Hello, Our last family vacation had us flying with Frontier Airlines PHX Terminal from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport , and I have to say, the experience was more positive than I had originally expected. We've never been particularly keen on flying low-cost carriers, particularly with the kids and a couple of older family members, but following this experience, I'm pleased to report that Frontier at proved to be a nice surprise.

Arrival at PHX Airport

We arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor a few hours before our flight, just to ensure we had enough time to get through the usual airport hustle and bustle. Phoenix is a major airport, and it can get pretty busy, so we wanted to allow for extra time. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to find the Frontier Airlines terminal. There were clear signs directing us to the right area, and navigating through the airport was smooth. It is a large airport, but the layout is pretty straightforward, so it didn’t feel like we were wandering around lost.

Since we had already checked in online, we headed straight to the Frontier counter to drop off our bags. It was a good idea to check in early, as it saved us time once we arrived at the airport. There were a few people in line, but it moved quickly. The staff at the Frontier counter were extremely helpful and friendly. We had a few questions about baggage allowances, as we were traveling with kids and had quite a bit of extra gear (think strollers, diaper bags, etc. The staff patiently explained the baggage policies, making sure we understood what was included in our fare and what would incur additional charges. It was refreshing to have such clear guidance, especially when traveling with kids.

Security and Waiting at the Gate

After dropping off our bags, we headed to security. At this point, we were already feeling good about the process so far, but I wasn’t sure what to expect with security—sometimes, it’s a breeze, and other times, it’s a complete nightmare. Fortunately, security was relatively quick. We didn’t have to deal with long waits, and the TSA agents were polite and efficient. They made sure to give us extra time to get our belongings in order, especially with the kids, which was a nice touch. We’ve had our fair share of stressful moments with airport security, but this time, it was surprisingly smooth. Once through security, we made our way to the terminal area. The terminal was fairly busy, but we managed to find seating easily. There were plenty of chairs and space, and while the terminal started to get a little more crowded as our flight time approached, it wasn’t overly chaotic. It’s always fun for them to look out the windows and get excited about the upcoming adventure.

Amenities and Food Options

One thing we quickly realized was that while the terminal has a lot of options for food and drinks, it didn’t have as many open at the time of our early morning flight. A few kiosks and restaurants were already operating, but some places didn’t open until later. However, we had packed snacks for the kids, so we were set. If you’re planning to eat at the airport, I’d recommend arriving with some time to spare just in case the food options aren’t immediately available. There were a few convenience stores around, which made it easy to grab drinks or last-minute snacks. The seating area near our gate was clean and comfortable, with enough charging stations to keep our devices powered up for the flight. 

Boarding Process

When it came time to board, we had no issues finding our gate. The boarding process was organized, and the staff at the gate were very efficient. I was initially worried that there might be confusion with all the families boarding, but Frontier handled it well. The gate agents made sure that the boarding process was smooth, and they were clear with instructions for families with young children. Since we were flying with two kids, we appreciated the priority boarding for families—it helped us get situated without feeling rushed or stressed out. The gate area wasn’t overly crowded, and we had plenty of time to get settled before boarding began. The staff made sure to call passengers in an orderly manner, and we didn’t experience the usual chaos that sometimes happens when everyone rushes to board. The boarding process was surprisingly quick, and before we knew it, we were walking down the jet bridge to our plane.

Onboard Experience

The flight itself was straightforward, and we had no issues on board. Frontier is a no-frills airline, so don’t expect luxury seating or tons of extras, but it’s perfect for what it is—an affordable, no-nonsense way to get from point A to point B. The crew was friendly and professional, and even though the seats were a little more cramped than we’re used to, they were comfortable enough for the short flight. One thing I really appreciated was the crew’s attentiveness to our kids. They were friendly and made sure we had what we needed. When we had a small issue with one of the kids’ seatbelts, the flight attendant quickly assisted without any hassle. The flight was smooth, and the kids were entertained enough with their devices and a few games. We did buy a couple of snacks on board, but just a heads-up: the snacks are definitely on the pricier side. However, I can’t complain because it’s part of the budget airline experience, and we were expecting it.

Final Thoughts

Overall, our experience flying Frontier Airlines Terminal Phoenix was better than I had expected, especially considering we were traveling with kids and elderly family members. The check-in and security process was easy, the staff were helpful, and the terminal was comfortable. While it’s not a luxury experience, Frontier provides a straightforward and efficient airport experience. For families looking for an affordable and hassle-free trip, I would definitely recommend flying Frontier out of Phoenix. The entire process was relatively stress-free, and I’m glad we chose them for our trip. Flying with Frontier might not have all the bells and whistles, but when you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still gets you where you need to go with minimal stress, it’s hard to beat.