A Frontier Airlines plane taxis the runway.
Michael Francis McElroy/Getty ImagesFrontier Airlines now has nonstop service to my hometown of Portland, Maine. That's great news for skiers and lobster roll lovers. I didn't realize it when I booked the flight but I apparently was on the first ever flight. It wasn't a flight I intended to be on. But there I was being handed my collectible novelty commemorative airline ticket at the terminal at TPA. I lost it before the flight even landed. But how did it go? We hear horror stories about Frontier Airlines. Did I regret it?
2 Roundtrip Flights Booked
Last summer, I booked my Christmas flight back home to New England to see my family. The price was right... somewhere around $200-$250. But when Christmas approached, I noticed I didn't pay close attention to the flight times. The flight from Tampa would arrive in Boston at 11PM. My 96 year old grandmother that I'd be visiting lives about 2 hours away. I wasn't going to knock on her door at 2AM. So I looked to see if I could change my flight. No luck. I got a deal so you know how the airlines are when you don't overpay. You board last, get stuck in the middle seat near the bathrooms, and you get no perks like a flight change.
Frontier Airlines from Tampa to Portland... non-stop!?
As luck would have it, Frontier Airlines launched nonstop service from Tampa International to Portland the week before Christmas. I had to rub my eyes when I saw the price. A non-stop Christmas flight direct to Maine without having to connect or take a bus from Boston was only $61 each way! I know many despise Frontier. I wouldn't call myself a fan. But that price... and no connecting flights... I couldn't buy it fast enough. The bus ticket alone from Boston to Maine would've cost half that.
Tampa to Portland Frontier Flight Review
The overall experience I would rate a B-. There are certain things you expect on a flight these days. I can deal with Frontier not having monitors at your seat to catch a movie or pass the time watching episodes of The Office. But the big gripe I have is they don't even offer WiFi. It's annoying to pay $10-$20 for WiFi on a flight, but when you're on board for 3 or 4 hours, you need it. And Frontier's plane to Portland had no internet options whatsoever.
Another big negative is for us big people. I'm 6'4". Squeezing into Frontier's tiny seats is not comfortable. At least they don't make me sit in the fetal position like the other airline that flies direct to Portland from Tampa (Breeze Airways). Sure I'm aware I can shell out more cash to get more room, but I'm cheap. I'd rather take 10 flights in coach than 3 in first class. The vacation for me happens when I arrive at my destination... I'm not wasting my money on the transport part.
Now for the positives. The obvious one is time. We took off from Tampa at 8am and I was in my grandmother's kitchen by lunchtime. Tampa and Portland are both super easy airports to fly in and out of. I used my usual parking spot in Tampa near the airport. And when you land in Portland, Maine, you'll be at the curb 10 minutes later. (Unlike Tampa, one of my few gripes about TPA is how after landing you often are stuck on the runway and then have to deal with only one shuttle running.)
The Frontier Airlines gate crew in Tampa was friendly. And the on board staff was fine. The whole experience was just ok. Yes, I was cramped. No, I didn't have any kind of entertainment other than my own cell phone. But Frontier got me to Maine in record time... and cheap... the week before Christmas. That's pretty impressive.
It was a short visit home this past weekend. I got to see family and friends - but most importantly, I checked off all my "gotta have foods" list for my whenever I visit Maine. For more of my favorites, check out #GenoAteMaine on Instagram.
When I arrived, temps were in the 70s. It was a wonderful escape from Florida August heat.
But who cares about the weather - let's eat!
First visit is always to the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I noticed this truck... I miss Cousins Maine Lobster in Clearwater! They closed last month.
What would you order?
Prices were steep this trip, but that's all over right now.
Tip: get there before the dinner rush.
There is always a line. And there is a good reason. You cant beat the views and food at Lobster Shack. You sit on picnic benches overlooking the rocky shore ocean.
It doesn't get more Maine than this... but fun fact: I'd have no idea how to eat this.
Yes, I grew up in Maine but have no idea how to pull a lobster apart for eating. I just go the tourist route and get a lobster roll. Let someone else do the work and guessing of what's edible.
Views around Two Lights are awesome
My aunt on the left. Grandmother on the right. Clearly I was adopted.
Grandma (93 years old) on her bike doing her daily 30 minute ride. There's no way we are truly related.
Next is a visit to "The Other Side" Deli in Portland
Their fried chicken sandwich is pricy but worth every penny... about $11.
They probably don't want to be known for their french fries but I'm telling you they are the best ones I've ever had.
These chicken sandwiches are so so good... the pickles will blow your mind.
I know... how can a pickle be so special? You just have to try one and you will see what I mean.
Their steak and cheese with carmelized onions is also phenomenal.
Micucci's Pizza Slabs are a MUST.
It's in Portland on India Street. Worth seeking out!
I start thinking abou their pizza slabs as soon as I board the plane in Tampa
Moxie is a Maine thing. I despise it with every fiber of my being.
I contend Moxie is made from used motor oil, skunk pee, rotten liver chunks and gorilla armpit sweat. But I found something I bet tastes even worse. Diet Moxie.
Visited one of the Portland area's calendar islands (because there are like 300+ of them)
Amy and I grew up across the street from each other as kids. And we act like kids when we're with her little one now.
Time to have the best lobster roll anywhere!
Some interesting choices... but I'd go with the Connecticut Style Lobster Roll
Connecticut style is the way to go...
Yes, even this Mainer thinks Connecticut style is better. That means it is served warm with melted butter.
Dip that thing in buttah!
Bite Into Maine on Route 1 in Scarborough... you'd easily miss it if you're not looking for it. But look for it.
My grandmother went the Maine Style route
Maine style means served cold with a little mayo and chive.
Go with that Maine Root Blueberry Soda!
I used to be able to find it at Mazzaros Italian Market in St. Pete but havent seen it in stock in a while.
Met up with my high school friends Jami and Dickie to ride a few rides and reminisce
First was a stop for seafood and then a visit to Palace Playland an old school amusement park at the beach.
Ken's Seafood used to be so good - honestly it was just ok this time
Very Maine like dining... eat in the woods!
I went with shrimp (again) - nowhere near as good as it was at Lobster Shack
Any summer visit means a trip to Old Orchard Beach for Pier Fries with Salt and Vinegar
This clown above the arcade is beyond creepy
The view from atop the ferris wheel
I always get a kick out of the name... very creative.
Time to hit a sub shop - Tampa has the Cuban... Maine has the Italian
I have them leave off the olives and green peppers.
Essential - these are actually made in Canada. If you ever visit Montreal, look for Old Dutch Ketchup Chips. Same thing.
My Mother's Day gift for Grandma
Was a great visit home, thanks for joining me.
I got to sit on the patio at grandma's and listen to the Q105 Saturday Night Dance Party for once! Thanks to Freestyle Explosion headliner George Lamond for doing the show for me!
