Frontier Go Wild! Pass: Is Unlimited Flying Worth the Risk (2024 Update)?

Sep 04, 2025

Frontier Go Wild! Pass: Is Unlimited Flying Worth the Risk?

Frontier Airlines' Go Wild! Pass promises the allure of unlimited flying for a fixed annual fee. It's a tempting proposition, especially for budget-conscious travelers. However, before you jump on board, it's crucial to understand the fine print, potential drawbacks, and whether the pass truly aligns with your travel style and needs. This comprehensive guide will dissect the Go Wild! Pass, examining its benefits, limitations, and risks to help you make an informed decision in 2024.

What is the Frontier Go Wild! Pass?

The Frontier Go Wild! Pass is an annual subscription that grants pass holders access to deeply discounted fares on Frontier Airlines flights. Think of it as a 'standby' pass, but with a guaranteed seat if you book far enough in advance (or get lucky with last-minute availability). However, these deeply discounted fares come with significant restrictions and caveats.

How Does the Go Wild! Pass Work?

The process works like this:

Purchase the Pass: You pay an annual fee to acquire the Go Wild! Pass. There are often different tiers of the pass with varying validity periods and included perks.
Search for Flights: Pass holders log into their Frontier account and search for flights marked as available for Go Wild! Pass bookings.
Availability Windows: Flights are typically available for booking one day before departure for domestic flights and ten days before departure for international flights. This can fluctuate and depends on demand.
Pay Taxes, Fees, and Charges: While the base fare is often $0.01, you are still responsible for paying applicable taxes, fees, and carrier charges, which can significantly increase the overall cost of the flight.
Limited Seat Availability: Only a limited number of seats on each flight are allocated to Go Wild! Pass holders. These seats are subject to availability, meaning you might not always find a flight when and where you want to go.
Blackout Dates: The Go Wild! Pass is subject to blackout dates, typically around holidays and peak travel periods. During these times, the pass cannot be used.

The Allure of Unlimited Flying: A Closer Look at the Benefits

The Go Wild! Pass does offer some potential advantages, particularly for travelers with flexible schedules and a penchant for spontaneity.

Potentially Significant Savings: If you can snag flights on routes you want to travel, and you're flexible with your travel dates, the pass can potentially save you a considerable amount of money on airfare. Imagine traveling to multiple destinations for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Spontaneous Travel Opportunities: The last-minute booking window encourages spontaneous travel. If you see a deal on a flight to a city you've always wanted to visit, you can book it on a whim.
Exploration of New Destinations: The pass can incentivize you to explore new destinations you might not have considered otherwise. The low cost of the flights makes it easier to take a chance on a new adventure.
Valid for a Year: The annual nature of the pass provides a year-long window of opportunity to take advantage of available flights.

The Fine Print: Unveiling the Risks and Limitations

However, the Go Wild! Pass is not without its drawbacks. Understanding these limitations is crucial before making a purchase.

Limited Availability: This is perhaps the biggest limitation. Flights are subject to availability, and Go Wild! Pass seats are often limited. You might find it difficult to book flights to popular destinations or during peak seasons.
Blackout Dates: Blackout dates significantly restrict when you can use the pass. Expect limited or no availability around holidays, school breaks, and other peak travel periods. Always check the blackout calendar before planning your travels.
Taxes, Fees, and Charges: While the base fare might be $0.01, you are still responsible for paying all applicable taxes, fees, and carrier charges. These fees can sometimes be surprisingly high, potentially negating the savings of the pass.
Advance Booking Restrictions: The typical booking window is only one day before departure for domestic flights and ten days for international. This requires significant flexibility and might not work for travelers who need to plan their trips well in advance.
Non-Transferable and Non-Refundable: The Go Wild! Pass is non-transferable, meaning you cannot share it with anyone else. It is also generally non-refundable, even if you don't use it.
Potential for Disruption: Because you're often booking flights at the last minute, you're more susceptible to flight delays and cancellations. Since you may not have a confirmed seat until shortly before departure, rebooking options can be limited.
Carry-on Baggage Fees: Frontier is notorious for its baggage fees. Go Wild! Pass holders are not exempt from these fees. A carry-on bag will incur an additional charge, adding to the overall cost of the trip.
Seat Selection Fees: Similarly, seat selection also comes at an extra cost. If you want to choose your seat, you'll need to pay an additional fee.
Administrative Fees and Potential Price Increases: Read the fine print carefully for any potential administrative fees or clauses that allow Frontier to increase the price of the pass mid-term.
Dependence on Frontier's Network: The Go Wild! Pass is only valid on Frontier Airlines flights. If Frontier doesn't fly to the destinations you want to visit, the pass is essentially useless.
Changes and Cancellations to Schedules: Frontier can change schedules. If your flight time changes and it no longer suits your needs, your options may be limited due to the Go Wild! Pass restrictions.

Who is the Go Wild! Pass Ideal For?

The Go Wild! Pass is not for everyone. It's best suited for a specific type of traveler:

Highly Flexible Travelers: If you have a flexible schedule and can travel on short notice, the Go Wild! Pass might be a good fit.
Budget-Conscious Travelers: If your primary goal is to save money on airfare, and you're willing to sacrifice convenience and certainty, the pass could be worthwhile.
Spontaneous Adventurers: If you enjoy spontaneous travel and are open to exploring new destinations on a whim, the pass can be a great way to fuel your wanderlust.
Travelers Who Live Near a Frontier Hub: If you live near a major Frontier hub airport, you'll have more flight options and a higher chance of finding available seats.
Solo Travelers: Solo travelers often have more flexibility and can adapt more easily to last-minute travel plans.

Who Should Avoid the Go Wild! Pass?

Conversely, the Go Wild! Pass is not recommended for:

Travelers with Fixed Schedules: If you need to travel on specific dates and times, the limited availability and advance booking restrictions of the pass will likely be a major obstacle.
Families with Children: Traveling with children requires more planning and predictability. The Go Wild! Pass's last-minute booking window and potential for disruption are not ideal for families.
Travelers Who Value Comfort and Convenience: If you prioritize comfort, convenience, and certainty, the Go Wild! Pass's restrictions and potential for extra fees will likely outweigh any potential savings.
Travelers Who Need to Check Baggage: The additional baggage fees associated with Frontier flights can quickly erode the savings of the pass.
Travelers Who Dislike Uncertainty: If you prefer to have your travel plans confirmed well in advance and dislike the uncertainty of last-minute bookings, the Go Wild! Pass is not for you.
Travelers Reliant on Specific Airlines: If you have loyalty to other airlines or need to fly routes not served by Frontier, this pass won't provide value.

Calculating the True Cost: Beyond the Annual Fee

It's essential to calculate the true cost of the Go Wild! Pass before purchasing it. Don't just focus on the annual fee. Consider the following factors:

Annual Pass Fee: This is the initial cost of the pass.
Taxes, Fees, and Carrier Charges: Estimate the average cost of taxes, fees, and carrier charges per flight. This can vary depending on the destination and time of year.
Baggage Fees: Factor in the cost of carry-on or checked baggage fees, if applicable.
Seat Selection Fees: If you want to choose your seat, add the cost of seat selection fees.
Transportation to and from the Airport: Don't forget to include the cost of transportation to and from the airport, such as parking, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
Accommodation Costs: Consider the cost of accommodation at your destination.
Food and Activities: Factor in the cost of food, activities, and other expenses during your trip.
Opportunity Cost: Consider the opportunity cost of spending time searching for flights and dealing with potential disruptions.

To determine if the Go Wild! Pass is worth it, estimate the total cost of your potential trips using the pass and compare it to the cost of booking the same trips using regular fares. Only then can you make an informed decision.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Let's look at a few hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Go Wild! Pass:

Scenario 1: The Spontaneous Solo Traveler

Sarah is a freelance writer with a flexible schedule. She lives near a Frontier hub and enjoys spontaneous travel. She purchases the Go Wild! Pass and uses it to take four trips throughout the year:

Denver to Las Vegas: Taxes and fees = $40
Denver to Phoenix: Taxes and fees = $35
Denver to Orlando: Taxes and fees = $50
Denver to Cancun: Taxes and fees = $75

Total cost of flights: $200 + Annual Pass Fee. If the annual pass cost is $500, her total travel expenses for flights would be $700. The average cost per round-trip flight is only $175. Considering standard fares could easily be double or triple that, she is experiencing good value.

Scenario 2: The Family Vacation Disaster

The Johnson family of four wants to use the Go Wild! Pass for their annual summer vacation to Florida. They try to book flights several weeks in advance, but find very limited availability, particularly for four seats together. Eventually, they manage to book flights, but they have to fly into different airports and spend extra time and money on transportation. The flights are also delayed, causing them to miss a day of their vacation. The extra costs and stress outweigh any potential savings, and they regret purchasing the pass.

Scenario 3: The Business Traveler's Frustration

Mark needs to travel to various cities for business meetings. He purchases the Go Wild! Pass hoping to save money on airfare. However, he finds it difficult to book flights on the dates and times he needs, and he often has to pay extra for seat selection and baggage fees. He also experiences several flight delays and cancellations, causing him to miss important meetings. He realizes that the Go Wild! Pass is not suitable for his business travel needs.

These examples highlight the importance of considering your individual travel style and needs before purchasing the Go Wild! Pass. What works for one person may not work for another.

Tips for Maximizing the Value of the Go Wild! Pass

If you decide to purchase the Go Wild! Pass, here are some tips to help you maximize its value:

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the higher your chances of finding available flights.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid traveling during peak seasons and holidays when availability is limited.
Book Flights in Advance (When Possible): While the booking window is limited, try to book flights as far in advance as possible to increase your chances of getting a seat.
Consider Flying into Alternative Airports: If your desired destination is served by multiple airports, consider flying into a less popular airport to improve your chances of finding available flights.
Pack Light: Avoid checked baggage fees by packing light and using a carry-on bag only (but remember carry-on fees may apply).
Be Prepared for Delays and Cancellations: Flight delays and cancellations are always a possibility, especially when booking flights at the last minute. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.
Read the Fine Print Carefully: Understand the terms and conditions of the Go Wild! Pass, including blackout dates, baggage fees, and other restrictions.
Set Realistic Expectations: Don't expect to find flights to every destination you want to visit, or to travel on your preferred dates and times. The Go Wild! Pass is a great deal, but understand limitations before you buy.
Utilize Frontier's Route Map: Study Frontier's route map and focus on destinations that are well-served by the airline. This will increase your chances of finding available flights.
Join Online Communities: Connect with other Go Wild! Pass holders in online forums and social media groups. Share tips and advice, and learn from each other's experiences.

The Future of the Go Wild! Pass: What to Expect

The Go Wild! Pass is a relatively new product, and it's likely to evolve over time. Here are some potential changes we might see in the future:

Changes to Pricing: Frontier may adjust the price of the pass based on demand and market conditions.
Modifications to Availability Rules: The airline might change the booking window or the number of seats allocated to Go Wild! Pass holders.
Expansion of Blackout Dates: Frontier could add more blackout dates, particularly around holidays and peak travel periods.
Introduction of New Features: The airline might introduce new features to the pass, such as priority boarding or complimentary baggage allowance (unlikely but possible).
Tiered Pricing Options: Frontier could offer different tiers of the pass with varying levels of benefits and restrictions.

It's important to stay informed about any changes to the Go Wild! Pass so you can make the most of your subscription.

Alternatives to the Go Wild! Pass

If the Go Wild! Pass doesn't seem like the right fit for you, consider these alternative options for saving money on air travel:

Budget Airlines: Other budget airlines, such as Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Southwest Airlines, offer low fares on select routes. Compare prices and consider flying with these airlines if they serve your desired destinations.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards: Sign up for a travel rewards credit card and earn points or miles on your purchases. You can then redeem these rewards for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.
Travel Hacking: Learn the art of travel hacking, which involves using credit card rewards, airline miles, and other strategies to travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
Price Comparison Websites: Use price comparison websites, such as Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner, to find the best deals on flights.
Be Flexible with Your Dates and Destinations: The more flexible you are with your travel plans, the easier it will be to find affordable flights. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons and flying into alternative airports.
Look for Package Deals: Sometimes booking your flight and hotel together as a package can save you money.
Subscribe to Email Alerts: Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites to be notified of special deals and promotions.

Conclusion: Is the Go Wild! Pass Worth the Risk?

The Frontier Go Wild! Pass presents a compelling opportunity for highly flexible travelers seeking deeply discounted flights. The potential for savings is undeniable, especially for those who can capitalize on last-minute availability and are comfortable with uncertainty. However, the pass is riddled with limitations, including limited availability, blackout dates, baggage fees, and the potential for disruptions. Before purchasing the pass, carefully assess your travel style, needs, and budget. Calculate the true cost of using the pass, taking into account all applicable fees and charges. If you're a spontaneous adventurer who lives near a Frontier hub and can travel on short notice, the Go Wild! Pass might be a worthwhile investment. But if you need to travel on specific dates and times, value comfort and convenience, or require checked baggage, you're better off exploring alternative options for saving money on air travel. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the Frontier Go Wild! Pass depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance. In 2024, the Go Wild! Pass can be an excellent deal for a particular type of traveler, but is far from universally beneficial.

Frontier Go Wild! Pass: Is Unlimited Flying Worth the Risk (2024 Update)?