Due to competitive pricing and a much better schedule, it's Frontier over United again on this business trip. Perched back in my seat, I have to admit, it's pretty hard to dislike Frontier Airlines. The employees define upbeat and friendly, there's DirectTV at every seat, and they even serve cranberry juice! I also admire Frontier's color scheme -- silver on forest green -- it's classy. (Can't say as much for the cheesy plane liveries though.)

Compared to United's all-coach product, "Ted", I would say this is a more than appealing alternative. So, you ask, why aren't you a convert?

• No first class, of course! Free booze and meals are conspicously absent.


• Lack of audio programming and no Channel 9 (tower radio communications)


• Tighter than EconomyPlus. The legroom here is okay, but it's not United's extra five inches.

To top if off, Frontier's frequent flyer program doesn't hold a candle to United's. As a top-tier elite member in United's program, I get 100% mileage bonus on all flights, upgrades to business class when I fly coach internationally, and domestic upgrades up the wazoo. Frontier gives their top members only a 15% mileage bonus. Hmph. And let's not even think about a non-existant first class (let alone a transoceanic destination). There's no global network here either -- no access to cushy International First Class seats to Star Alliance destinations across the world. No Red Carpet Clubs.

But hey... it's comfortable, clean and reliable transportation at a great price. That'll suffice for today. Now, back to the bag of Doritoes they passed out.