Frontier Airlines’ GoWild pass promises a world of affordable travel, letting you crisscross the skies at a whopping discount. But diving headfirst into this bargain bonanza reveals its true nature—not all wanderers will find it their cup of tea.
Frontier has introduced an unlimited flight pass named ‘GoWild!’—a siren’s call for those with a thirst for travel adventure. For a limited time, you could snag this travel deal for an annual fee of $299, unlocking access to rock-bottom flight prices as low as a penny, plus the standard taxes and fees. The catch? It demands a daringly spontaneous spirit and a flexible lifestyle.
In 2023, I embarked on a test run of the GoWild pass, zigzagging across various states in the US. Beginning my travels from Austin after attending a wedding, my itinerary included Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, and Philadelphia, a mix of planned flights and spur-of-the-moment decisions. Unlike the average traveler delving into holiday guides, I found myself booking quick flights for the thrill of it, embracing the unexpected hiccups along the way.
The financial allure is undeniable—five days, several cities, and a travel expense under $60. It sounds like a dream, yet not without its baggage. Alongside last-minute bookings come a slew of challenges including blackout dates, limited seat availability, and a flight schedule that may not always comply with your plans. While some might delight in a surprise detour to places like Omaha that weren’t part of the original plan, others might find it a frustrating kink in their well-laid plans.
Booking accommodations and activities at the last minute can spike costs, as can the fees for amenities not included in the pass. Frontier lets you fly cheap, but you’d better be prepared for their rigid seating and luggage policies—any excess or extra could land you in a financial pickle.
The saga of my travels shone a light on both the freedom and confinement of GoWild. For instance, on a planned escape from Las Vegas, I was up against a solitary 6:15 a.m. flight to Orlando, a time that hardly suited my desire for a leisurely walk to the gate. Frontier’s budget policy further dictated my packing strategy. Armed with only a personal item—a snugly packed backpack—I danced around the airline’s size restrictions, narrowly avoiding additional fees.
Behind the scenes, finding GoWild seats becomes a game of persistence and luck. Options are limited on Frontier’s website, but thanks to an independent creation, ‘The 1491 Club,’ travelers gain a somewhat clearer picture of available seats for a subscription fee.
The journey from Philadelphia back to my Connecticut home highlighted one of GoWild’s major drawbacks—its limited utility for travelers residing off the beaten path. Without a nearby Frontier hub, I relied on Amtrak to bring me the rest of the way home, a decision kinder on my comfort than the airline’s austere seating.
Ultimately, GoWild sings its siren song best to self-employed nomads and creative professionals with the flexibility to dance to its unpredictable tune. With work calls coming from anywhere, those with a more traditional nine-to-five might find the pass impractical, risking unwanted extended stays and unexpected adventures at every turn.
Frontier’s GoWild pass could be a boon for those with the right mix of wanderlust and adaptability. While it opens the door to affordable travel across various exciting routes, it comes with strings attached that demand flexibility and spontaneity. As with any great travel venture, it’s a mix of challenges and rewards—perfect for the right kind of traveler.
Source: Yahoo
