating
Preferred seating is generally located closer to the front of the aircraft, allowing for quicker boarding and deplaning. These seats also come with a fee and can be a good option for families who want to disembark the plane quickly, especially if they have connecting flights or young children.
Bundled Options: The Works and The Perks
Frontier offers bundled options like “The Works” and “The Perks,” which include seat selection, checked baggage, priority boarding, and other benefits. While these bundles come at a higher price than the base fare, they can offer significant value for families who plan to use multiple add-ons. These bundles often represent the most cost-effective way to ensure that families are seated together and have their baggage needs covered.
Strategies for Ensuring Your Family Sits Together on Frontier
While paying for seat assignments is the most reliable way to guarantee that your family sits together, there are other strategies you can employ to improve your chances, especially if you are trying to minimize costs.
Book Early
Booking your flights well in advance increases the likelihood of finding adjacent seats. The earlier you book, the more options will be available, and the easier it will be to secure seats that accommodate your family.
Check-In Early
Even if you haven’t pre-selected seats, checking in online as soon as the check-in window opens (typically 24 hours before departure) can improve your chances of getting assigned seats together. The earlier you check in, the better your chances of getting favorable seat assignments.
Contact Frontier Customer Service
If you have concerns about your seating arrangements, contacting Frontier’s customer service may be helpful. While they cannot guarantee that they will be able to accommodate your request, they may be able to offer assistance or suggestions. It’s always worth a try to explain your situation and see if they can help.
Consider Frontier Miles Program
Members of Frontier’s frequent flyer program, Frontier Miles, may receive priority boarding or other perks that could improve their chances of getting favorable seat assignments. While this is not a guaranteed solution, it can be an added benefit for frequent Frontier flyers.
Be Polite and Ask Nicely
At the gate or on the plane, politely asking other passengers to switch seats can sometimes work. Explain your situation and be understanding if they decline. While this is not a reliable strategy, it’s always worth a try, especially if you are traveling with young children.
The Legal and Ethical Considerations
While Frontier’s policy of charging for seat assignments is within their legal rights, there are ethical considerations, especially when it comes to seating young children separately from their parents.
Airline Regulations and Child Safety
Airlines generally have policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of young children. These policies often dictate that children below a certain age (typically 12 or younger) must be seated with a responsible adult. While Frontier’s policy might not explicitly guarantee this, they are generally required to comply with safety regulations.
The Ethics of Separating Families
The practice of potentially separating families, especially those with young children, raises ethical questions. While Frontier’s primary goal is to offer low fares, some argue that they have a moral obligation to ensure that families are seated together, particularly when the safety and well-being of children are involved.
Public Perception and Brand Reputation
Negative experiences related to seating arrangements can significantly impact Frontier’s public perception and brand reputation. Families who have been separated on flights are likely to share their experiences online, which can deter other potential customers from flying with Frontier. Therefore, it’s in Frontier’s best interest to address these concerns and find ways to better accommodate families.
Alternatives to Flying Frontier with Kids
If you are concerned about Frontier’s seating policies and the potential for being separated from your children, you might consider alternative airlines or modes of transportation.
Other Airlines with Family-Friendly Seating Policies
Some airlines have more family-friendly seating policies than Frontier. For example, Southwest Airlines allows families to board early, increasing their chances of finding seats together. Other airlines may offer free seat assignments for families traveling with young children. Researching different airlines and their seating policies can help you make an informed decision.
Driving as an Alternative
If your destination is within driving distance, consider driving instead of flying. While driving can be time-consuming, it offers greater flexibility and control over your travel arrangements. You can stop whenever you need to, and you don’t have to worry about being separated from your children.
Train Travel
Train travel can be a comfortable and convenient alternative to flying, especially for families. Trains often have more spacious seating and allow you to move around freely. You can also enjoy the scenery and avoid the hassles of airport security.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Traveling with children requires careful planning and consideration. When flying with Frontier Airlines, understanding their seating policy is crucial. While Frontier offers low fares, it’s important to factor in the cost of seat assignments to ensure that your family sits together. By booking early, checking in early, and considering bundled options, you can increase your chances of having a smooth and stress-free travel experience with your children. Ultimately, the decision of whether to fly with Frontier depends on your budget, preferences, and willingness to pay for seat assignments. Consider all the factors carefully and make an informed decision that best suits your family’s needs.
Does Frontier Airlines guarantee that children will be seated next to their parents or guardians?
No, Frontier Airlines does not guarantee that children will be seated next to their parents or guardians. Their standard policy operates on the principle that seat assignments are not automatically allocated together, especially with basic economy fares. Unless seats are specifically selected and paid for in advance, there is a risk of families being separated during the flight.
However, Frontier does attempt to accommodate families, particularly with young children, but this relies heavily on seat availability and the willingness of other passengers to cooperate. The airline encourages families to purchase seat assignments during the booking process to ensure that they are seated together. Furthermore, flight attendants will often try to assist in rearranging seating arrangements if possible, although success isn’t assured due to constraints like weight distribution and other passenger concerns.
What are the different options for ensuring my child sits with me on a Frontier Airlines flight?
The primary method for ensuring your child sits with you on a Frontier Airlines flight is to purchase seat assignments for everyone in your party during the booking process or afterwards through the “Manage My Booking” section on their website. This allows you to select specific seats and confirm that you and your child will be seated together. This is the most reliable way to guarantee proximity.
Another option, although not guaranteed, is to arrive early at the airport and speak with a gate agent. Explain your situation and request that they try to seat your family together. While they will do their best, the ability to accommodate your request depends on seat availability and the cooperation of other passengers. Keep in mind that last-minute changes are often more difficult to implement.
What happens if I don’t pay for seat assignments on Frontier and my child is assigned a seat far away from me?
If you choose not to pay for seat assignments on Frontier Airlines, there’s a possibility that your child will be assigned a seat far away from you. Frontier’s automated system assigns seats based on availability, and there’s no guarantee that families will be kept together if seats haven’t been pre-purchased. This is particularly true for flights with high passenger loads.
In this situation, you can try asking a flight attendant for assistance once onboard. They may be able to help you find another passenger willing to switch seats. However, keep in mind that flight attendants have many responsibilities, and there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to find a suitable solution, especially if the flight is full. It’s best to be prepared for the possibility that your child might be seated separately, particularly if it’s an older child capable of some independence.
What is the minimum age at which Frontier Airlines will allow a child to sit alone on a flight?
Frontier Airlines does not offer an unaccompanied minor service, therefore, children under the age of 15 are not permitted to travel alone. They must be accompanied by someone who is at least 15 years of age or older. This policy helps ensure the safety and well-being of younger passengers.
This rule is strictly enforced, and Frontier Airlines reserves the right to refuse travel to a minor who is not accompanied by an adult of the required age. Therefore, families planning to fly with children should be aware of this policy and ensure that appropriate supervision is in place to avoid any travel disruptions. The airline’s focus is on ensuring passenger safety and a comfortable travel experience.
Can I request a seat assignment change at the gate if my family is seated apart?
Yes, you can request a seat assignment change at the gate if your family has been seated apart on a Frontier Airlines flight. The gate agent may be able to assist you in finding seats together, depending on seat availability and the willingness of other passengers to switch. It is generally best to approach the gate agent as soon as possible after boarding commences, if possible.
Keep in mind that gate agents also have numerous other responsibilities, and their ability to accommodate your request may be limited, especially on full flights or during busy periods. Be polite and understanding, and explain your situation clearly. A positive and respectful attitude can often improve your chances of a favorable outcome. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to resolve the seating issue to your satisfaction.
Does Frontier Airlines offer any discounts or special considerations for families traveling with young children when it comes to seating?
Frontier Airlines generally does not offer specific discounts or special considerations for families traveling with young children regarding seating, meaning that paying for seat assignments is typically the standard process. While they aim to accommodate families, it is not explicitly advertised or guaranteed. The focus is generally on maintaining low base fares and allowing passengers to customize their travel experience by paying for desired add-ons.
While discounts aren’t standard, it’s always worthwhile to contact Frontier Airlines directly to inquire about potential family-related promotions or assistance. Customer service representatives may be able to provide information about any current offers or suggest alternative solutions. However, it’s essential to plan for the possibility of paying for seat assignments to ensure that your family can sit together during the flight.
If I purchase the Works bundle from Frontier Airlines, does that guarantee my family will be seated together?
Purchasing the Works bundle from Frontier Airlines does not automatically guarantee that your family will be seated together. While the Works bundle includes seat selection, you still need to actively select seats for each member of your family during the booking process. The bundle simply provides the *option* to choose seats; it doesn’t automatically group family members.
Therefore, it is crucial to select your seats early after booking the Works bundle. This ensures that you can secure adjacent or nearby seats while they are still available. Failing to actively choose seats, even with the Works bundle, could still result in family members being assigned seats separately, especially on flights with high occupancy. Always double-check the seat map and confirm your selections to ensure the desired arrangement.