CLT-DOUGLAS — Frontier on Monday added a new route from Charlotte that may or may not actually reach its destination in one piece, the airline announced.
In a statement, Frontier said it had “assessed a roughly 60% likelihood of passengers arriving as intended,” factoring in weather, crew availability, aircraft condition, and “the continued integrity of several critical components.”
“Honestly, if the duct tape and bubble gum hold, we like our chances,” the airline added, encouraging travelers to “remain flexible” and “view delays as an opportunity to spend more time in the airport.”
For much of Charlotte’s price-conscious population, Frontier remains a decision made only after checking American Airlines prices and quietly accepting discomfort, surprise fees, and the slim but non-zero possibility of a wing detaching mid-flight.
“I mean, I did get to Orlando,” said Charlotte resident Mark T., noting that his original destination had been Denver. “Eventually.”
Another traveler, who asked not to be named, said their recent Frontier flight included “four delays, one cancellation, and a two-hour period where nobody at the gate knew if the plane was real.”
“At one point the pilot came on the intercom and said this was his first flight,” the passenger said. “Then someone else came on and said he wouldn’t be flying us after all.”
Despite this, several residents defended the airline.
“Look, it’s cheap,” said Brandon S., who described himself as “generally fine with whatever happens.” “You just can’t be in a hurry, or attached to your luggage, or emotionally invested in arriving at all.”
Frontier said it remains committed to providing “affordable travel options” to Charlotte residents, adding that further details about the new route would be available “at the gate, pending circumstances and a $25 information fee.”
