Written by Regina Han, J-1 Exchange Student
When we study abroad as an exchange student, one of the most exciting parts is the chance to ‘travel’. Sure, there’s the academic side of university life, but what really makes this experience stand out is the ability to explore a completely different country—especially one as vast and diverse as the United States.
As an exchange student at San Francisco State University, I had the unique opportunity to travel across the U.S. and experience so many new places. However, one of the challenges that quickly becomes apparent is the cost of travel. That’s where I discovered the Frontier Airlines GoWild Pass, which has been a total game-changer for my travels.
What is the GoWild Pass?
The GoWild Pass from Frontier Airlines is essentially an all-you-can-fly pass that gives you access to unlimited flights on Frontier Airlines for a certain period of time. With the GoWild Pass, you can book flights for any destination Frontier operates to. It's available in various formats, depending on how long you want to use it (e.g., monthly, seasonally, or annually). You pay a fixed price for the pass and can fly as much as you want within that time frame, only paying additional fees for things like taxes and optional seat upgrades ($16 ~ $31 per one way).
The GoWild Pass is particularly ideal for someone like me—someone who is more spontaneous than a meticulous planner. Cause, you can book 'the day before' flight departure for domestic travel and starting '10 days' before flight departure for international travel.
I’ve used it to explore a wide range of cities, from the nearby attractions in California to more far-flung destinations across the country.
During my exchange semester, I’ve been able to travel to Los Angeles (three times), Las Vegas (twice), and New York City (twice), and I’m planning even more trips before my exchange ends.
The Pros and Cons of the GoWild Pass
While the GoWild Pass has been incredibly helpful, it’s not without its pros and cons. Here's a quick overview of both:
Pros :)
- Affordable : As an exchange student, budget is always a concern, and the GoWild Pass offers great value. The low upfront cost and pay-per-use system for taxes and fees means you only pay when you fly, and the cost of flying is much lower than buying individual tickets.
- Spontaneity : I can explore new cities whenever I have the time ! Without burden.
Cons :(
- Limited Availability : The biggest downside is that flights aren’t always guaranteed. Frontier operates on a "standby" basis, meaning you only get a seat if there’s availability on the flight. So sometimes I couldn’t book the flight. It’s really random.
- Layover Nightmare: Frontier Airlines rarely offers direct flights to the cities I want to visit. This means I often end up having to take connecting flights (layovers). Even for destinations that would normally take 2-4 hours on a direct flight, layovers can stretch the journey to over 10 hours making it extremely exhausting.
- Frequent Delays : Frontier Airlines is notorious for its frequent delays and cancellations. As a result, travel plans often get disrupted, causing major inconveniences and extended travel times.
- No Carry-On Bag Allowed : Frontier Airlines’ basic fare only includes one personal item, meaning you can only bring a small backpack when traveling. You have to embrace a minimalist approach, as adding a carry-on bag comes with a hefty extra fee.
Conclusion: Is the GoWild Pass Worth It?
For a traveler like me, who loves exploring but has a limited budget and plenty of time as an exchange student, I would recommend the Frontier Airlines GoWild Pass. Despite its many drawbacks, the unbeatable price alone makes it worthwhile.
The GoWild Pass gives us the courage to explore the U.S. during this once-in-a-lifetime exchange experience. If you think the pros and cons align with your travel style, then I say go for it!