If you’ve ever daydreamed about booking spontaneous getaways without worrying about airfare, Frontier Airlines’ GoWild! Pass might seem like the golden ticket.
Right now, the pass is on sale for $299 a year (plus taxes and fees), the all-you-can-fly deal promises unlimited flights across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and more.
But is it a true travel hack or just another too-good-to-be-true gimmick? Here’s what you need to know before signing up.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What is the GoWild! Pass?
The GoWild! Pass is Frontier Airlines’ subscription-based travel program. For one flat annual fee, you get access to unlimited flights on Frontier’s network for 12 months. You’ll still pay government-mandated taxes and fees starting at $14.90 per segment, but your base fare is covered.
Right now, the GoWild! Pass is on sale for $299 for the 2026-2027 season. The normal price is $599.
There’s also a monthly version of the pass (usually around $149), but the annual version is the best bang for your buck if you plan to use it enough.
The fine print could ground your plans
While the GoWild! Pass sounds like a great deal upfront, as with most budget airline deals, there are a few key restrictions to be aware of. Flexibility is key with this pass, because Frontier doesn't guarantee you’ll get a seat. Here’s why:
- Booking window: Domestic flights can only be booked one day in advance. International flights require a 10-day minimum lead time.
- Standby travel: Your flight is not guaranteed until confirmed. Seats are also subject to availability.
- Blackout dates: Expect limited access around holidays and peak travel seasons. Dates like Thanksgiving week and Christmas are completely blocked out.
- Add-ons aren’t included: You’ll pay extra for checked bags, carry-ons, seat assignments and priority boarding so these fees can add up in addition to paying taxes on the flight when you book it.
- No-shows get penalized: If you don’t cancel ahead of time and miss a flight, you’ll be hit with a fee.
Who should consider the GoWild! Pass (and who shouldn’t)
Frequent flyers with flexible schedules are the ones who stand to gain the most with the GoWild! Pass. While the flash sale price is a tempting deal, you’d probably get the most use out of it if you work remotely, have generous time off, or live near a Frontier hub (like Denver, Las Vegas, or Orlando). Also, if you’re retired or like to plan spontaneous trips at least three to four times per year, you could get the most value for your money.
For example, let’s say you fly from Atlanta to Miami for a weekend getaway. A last-minute one-way flight on a budget airline could cost $150 or more. With the GoWild! Pass, you could potentially book it the day before and only pay taxes and fees. Do that just three or four times per year, and you’ve already broken even on the $299.
On the other hand, this pass probably wouldn’t be a good idea for those who like to thoroughly plan out their trips or tend to travel during peak seasons, like during holidays or school breaks. If that’s the case, you’ll likely run into limitations that make the pass less appealing.
Tips to maximize the pass
If you’ve decided that the GoWild! Pass might work for you, here’s how to get the most value from it.
- Plan strategically around the booking windows: Make a habit of checking Frontier’s booking site regularly and keep in mind that early morning often yields the best availability.
- Avoid peak travel and holiday blackouts: Frontier’s blackout dates can include major periods (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas) and specific days from October to December. Reviewing those in advance and avoiding them entirely can save frustration. If your schedule is flexible enough, you can also plan to travel just before the holiday blackout date and spend an extra day or two at your destination to save.
- Pack light and skip checked luggage when you can: While the base fare won’t cost much aside from taxes and fees, baggage fees can add up. Try to travel with a personal item only to avoid paying for carry-ons or checked bags. Also, skip seat selection and let the system assign your seat. This is where the real savings stack up.
- Use it for short weekend or midweek trips: Booking spontaneous trips like a quick getaway from Nashville to Chicago can deliver maximum value.
- Be proactive about cancellations: Since Frontier may penalize no-shows, even if the penalty isn’t clearly quantified, it’s smarter to cancel your booking if you’re not flying. That keeps you in good standing and leaves the seat open for another traveler.
- Set fare alerts for your preferred routes: While GoWild! is about flexibility, having a backup plan (regular discount fares) for blocked-out dates or when GoWild! flights are sold out can help you avoid being stranded.
- Maximize miles and elite perks: You still earn Frontier miles when booking with GoWild! and elite status perks like free bags or upgrades can apply. Combine flexibility with any elite-level benefits to enhance your travel experience.
Frontier vs. other flight passes
Frontier isn’t the first airline to experiment with flight subscriptions. Alaska Airlines offers the Alaska Flight Pass which is a predictable, regionally-focused subscription. Users pay a flat monthly rate starting around $69, or $129 for more frequent travel.
Then, they receive a set number of round-trip credits per year within California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Benefits include no blackout dates, Main Cabin amenities, seat selection, earning points, free upgrades for elites and booking up to two weeks in advance.
United offers a high-end subscription for $599/year (for one subscriber up to eight companions) that grants complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus for domestic flights. A recent user noted saving hundreds of dollars on upgrade fees, making it worthwhile, especially for family travelers.
Is the GoWild! Pass worth it?
Frontier’s GoWild! Pass remains the lowest upfront cost for “unlimited” flying, but it's highly conditional: mostly last-minute, standby and with a variety of add-on costs. To many travelers, it may feel less like a golden ticket and more like a glorified standby pass.
That doesn’t mean it has no value. For the right person like retirees with a flexible schedule, or someone who enjoys hunting down spontaneous flight opportunities, it can deliver serious savings. The more you fly, the more worthwhile the $299 investment becomes.
But for families, business travelers, or anyone who prefers predictable plans, the restrictions will likely outweigh the benefits.
Related Content
-
The Rule of the Shrinking Dollar in RetirementAlas, we must all follow the rule of the shrinking dollar once we hit retirement. Here's how to hold onto your hard-earned money over many years.
-
Design Your Second Home to Pay for ItselfSmart interior design can transform your vacation home into an income-generating rental without sacrificing comfort or style.
-
My First $1 Million: Health Care CFO, 52, Pacific NorthwestEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
The $2.5 Billion Amazon Settlement: Key Dates, Claim Eligibility and MoreAmazon agrees to a historic $2.5 billion settlement over its Amazon Prime memberships. Here's what you need to know about the case and filing a claim.
-
The 10 Best Travel Hacks Every Active Retiree Should KnowMore and more retirees are hitting the road for their dream trips, and with some creative travel hacks, you can travel the world without breaking the bank.
-
How to Add Your Favorite News Sources to Google Top StoriesGoogle now lets you choose which outlets you want to see more often in Top Stories. Here's how to set your preferred sources in just a few clicks.
-
Home Equity in Retirement: Should You Sell, Borrow or Rent?Learn how to preserve your property's value, tap equity for income and make smart choices about downsizing, renting, or leaving a legacy.
-
Foldable Phones: Are They the Future or Just a Passing Trend?Foldable phones offer eye-catching design and extra screen space, but not without compromises in cost, durability, and convenience. We weigh the pros and cons.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Divorce Negotiations: Civil — or NotWhether you go through a friendly mediation or a contentious court battle, all divorce agreements need to address the same key issues.
-
One Family's 529 Journey: A Guide to Smart College Savings, From a Parent Who's Also a Financial Professional529 savings plans have been key to funding my three children's college journeys. Here are some tips for saving for a loved one's education, based on my experience as a parent.
