If you’re a budget-savvy traveler, you’ll know that Frontier Airlines deals are among the best.  As with other budget airline providers, there are no costly bells and whistles to pay for; what you see is what you get. That means you’ll pay only for the things you really want during your trip. Knowing what to expect will help you plan better and prevent surprises.

The tips below should allow you to be better prepared when you book and when you board.

Pre-pay your bag fees

To keep fares low, Frontier does charge for both checked and carry-on bags. However, you won’t be charged for a personal item that fits under your seat. Still, if you’re taking more than a day trip, a carry-on probably won’t be substantial enough. You’ll have to pay for your luggage, but to save the most money, you should pay for your checked and carry-on bags at least 24 hours ahead of your flight. If you wait until you check in or arrive at the gate to pay, you could end up paying more than twice as much! It’s a good idea to pack early on and get an exact idea of how many bags you’ll be bringing with you.

Pay for your seat assignment in advance

When it comes to choosing your seat on Frontier Airlines flights, you do have a few options. You can certainly just allow the airline to assign you a seat when you check in, as that doesn’t cost extra. But if you care about sitting in a certain location on the plane, you might want to pay a little extra to take care of it ahead of time. And we really do mean “a little extra.” If you choose your specific seat before the day of your flight, you’ll probably pay less than $5 for it. But if you wait until you get to the airport, you could pay $10 or more per seat. Choosing your seat ahead of time is really the only way to ensure you can sit with any traveling companions. When seat location is a priority, be sure to make your choice shortly after booking and pay the small fee.

Plan for your meals and entertainment

Frontier Airlines pride themselves on not charging customers for unnecessary services. You’re not going to find in-flight entertainment, WiFi, or complimentary snacks and drinks here. So you’ll want to make sure you bring along your own entertainment likes books, portable music players, and other activities. The airline’s website even has printable coloring pages for families. As far as food and beverages are concerned, you do have the option of purchasing them in-flight. But you might rather bring snacks along with you and purchase any drinks at the airport beforehand. Unless you want to pay a premium, don’t board your flight with a rumbling tummy or a parched throat!

Flying Frontier is a great way to ensure you travel within your means. That said, it’s important to understand the services for which you’ll have to pay extra or do without. The whole reason these flights are so affordable is because they don’t force their customers to buy what they don’t need. Before you book your flight and embark on your journey, review these tips and contact us with any questions you might have.