Frontier Airline just cancelled our flight on 2/11 out of Miami

Yes, I know, took a chance flying Frontier...round trip Chicago to Miami, return trip from Miami on Feb 11th has been cancelled. Getting off the Reflection on the 11th. They'll give me a $100 voucher for a future flight but won't pay for a rental car to fly out of Orlando (closet airport to Miami for them that flies into Chicago) and won't pay for a hotel to stay an extra night in Miami. Other than taking another airline (which I'm investigating) does anyone have any suggestions for me to go back to Frontier?

I wouldn't bother with them...find a different airline!

I agree ...scrap that and use another airline. How is it they are canceling a flight 2 months out?? I would hesitate to book anything else on them.

Jet Blue is having a fantastic sale but you might have to jump on it pronto!! They have a nonstop from Ft Lauderdale to Chicago or a couple with stops. I have been happy with their customer service and they are unlikely to cancel on you. There is also Southwest, which depending on which day you fly, has some great prices. Plus, free luggage on SW and very flexible with their change fees. I have never heard of these airlines just canceling their flights 2 months out.

Great suggestions with Jet Blue and Southwest, thanks. And you're right, who cancels 2 months out!

Jet blue and Spirit have flight to O'Hare from fort lauderdale and southwest has flights to midway from fort lauderdale. Of course the big three have flights from both miami and ft lauderdale to O'Hare. Looks like jetblue is $58/pp with 5 tickets left.

Thanks for the tip

Hi....there is a nice roll call for the cruise...you know we are sailing

on Superbowl Sunday:)....come by the roll call and say hello:)

I would just cut your losses and book a new flight. They don't have any other viable options and they're not exactly easy to work with.

You still have plenty of options between MIA/FLL and ORD/MDW. The flight time is bad (9pm) but JetBlue can get you home for $58!

Yes, I know, took a chance flying Frontier...round trip Chicago to Miami, return trip from Miami on Feb 11th has been cancelled. Getting off the Reflection on the 11th. They'll give me a $100 voucher for a future flight but won't pay for a rental car to fly out of Orlando (closet airport to Miami for them that flies into Chicago) and won't pay for a hotel to stay an extra night in Miami. Other than taking another airline (which I'm investigating) does anyone have any suggestions for me to go back to Frontier?

Them and Spirit are the worst airlines, you get what you pay for.

I'd apply the $100 voucher on Frontier to a flight the next day. It's not like you are about to fly them again in the future!

You will have peace of mind if you just change your airline.

I agree ...scrap that and use another airline. How is it they are canceling a flight 2 months out?? I would hesitate to book anything else on them.

Jet Blue is having a fantastic sale but you might have to jump on it pronto!! They have a nonstop from Ft Lauderdale to Chicago or a couple with stops. I have been happy with their customer service and they are unlikely to cancel on you. There is also Southwest, which depending on which day you fly, has some great prices. Plus, free luggage on SW and very flexible with their change fees. I have never heard of these airlines just canceling their flights 2 months out.

Yes, airlines are always 're-aligning' their schedules, rather it be six (6) months out or six (6) days out...

Many of them have alternative same-day departures, yet to be sure, at least it is two (2) months out and not two (2) days out. Yes, they are most economical, as such I reason that is the reason the OP chose them. Yet, there is enough time to jump on something else which is reasonable.

For me, they are most convenient as I live near the airport in TTN, but I have PHL nearby if there is a scheduling challenge. I book them knowing they have a limited schedule and things can change...

bon voyage

Yes, airlines are always 're-aligning' their schedules, rather it be six (6) months out or six (6) days out...

 

Many of them have alternative same-day departures, yet to be sure, at least it is two (2) months out and not two (2) days out. Yes, they are most economical, as such I reason that is the reason the OP chose them. Yet, there is enough time to jump on something else which is reasonable.

 

For me, they are most convenient as I live near the airport in TTN, but I have PHL nearby if there is a scheduling challenge. I book them knowing they have a limited schedule and things can change...

 

bon voyage

Oh, I am well aware of realignment of airline's flight schedules ... I have 3 different flights booked for an upcoming cruise and all have realigned their schedules at least twice, one of them changed things around 3 times already. One even changed my flight home from a cruise on a 6:35 AM flight. When I called, they were going to charge me to change it back to a flight around noon, which is what I originally booked. I check weekly to make sure we are still on the right track. However, the OP said her flight was canceled completely! Canceling a flight 2 months out rather than realigning their flight schedule within 4 hours of an original flight is not an airline I would choose to patronize.

I also look for bargain travel but draw the line when it comes to airlines that put me in a bind as such ... this would include Frontier and Spirit both. Plus, they really aren't such bargain travel when you have to pay for every last little extra such as carry on luggage, seat assignment, water, etc. And in understanding things can change, it is the extent of the change that occurs is what helps to guide me to which airlines on which I am willing to book.

It's not just the budget airlines that change schedules willy-nilly. 3 years ago, I had booked 2 first-class tickets from Singapore to Orlando for return home (JAL Singapore to Tokyo/AA Tokyo to Orlando after 45 day cruise. Midway thru our cruise, AA notified us that our flight from Tokyo to Orlando had changed---to use a different Tokyo airport than the one our flight from Singapore was to arrive at! AA did not seem to care that this change would mean a change of airports once we arrives in Tokyo. I could understand this attitude IF we had booked our flights individually, but we had not---all were booked directly thru AA! After frantic call to AA, we were finally able to rebook using a different JAL flight one day later that then connected to new AA flight at same Tokyo airport. AA did not pickup the extra night hotel cost. If this is how the major Legacy airlines now operate, why would budget lines do any better.

Oh, I am well aware of realignment of airline's flight schedules ... I have 3 different flights booked for an upcoming cruise and all have realigned their schedules at least twice, one of them changed things around 3 times already. One even changed my flight home from a cruise on a 6:35 AM flight. When I called, they were going to charge me to change it back to a flight around noon, which is what I originally booked. I check weekly to make sure we are still on the right track. However, the OP said her flight was canceled completely! Canceling a flight 2 months out rather than realigning their flight schedule within 4 hours of an original flight is not an airline I would choose to patronize.

I also look for bargain travel but draw the line when it comes to airlines that put me in a bind as such ... this would include Frontier and Spirit both. Plus, they really aren't such bargain travel when you have to pay for every last little extra such as carry on luggage, seat assignment, water, etc. And in understanding things can change, it is the extent of the change that occurs is what helps to guide me to which airlines on which I am willing to book.

We usually take the full package which includes additional luggage and space and seat choice and cancellation... I have used the cancellation option several times, which has been great! Especially when prices have gone down before travel up to 24 hours before. I have saved upwards of an additional $75 p/p, so no complaints here.

The difference is about $125 vs going to PHL, which will add an additional $200 taking into consideration travel time and parking or limo etc.. so it is well worth the up-charges for us, as we get everything we desire.

While we have not encountered any additional charges for water, but the minimal charges for snacks are okay as the flight to FLL is usually around 2 hours, so the six or seven dollars is fine...

For us, the bargain is NOT going to PHL or EWR, at almost any price, yet when we have to, we have to and take this into account before booking, and not worry as F9 does not serve too many destinations locally for us.

I appreciate your dislike for the 'additional' charges, I book them knowing they are there. Convenience over price is our desire.

bon voyage

It's not just the budget airlines that change schedules willy-nilly. 3 years ago, I had booked 2 first-class tickets from Singapore to Orlando for return home (JAL Singapore to Tokyo/AA Tokyo to Orlando after 45 day cruise. Midway thru our cruise, AA notified us that our flight from Tokyo to Orlando had changed---to use a different Tokyo airport than the one our flight from Singapore was to arrive at! AA did not seem to care that this change would mean a change of airports once we arrives in Tokyo. I could understand this attitude IF we had booked our flights individually, but we had not---all were booked directly thru AA! After frantic call to AA, we were finally able to rebook using a different JAL flight one day later that then connected to new AA flight at same Tokyo airport. AA did not pickup the extra night hotel cost. If this is how the major Legacy airlines now operate, why would budget lines do any better.

Yes, when traveling you have to roll with it or spend time being frantic and upset or ????

Book with knowledge and lower expectations.... ;-)

Especially when self booking and not using a 'real' TA who could take care of things behind the scenes for you in advance. But in the current 'DIY' world, most have to deal with it themselves, when and IF they find out in a timely manner..

bon voyage

Personally, we avoid both Frontier and Spirit like the plague they be :(. In your situation we would explore other airline options (from either MIA or FLL) and demand an immediate refund from Frontier (don't hold your breath for a fast refund).

As to Bo1953's comment about using a "real" travel agent...we say that is a lot of bunk. Not only is there no reason to use a TA for air, but most TAs will not even handle bookings for Southwest and Jetblue...which happen to be about the two most highly rated domestic carriers. In fact, if we were the OP we would have likely booked Jetblue (FLL or ORD) in the first place. Another option (never booked by TAs) would be Southwest from FLL to Midway. As to using FLL vs MIA, it often pays to explore both options. Getting a transfer to FLL is quite easy and is an option if you cannot find a decent flight out of MIA.

Hank

On our local Orlando news tonight, they showed the mobs of people at the airport with cancelled Frontier flights because of the weather. Frontier says that Thursday is the earliest they'd be leaving. One group was a children's sports team. The chaperones were frantic, without funds for hotels, plus it's Christmas time in Orlando and hotels are packed.

OP, you can get a 1-way car rental from FLL to MCO for +/- $45. Personally, I'd go with a different airline that has a lot of flights. One of Spirit's problems in FL is, if there's a mechanical failure (and there are LOTS of them), they don't have later flights or backup equipment. You get diverted somewhere and then you're stuck for awhile. Earlier this year, people arrived by bus after many, many hours. It's also dicey to book the last flight of the day regardless of price.

Personally, we avoid both Frontier and Spirit like the plague they be :(. In your situation we would explore other airline options (from either MIA or FLL) and demand an immediate refund from Frontier (don't hold your breath for a fast refund).

 

As to Bo1953's comment about using a "real" travel agent...we say that is a lot of bunk. Not only is there no reason to use a TA for air, but most TAs will not even handle bookings for Southwest and Jetblue...which happen to be about the two most highly rated domestic carriers. In fact, if we were the OP we would have likely booked Jetblue (FLL or ORD) in the first place. Another option (never booked by TAs) would be Southwest from FLL to Midway. As to using FLL vs MIA, it often pays to explore both options. Getting a transfer to FLL is quite easy and is an option if you cannot find a decent flight out of MIA.

 

Hank

h - thank you for making my point, you will not be booked on an airline which they can readily make sure you are covered if something goes afoul like IRROPS or cancellations etc... a 'real' TA can get this covered, in my opine, without much of a challenge knowing your schedule etc.. as they quite possibly would be notified of issues in advance.

Whereas, if you choose to be your own agent, then you are left to deal with it as best YOU can or desire or blip...

bon voyage

Of course the OP would have arranged appropriate travel insurance as soon as they made the cruise and flight bookings. By doing so they would have been recompensed for the cancelled flight less any reimbursement from the airline. Not sure that they took out travel insurance I heard someone say, then I am willing to bet they will next time

Of course the OP would have arranged appropriate travel insurance as soon as they made the cruise and flight bookings. By doing so they would have been recompensed for the cancelled flight less any reimbursement from the airline. Not sure that they took out travel insurance I heard someone say, then I am willing to bet they will next time

b41 - I agree, which would have made this whole situation a moot point, but then again when we want to be our own agents for the most 'economical' cost, insurance goes by the wayside, for the most part.

I never leave home without it if I Am spending more than $750 on a trip, one never knows...

bon voyage

It seems a common thread excuse the pun when similar matters arise that Americans for some reason are reluctant to take out travel insurance when travelling overseas. Many rely on credit card insurance which if one makes a claim has severe limitations (probably because there is no premium) or they take a punt that nothing will go wrong. Have I got the wrong end of the stick or are the stories just a small part of the great American travelogue. Coming from the bottom end of the world and having to outlay large amounts of money to get anywhere and also very conscious of the high cost of US medical we wouldnt ever consider leaving home without adequate travel insurance. For those without pre existing medical conditions it only costs but a few dollars for a 14 day holiday and in many instances children under 12 are covered free

It seems a common thread excuse the pun when similar matters arise that Americans for some reason are reluctant to take out travel insurance when travelling overseas. Many rely on credit card insurance which if one makes a claim has severe limitations (probably because there is no premium) or they take a punt that nothing will go wrong. Have I got the wrong end of the stick or are the stories just a small part of the great American travelogue. Coming from the bottom end of the world and having to outlay large amounts of money to get anywhere and also very conscious of the high cost of US medical we wouldnt ever consider leaving home without adequate travel insurance. For those without pre existing medical conditions it only costs but a few dollars for a 14 day holiday and in many instances children under 12 are covered free

b41 - I agree with you, then again that is what I call 'self-insuring'... were I in the OP's shoes and had the cancellation, I Am on the next flight to the nearest airport if need be and then file with the insurance company. No need to think or complain about what the airline, weather or cruise line did. My TA would make the appropriate arrangements and we just show up.

Thank you again for your thoughts and bon voyage

So lets understand this latest comment. Suppose I pay $400 for some kind of insurance, and that insurance ultimately saves me $200 for increased airline fees (not sure most insurance will pay for this situation). So then I have only paid a net of $200 for insurance? Sounds like a bargain :). But I am not even sure that most trip insurance would pay off for a canceled airline flight, when it happens months prior to a cruise. They would simply say to book a new flight.

And by the way, in interests of full disclosure we do not buy trip insurance! After far more then 100 cruises (many of them lengthy cruises of weeks or months) we calculate we have saved approximately $100,000 by not buying trip insurance (we do have an excellent annual travel medical policy).

Hank

So lets understand this latest comment. Suppose I pay $400 for some kind of insurance, and that insurance ultimately saves me $200 for increased airline fees (not sure most insurance will pay for this situation). So then I have only paid a net of $200 for insurance? Sounds like a bargain :). But I am not even sure that most trip insurance would pay off for a canceled airline flight, when it happens months prior to a cruise. They would simply say to book a new flight.

 

And by the way, in interests of full disclosure we do not buy trip insurance! After far more then 100 cruises (many of them lengthy cruises of weeks or months) we calculate we have saved approximately $100,000 by not buying trip insurance (we do have an excellent annual travel medical policy).

 

Hank

The need to buy travel insurance is as soon as you have paid some money on the booking whether it be a cruise deposit or airline, accommodation or whatever. This is because many most insurance companies will not pay out if a problem is forseen in advance and the closer one gets to departure date the more likely an insurance company could use this as an excuse. If one pays a deposit and then takes out travel insurance say 12 months out from departure one would be covered for death in the family preventing departure, airline going bust just before departure, partner got ill and unable to travel just before departure and the list could go on. I have never had to claim after leaving the country but I have had to claim because of a hospitalisation preventing me from travelling. We are off to Europe again next year and I would hate to think the cost of repatriation if I took seriously ill on board ship, had to be flown off, followed by a lengthy stay in hospital and then a medical escort home to New Zealand. $700 insures me, my wife all our belongings, delays cancellations and full medical plus many more benefits. We consider it just part of the travel costs and whilst we can still get insurance we will continue to travel