Frontier’s GoWild! Pass: Is It Worth the Hype for Frequent Flyers?

by Sky Skylar | March 3, 2025 | 0 Comments

Over the years, I’ve read about countless airline promotions, but Frontier Airlines has been especially bold with its GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass. Under this program, travelers can book unlimited flights for a penny per segment—plus taxes and fees—and even snag Silver Elite status. Yet as dazzling as it seems, there are important considerations that can make or break the deal. Below, I’ll share what I’ve learned, combining insights from real-world travelers and industry data, to help you see if the GoWild! Pass is worth adding to your travel toolbox.

Record-Low Pricing

1. Record-Low Pricing for 2024–25

When Frontier first unveiled its 2024–25 GoWild! Pass, it was briefly available for $499 if purchased by November 28, 2023. Even now, with that window in the rearview mirror, the annual cost typically remains among the most aggressive in the industry. The pass covers travel from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025, granting the possibility of booking an unlimited number of flights at a base fare of only a penny per segment. In my research, few other carriers have come close to matching such low promotional entry points—especially when coupled with elite perks.

I’ve observed that the pass isn’t simply about that head-turning price; the real value comes when you take multiple trips. Some travelers recoup the pass cost with just a couple of last-minute roundtrips. According to a 2024 study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, average domestic airfare rose by around 7% year-over-year. Being able to sidestep those rising base costs, even if taxed a penny, can offer savings that quickly add up.

That said, there are capacity controls and blackout dates to watch out for. If you want to plan big family getaways over popular holiday periods, availability might be extremely slim or nonexistent. Personally, I’ve seen last-minute tickets open up in less crowded travel windows, making great spontaneous adventures possible. However, if you’re banking on predictable flight schedules months in advance, you might find the pass less convenient.

Booking Windows and Blackout Dates

2. Booking Windows and Blackout Dates

One of the most defining traits of GoWild! is its tight booking window: domestic flights can only be reserved one day before departure, while international flights become available ten days in advance. That’s a dream setup if you prefer impulsive escapes—perhaps an unexpected long weekend is the perfect excuse to hop on a plane for a fraction of the usual cost. But it can be nerve-wracking if you’re trying to coordinate with coworkers or meet deadlines for a precisely planned itinerary.

From my observations, this short booking window sometimes works in travelers’ favor. A friend of mine, for instance, managed to score a spontaneous trip to Denver during a slow travel week. Because few other passengers were eyeing that same off-peak slot, she easily snapped up the flights and saved hundreds on what otherwise would’ve been a pricey last-minute deal. However, during high-demand travel periods—especially major national holidays—seats can dry up quickly.

Frontier also teased a discounted $299 price for the first 5,000 buyers for their 2025–26 pass, a move that reveals this pass concept isn’t a one-time stunt but an evolving model. Should you miss one promotion, there might be another on the horizon. Still, be aware that blackout dates often align with popular travel times like Thanksgiving and late December. I’ve found it helpful to build in alternative plans if traveling during a known peak period.

How Elite Status Plays a Role

3. How Elite Status Plays a Role

GoWild! pass holders receive FRONTIERMiles Silver Elite status through 2024, a perk that can sweeten each trip. Silver Elite normally provides benefits like bonus mileage earning, which can accumulate faster than standard rates. While you won’t suddenly get a first-class experience on a budget airline, having elite status could mean fewer headaches when it comes to boarding or dealing with unexpected changes.

In my own research, I’ve noted that some travelers have reported reduced fees for extras such as carry-on bags. Silver Elite status doesn’t guarantee freebies for every extra, but it can offer discounts that might chip away at your total costs. If you take multiple flights a month—an achievable pace for digital nomads or frequent weekend warriors—those small fee breaks are worth their weight in overhead bin space.

That said, the pass doesn’t automatically include seat upgrades or large baggage allowances. I’ve come across people who learned this lesson the hard way, surprised by the final total after adding a checked bag or priority seat selection. It’s wise to factor these potential fees into your budget from the start. That level of transparency can help you see if the math really works in your favor.

Extra Fees and Auto-Renewal

4. Extra Fees and Auto-Renewal

It’s true that the GoWild! fare itself is one cent, but other expenses come into play. Government taxes and airline fees still apply on every booking, and these charges can pile up depending on how often you fly or where you go. Some travelers note that while base airfare is negligible, their final out-of-pocket cost after taxes, baggage, and seat selections can still become a significant piece of the budget. According to industry data from 2024, ancillary fees at low-cost carriers increased nearly 12% compared to the previous year—so be sure to do the math upfront.

Auto-renewal might look like a small footnote, but it’s one of the biggest pitfalls. I’ve seen travelers accidentally let their pass renew at the full annual rate, not realizing they had to manually opt out. Setting a calendar alert is a simple but effective safeguard. You’ll want to assess whether you’ll still need the pass for a second year; if your travel plans change or you move to a location where Frontier doesn’t have a robust network, that renewal fee could be money down the drain.

In my experience reading forums and traveler feedback, the best strategy is to track your usage throughout the year. If you’ve flown six or seven times under the pass within a few months, you might already be ahead of the game. But if you find yourself using it less frequently, consider whether an upcoming auto-renewal truly fits your lifestyle.

Who Benefits Most (and Who Might Not)

5. Who Benefits Most (and Who Might Not)

GoWild! is a beacon for flexible, adventurous travelers who aren’t afraid of last-minute decisions. If you can leave on a whim and your local airport has decent Frontier coverage, it can become a passport to endless mini-vacations. Some travelers describe a sense of freedom knowing they can decide on a Friday to fly somewhere on Saturday without worrying about sky-high last-minute fares.

On the flip side, not everyone thrives in a world of spontaneity. If your job or personal obligations require precise planning months ahead, GoWild! might frustrate you when seats vanish or holiday blackout dates crop up. I’ve talked to families who discovered that trying to synch everyone’s time off with the pass’s limited booking window caused more stress than savings. They often found better value in Frontier’s Discount Den or in simply booking regular flights well in advance.

I’ve also noticed that occasional Frontier flyers—say, those who only hop on the airline once or twice a year—rarely get enough utility out of the pass to justify the cost. For those individuals, paying cash for a couple of flights might be cheaper unless you anticipate a sudden explosion in travel plans. The bottom line? Weigh your typical travel habits against the pass’s spontaneity requirements and possible blackout periods.

Tips for Maximizing GoWild!

6. Tips for Maximizing GoWild!

From what I’ve seen, the best GoWild! users share a few strategies. First, they check flight availability daily, especially a few weeks before a potential trip. Sometimes new seats appear when Frontier adjusts capacity. Staying vigilant can be your golden key to snagging that penny fare. Second, travel light whenever possible. Bag fees can creep up quickly, so using a personal item that fits under your seat can keep costs manageable.

Third, if you move fast and lock in a flight as soon as you see availability, you’ll have a much better shot at capturing those elusive open seats. Don’t wait around; I’ve seen routes fill within hours once pass holders realize seats are up for grabs.

Lastly, remain open to off-peak travel. Shoulder seasons, mid-week flights, and less traditional vacation months often have fewer travelers, yielding more seat availability. If you can align your schedule with these periods, you’ll frequently find that the pass more than pays for itself. And always keep an eye on new promotions—Frontier seems to enjoy rolling out fresh deals and pass variations that might further boost your savings.

Final Thoughts

At its best, the GoWild! Pass is a game-changer for anyone seeking low-cost, spontaneous trips. It can unlock a steady stream of flight options where you essentially pay next to nothing for the base fare, all while benefiting from Silver Elite status perks. In the right circumstances—and with the right attitude toward booking windows and blackout dates—this pass can deliver extraordinary savings.

However, the pass is far from a silver bullet. Blackout restrictions, last-minute seat searches, and possible extra fees can reduce the overall value if you’re not prepared. As with all travel deals, knowing what you’re signing up for is crucial. Understanding your flexibility and frequency of travel naturally goes a long way to deciding if the GoWild! Pass is the perfect match, or a fast pass to frustration.

Sky Skylar’s Take

I’ve observed that GoWild! is a tantalizing glimpse into what the future of travel could look like, where spontaneity is a currency of its own. It’s almost like gaming the system for those who can make last-minute flights work. On the other hand, if you’re a planner who wants everything set well in advance, you might clash with the pass’s tight booking windows. Ultimately, it’s about embracing the thrill of unexpected journeys or recognizing that a more conventional airline plan may serve you better.

Even though I haven’t personally flown under this pass, the sheer volume of success stories and occasional frustrations I’ve come across convinces me there’s real potential for the right kind of traveler. Just keep your eyes open for those seat releases and be prepared to pivot if plans change.

Find more tips, reviews, and in-depth discussions here at BoardingArea.

Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
Exciting: Cathay Pacific Boeing 777X Order Bumped To 35 Jets
The 777X is Boeing’s new flagship aircraft, which is badly delayed. The jet was supposed to enter service in 2020, but has been delayed until at least 2026, due to certification issues. On the plus side, things are finally looking up, and it seems that timeline might be realistic, with...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
28 Hours Trapped on a Plane: Passengers Recount Grueling Experience On Cathay Pacific Flight From Hell
Passengers on a Cathay Pacific flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong spent a grueling 28+ hours stuck on the same plane, unable to deplane, and with limited food or drink after record-breaking rainfall prompted an unscheduled and very lengthy diversion. The Boeing 777 with as many as 294 passengers...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Air Canada Crisis Looms: Flight Attendants Overwhelmingly Approve Strike Amid ‘Unpaid Work’ Battle
Flight attendants at Air Canada have voted overwhelmingly to take part in strike action unless the airline significantly improves its offer to struggling crew members in protracted contract negotiations. On Tuesday, the CUPE union, which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and its leisure subsidiary Air Canada...
One Mile at a Time
Uh Oh: BermudAir Sued Over Millions In Unpaid Airport Fees
In August 2023, we saw the launch of BermudAir, a quirky niche airline operating Embraer planes between Bermuda (BDA) and the United States and Canada. The airline has grown quite a bit —it now has a fleet of four jets, andserves roughly a dozen destinations.
You Are Travel
Hyatt’s Latest Brand Tweaks Globalist Breakfast Benefit: Is this the Beginning of Something Terrible?
Tl;dr – Unscripted By Hyatt hotels will have a different Globalist breakfast offering. I stumbled across a post… The post Hyatt’s Latest Brand Tweaks Globalist Breakfast Benefit: Is this the Beginning of Something Terrible? appeared first on You Are Travel.
Economondo
Rumbling Through Ukraine on an Antonov An-24: Lviv to Kyiv with Motor Sich
Join me as I fly onboard a rare Soviet era Antonov An-24 on a flight from Lviv to Kyiv
2PAXfly
BORDER FORCE: Sydney Airport trials digital incoming passenger card
Sydney Airport is trialling a long-awaited move towards digitising one of the most tedious parts of international travel: the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). From today, eligible passengers on select Qantas flights from New Zealand can complete their arrival declaration online — no more fumbling for pens mid-flight. It’s a small...
The Shutterwhale
Earn 2X Points on IHG Stays This September 2025 (From Your Second Stay Onwards)
Earn unlimited 2X IHG One Rewards points on qualifying stays from 1–30 September 2025, starting with your second stay. Register now and enjoy double base points on all eligible stays - registration now open!
Live from a Lounge
Boeing 777X gets closer to entry into service; Fifth (Production) Aircraft joins the test fleet.
Boeing has added a new aircraft to its Boeing 777X test fleet. This aircraft was built after 2020, and is the first one to have been built and flown after the test campaign started. The post Boeing 777X gets closer to entry into service; Fifth (Production) Aircraft joins the test...
2PAXfly
KOALA AIRLINES: Still promision to take off in 2026, still with no aircraft
A new challenger to the duopoly of Qantas and Virgin announced its bid around the time REX Airlines went into liquidation. We haven’t heard a lot from them since, and there has been little to no update on their online information. AI have seen a couple of fairly general interviews...
Live from a Lounge
Accor reshapes Accor Plus to Accor+ after a large membership drive, takes away most value
Following a significant membership drive earlier in the year, Accor’s dining programme, Accor Plus, has announced changes effective October 1, 2025. Here are the details. Accor Plus Explorer to rebrand as Accor+ on October 1, 2025 Accor Plus, the Asia Pacific-focused travel loyalty subscription programme, will transition to the ALL...
The Bulkhead Seat
Passenger Busted at Washington Dulles Trying to Smuggle 59 Pounds of Marijuana Into Europe
A female passenger was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) earlier this week… The post Passenger Busted at Washington Dulles Trying to Smuggle 59 Pounds of Marijuana Into Europe appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
These are not the droids you are looking for – ANA to withdraw its Star Wars “Droid” fleet
Sometimes in the air, a special livery can brighten a day a lot when travelling.  Sadly, it seems ANA (All Nippon Airways) is nearing the end of its relationship with Star Wars, as the Boeing 777-300ER painted to resemble the best of all droids – R2-D2 – is set for...
The Shutterwhale
Why I’m Not Renewing My Accor Plus and ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership – Even With a ‘Complimentary’ Subscription
Once a powerhouse of perks and flexibility, Accor Plus is about to undergo major changes - and not for the better. From October 2025, discount stacking disappears and status extensions are gone. Here’s why I’ve decided to let my membership lapse.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Kenya Airways Asante Rewards paid status match opportunity – airlines, hotels AND credit cards included!
Loyalty Status Co. has a new status match offer in place and this one is for Kenya Airways Asante Rewards. This is a good opportunity to get SkyTeam status, especially if you live outside of the countries that have been part of the Air France KLM Flying Blue Status Match...
Points With a Crew
Capital One Venture Rewards Card Review (75,000 mile welcome offer)
Learn how signing up for the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card can supercharge your travel with 75,000 miles, $250 AND benefits that include ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
You Don’t Have to Earn Elite Status to Enjoy Free Bottled or Filtered Water at a Hotel
One of the benefits of earning elite status in many different frequent flier loyalty programs is being given one or two bottles of water, which can be appreciated when staying in a hotel or resort property in a location where the taste — or, worse yet, quality — of the...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Hilton Honors: Receive a 100% bonus when you buy points
Hilton is out with their next buy points bonus and once again it provides up to 100% more points on purchases of 5,000 or more points. With a 100% bonus it means you are paying US$ 0.5 cents per point. Given the ability to easily redeem at these points at...
You Are Travel
Redditor Claims “Brothel-Like” Spa at a Southwestern China Hyatt Wouldn’t Stop Offering Them “Favors”
Tl;dr – I tend to stay away from these stories but every once in a while, these stories… The post Redditor Claims “Brothel-Like” Spa at a Southwestern China Hyatt Wouldn’t Stop Offering Them “Favors” appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Miler
Will AA devalue now that Citi transfers to AA? | Coffee Break Ep66 | 8-5-25
Citi now offers a way to transfer points 1 to 1 to American Airlines, which has many predicting an AA devaluation is on the horizon. In this podcast episode, we’ll discuss this concern. Will AA devalue now that Citi transfers to AA? Watch the full episode below, or listen on...
Your Mileage May Vary
Credit Card Review: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express card replaced the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express personal card. All cardholders were transferred to the new card, which has a unique design for an…
ATX Jetsetter
Alaska Airlines is Launching Flights to London and Reykjavik
Alaska Airlines is launching service from its hub at Seattle Tacoma International Airport to London and Reykjavik in 2026. The post Alaska Airlines is Launching Flights to London and Reykjavik appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
One Mile at a Time
I Got A Call From American About My Compensation Request…
I recently wrote about how I missed a connection while flying American from London to Chicago to Miami, with a delay that started due to a late inbound aircraft resulting from a maintenance issue.
Frequent Miler
Capital One Offers awarding 6x-9x on Giftcards.com purchases
Capital One Offers has started offering increasingly generous rewards on purchases from certain retailers. We recently highlighted the opportunity to earn 15x on in-store purchases at CVS when paying with a linked card, but there’s now a new offer for Giftcards.com. That one is offering 6x-9x transferable Capital One miles...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers