Frontier Airlines is making a major policy change in the coming weeks, which I predict will create issues for many passengers.
In this post:
Frontier Airlines’ new airport check-in cutoff
As of August 16, 2023, Frontier Airlines will be closing all airport check-in and bag drop 60 minutes before departure. As a point of comparison, currently Frontier’s counters close 45 minutes before departure, so you’ll have to check-in 15 minutes earlier.
With this change, Frontier will have (by far) the strictest airport check-in cutoff of any airline for domestic flights, as there’s not another US airline that closes check-in so far in advance. Also keep in mind that Frontier doesn’t let you check bags at the airport more than two hours before departure, so you’ll have to check bags between one and two hours of departure.
Frontier notes that “we continue to be committed to getting you and your bags to your destination without interruption.” Hmmm, really?
What’s Frontier’s motive for this policy change?
Frontier Airlines is an ultra low cost carrier, and not even the most customer-friendly one at that, in my opinion. Frontier already strongly incentivizes people to check-in online, but that only gets you so far if you have a checked bag, which many Frontier passengers do (a checked bag is typically less expensive than a full size carry-on).
So, what’s Frontier’s motive for the new 60-minute check-in cutoff? I’m not 100% sure, but a variety of possible explanations come to mind:
- Perhaps the issue is that too many people were showing up between 45 and 60 minutes of departure, and that created problems, since people arrived before the 45-minute cutoff, but weren’t helped before then; maybe agents will still unofficially help people after the new 60-minute cutoff
- Perhaps this is about reducing staffing costs; with a 60-minute cutoff, the same airport agents can work check-in and then work the gate more easily
- Perhaps this is just about getting more people to miss their flights and have to buy a new ticket; after all, ultra low cost carriers do love fees
I’m sure there are some other explanations that I’m not thinking of, but those are the first things that come to mind…
Bottom line
As of August 16, 2023, Frontier will be introducing the strictest check-in cutoff in the US airline industry, as check-in counters and bag drops will close 60 minutes before a flight’s departure. If the airline actually intends to stick to that timeline, then I imagine we’re going to see a huge increase in the number of passengers missing flights.
What do you make of Frontier’s new check-in cutoff, and what do you think the motive is?
I was just in salt lake and witnessed a couple with infant who made it through security since SLC only scans a license. They had not checked in and were denied boarding. They were in a wedding and needed to get to Denver. The gate agent could do nothing. This was horrible to watch Not a good rule
We're there 2 hours early. Line was so long at check we missed our check-in time and had to fly next day messing all our plans. There were many others on the same flight that got rescheduled. Only 2 people at counter to top it off. This is an issue that needs addressing. I'll fly another airlines
I would never ever fly them because I don’t like their policies. I flew spirit one time. Never again. I am very happy that these airlines exist for those that wish to use them, but they won’t be bumping into me there.
I don't understand the hate that Frontier gets. It's a ULCC and anyone reading OMAAT knows what to expect. As with many other things in life, you generally get what you pay for.
One thing this new policy should include/allow. If you get there before the 60 minutes, (so you are in line to check-in and leave your bag), then you should be allowed to do so. Even if it means they don't actually get to you until inside the 60 minute window. Also, no mention of if this affects checking you bag with the SkyCap at the curb. We have done this many times when traveling and actually checking our luggage.
It's to give enough time to assign all the monthly/annual passholders seats who are essentially waiting standby for a seat I would think
Lost phone July 16. Had flight 17th.
Frontier gave me wrong confirmation.
Called me a NO SHOW and kept my money. August 3 while trying to add bags cancelled my flight that was going to be taking off in three hours.
Had done the check in tried to correct the mistake not a minute later it was not letting on the flight kept my money
Greed. It is the sole motivation of every discount carrier.
Next month Frontier will announce check-in up to 40 minutes before scheduled flight time IF YOU PAY a $50 special access fee.
Worst airline ever
How bout be on time, layer your clothing thru security checkpoint, pack a backpack, find a laundry service close to your hotel, buy cheap clothes you would pay in baggage fees when you arrive to your destination. BUDGET airlines don’t work for everyone. They are cheaper for a reason. Go fly Southwest or AA pay 3x more for your accommodations of running late. We on time people are grateful to just get there safely.
What a great idea! Love this mindset of gratitude!
I’ve been at airport in SFX 2 hrs early. They don’t even up to check in until one hr before flight. So how does that work.
Terrible airline. Will NEVER fly with them..
I happen to love Frontier. It's my domestic airline of choice. I like that you can get to elite status more quickly than other airlines, and that makes me happy as it affords you free seats toward the front, board first snd free bags. Their fare sales are awesome. I also now like that you can stay offline and enjoy a flight without dozens of iPad and laptops lighting up the cabin when you're trying...
I happen to love Frontier. It's my domestic airline of choice. I like that you can get to elite status more quickly than other airlines, and that makes me happy as it affords you free seats toward the front, board first snd free bags. Their fare sales are awesome. I also now like that you can stay offline and enjoy a flight without dozens of iPad and laptops lighting up the cabin when you're trying to sleep.
The website and app need to stay ahead of the curve, however. They're having some issues with their website and with the relationship between elite members and the perks on their website, but I'm sure they will fix it soon (currently there are bugs when you book online, try to select seats, board first and check bags- there are fees associated when elite status should be free for these items, so you have to cobtavt the chat resource and ask them to manually book these items fir free.)
If you can navigate their website, and rules, you're in good shape.
If you can navigate their website, and rules, you're in good shape.
Last time I took a frontier flight they changed departure time 3 times with a 2 hour window. The last change was an hour earlier than the previous change. How will they handle this all to common scenerio with the new policy? Definitely the last flight ill be on.. adding all the fees they are no less expensive than their competition. Far less hassle with other airlines
Worst airline in the world,
Terrible customer service, they don't care about their people, arrogant employees ,I mean very rude , we flew from Atlanta with Frontier on July 16th 2023 to Cancun, a family of 6 with small children and missed the flight because of the TSA and check -in process, their fault, over 3 hours to pass TSA and check point, they put us on the next flight after 22 hours, kids...
Worst airline in the world,
Terrible customer service, they don't care about their people, arrogant employees ,I mean very rude , we flew from Atlanta with Frontier on July 16th 2023 to Cancun, a family of 6 with small children and missed the flight because of the TSA and check -in process, their fault, over 3 hours to pass TSA and check point, they put us on the next flight after 22 hours, kids slept on floor in airport at the gate, freezing, ,
So we missed first day of vacation at the resort booked two rooms,
Coming back , guess what : delayed flight more than 5 hours Will not fly again with this bullshit Frontier.
I wish you going out of business soon, that's what you deserve junks, piece of shit.
Frontier and other ULCC have a market. Customers know what they get and still fly. Don’t get pissed when you’re the one running late or trying to slide one in them. You have choices.
I wouldn't care too much about the 60 minute cutoff as long as it is from actual departure time and NOT scheduled departure time.
Frontier is BY FAR the worst airlines ever. I arrived back home in cleveland from a 4 day trip to Atl, GA. Well my bags that I paid $65 each to transport did not make it to Cleveland, Ohio with me. It's been 5 days and nobody at the Frontier lost bags counter can tell me where my bags are and the attitude that I received from staff was unbelievable. This has been a major...
Frontier is BY FAR the worst airlines ever. I arrived back home in cleveland from a 4 day trip to Atl, GA. Well my bags that I paid $65 each to transport did not make it to Cleveland, Ohio with me. It's been 5 days and nobody at the Frontier lost bags counter can tell me where my bags are and the attitude that I received from staff was unbelievable. This has been a major inconvenience considering I have badly needed medication inside my bag as well as my passport and some expensive clothing garmets.
Absolutely a TERRIBLE airline. NO customer service. RUDE flight attendants. Website is awful. I mean, I have never seen a worse website!
It's going to be fun watching the clowns in the C-suites defend the numerous CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS coming there way.
Good riddance!
Tried to talk to someone at frontier for 2 weeks and nothing .Makes it seem that they do not care about customers at all!
I have made exactly ONE flight on Frontier - because I was led to believe it was the choice on the return leg. One... and done. Never, ever, if I must WALK will they EVER get any more of my money. Absolutely the worst.
They are doing the one hour cutoff so that they can, like Air Canada does, move the counter staff to the gate; thereby halving ground crew requirements.
It's not a bad airline I flew them twice a month for years and only stopped using them recently due to them changing their flight schedule reducing the number of non stop flights to Philadelphia. I started flying Sprit ínstead. If you follow the rules you can take advantage of great prices. Most complaints are from people who don't follow the carryon rules then get mad when they have to pay 100 bucks for a...
It's not a bad airline I flew them twice a month for years and only stopped using them recently due to them changing their flight schedule reducing the number of non stop flights to Philadelphia. I started flying Sprit ínstead. If you follow the rules you can take advantage of great prices. Most complaints are from people who don't follow the carryon rules then get mad when they have to pay 100 bucks for a bag. You spend 50 bucks for a round trip and expect them to let you bring as many bags as you want? Get real folks.
worst airline in the sky, even worse on the ground, and I’ve flown most. Made the mistake of falling for their scam ‘GoWild’ unlimited summer flights for $399. Can only reserve a seat 24 or less before flight, making it near impossible to plan a trip with hotel, car rental, restaurant/show reservations, cuz you never know if you’ll be able to catch a flight until the last minute. Tried to take a mini-vaca (Th-Tu) last...
worst airline in the sky, even worse on the ground, and I’ve flown most. Made the mistake of falling for their scam ‘GoWild’ unlimited summer flights for $399. Can only reserve a seat 24 or less before flight, making it near impossible to plan a trip with hotel, car rental, restaurant/show reservations, cuz you never know if you’ll be able to catch a flight until the last minute. Tried to take a mini-vaca (Th-Tu) last week from Phoenix. Tried to get flights to WashingtonDC, Philadelphia, Detroit, FtLauderdale, Orlando, Portland, SanAntonio, OrangeCounty, OntarioCA: NONE were available, but they weren’t sold out flights, because I could have BOUGHT a ticket to every location on any of several flights throughout the day….
AND they have no phone to call. All Cust Svc is done via online ‘chat’, and the agents are obviously helping a dozen people at the same time, as it takes 2-3 minutes for every response, and they ask the same exact questions multiple times, and end up saying ‘you can do that online, so I can’t help you…
Fuck Frontier
I fly Frontier all the time. NJ to Florida. $50 or less round trip with bag. Never pay for a seat. People buy seats to get cheap price. I take what's left...rows 7-12 most of the time
I don’t and won’t fly Frontier
Ok so now there will be great videos of people fighting frontier agents at the counter I would rather pay more and fly one of the big 4 airlines
Just be mindful if you decide to book a flight with frontier TRAVEL LIGHT AND GET THE INSURANCE -my motto, “you got to be flexible when flying frontier!” because 8 out of 10 of their flights are delayed or canceled. Not to mention your luggage may or may not arrive. I’ve experienced it all. but I travel three days a week, and until I can get my own private jet……
The answer is pretty simple here: check in online the day before. You just get to the airport and go straight to the gate.
Reading these comments, I know I’m in the minority because I actually love frontier. I’ve flown a lot with them. I’ve checked baggage a few times (when traveling with my kids). I have their credit card. I spend enough every year, with their bonuses, to stay an elite member, so even...
The answer is pretty simple here: check in online the day before. You just get to the airport and go straight to the gate.
Reading these comments, I know I’m in the minority because I actually love frontier. I’ve flown a lot with them. I’ve checked baggage a few times (when traveling with my kids). I have their credit card. I spend enough every year, with their bonuses, to stay an elite member, so even when I fly with all my family I get to pick our seats and I get a free carry on.
Beyond all that, an hour window to check bags or check in yourself (because you’re some Luddite who can’t check in at home?) is ample.
I concur!
fully plan on joining the "deceptive practices" class action law suit against them. I have flown with them twice this year and both times they insisted on charging me like $95 (or something like that) bcuz the said my personal item was too big, but in actuality, they've been intentionally using too small bins to measure/confirm bag sizes. I knew something was off because I use the same bag everywhere I travel and I've never...
fully plan on joining the "deceptive practices" class action law suit against them. I have flown with them twice this year and both times they insisted on charging me like $95 (or something like that) bcuz the said my personal item was too big, but in actuality, they've been intentionally using too small bins to measure/confirm bag sizes. I knew something was off because I use the same bag everywhere I travel and I've never had an issue with it. The gate agent insisted my bad was too big and said if I didn't pay for it, I couldn't fly. I'll NEVER fly frontier again...I actually hope they go bankrupt.
Not sure how making people arrive early pushes them to miss their flight. I guess the gate agents have a lot of control on if this is enforced or not. As others pointed out many discount carriers are not really cheaper than legacy carriers if you consider the total cost. On the other hand they may fly to some smaller places so it could be more convenient for some.
Get it together Frontier. Without the consumer you are nothing. With all these restrictive changes, you chase business away. Prices aren't cheap when adding paid seats and checked baggage. Not to mention shifty customer service and fithly conditions. Do better!!!!!
Only fly Frontier when it's not important when you get there, or if you get there. And, if you do , take no baggage, go to Walmart and buy what you must have....
Would fly them before. Definitely won’t fly them now.
This is the WORST in the US. Watch for a CLASS ACTION SOON for making it NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to book ANY flights on the so called PASSES like the SUMMER PASS.
Yes i’ll be joining in on that lawsuit. I bought the wild pass $999 and now I’m unable to use it because my account is under investigation for flying too much. I found that out the hard way I booked a reservation, went to the airport and was told by the ticket agent it was canceled by F9 security ,I’m pissed I have over $3000 in credits for canceled and oversold flights and they’ve blocked me from future bookings
Please they used to do 45 minutes which all other airlines does too. I just missed my flight bc of this - 50 min before and had plenty of time to get through security and they wouldn’t check me in. There was no mention of the new cut off in my email or when booking. I also couldn’t checkin online bc I have the unlimited package and you can’t book more than 24 hours in...
Please they used to do 45 minutes which all other airlines does too. I just missed my flight bc of this - 50 min before and had plenty of time to get through security and they wouldn’t check me in. There was no mention of the new cut off in my email or when booking. I also couldn’t checkin online bc I have the unlimited package and you can’t book more than 24 hours in advance so I can’t checkin online lol! They definitely did this to get more money. I won’t be flying them again. Their customer service is awful
I would like to file one if you are interested. [email protected]
Frontier is great. $40 to FL from Philly. I don’t get any extras so that’s it.
If checking a bag, who would not drop it at least 1 hour prior to take off, bc security at a hell hole like PHL terminals D, E can easily be 30+ min.. at am rush.
I think it's really just for outstations where the same agents work the ticket counter and then the gate. If they want simple messaging and they don't want to confuse pax having different cut-off times per airport.
The problem with frontier is not the cutoff for the bags, you can get to the airport early, the problem is no one shows up at the desk to take the bags. And with that window and security you will likely miss your flight.
I like the hard cut off. Maybe on time performance improves! I understand people have a very hard time being on time. Personal accountability isn’t for all. Just the strong??!!
So much drama! Flown both several times, no issues!
United wouldn’t let me get a boarding pass online unless I paid for carryon, spirit did!
People just love drama. The big 3 aren’t that much better, case above, I’d say actually worse.
I fly frontier when I don't need to bring a carryon. They are inexpensive. I haven't had any problems with them. I do understand them stopping the check in at 60 mins before because unfortunately people don't pay online for their luggage and it takes more time to get in the air.
You can still check a bag under 60 minutes, but you have to gate check it for $100. This is probably a material motivation for the company. Management is highly focused on increasing ancillary fee revenue each quarter, which requires increasingly coercive ways to get people to gate check bags.
I've flown Spirit and Frontier dozens of times and have never had any issues beyond normal flight delays. Frontier is starting to make Spirit look like a luxury airline though.
Mmmm, beg to differ on the cheapest way to fly. Don't be fooled by the "low fare". By the time you add on a carry-on, seat charge, checked bag and "anything" during flight. Water, soda, coffee $3.99. My bloody Mary cost $3.99 for can of mix, plus $9.99 for a lil bottle of vodka. Add this all up, major airlines might be better price.
Not necessarily. A quick look on Google flights for next week from the Miami area to Philadelphia, for example, you'll see that Frontier is charging $40 to American's fare of $200. A standard seat at $15 and a carry on bag at $60, their now $115 fare with the options included is still far cheaper than the legacies. The same is true for most markets that I've searched up.
If your flight is round trip a carry on bag is $60 each way. Seat selection is $15 each way. Bringing the total cost up to $190. Not much cheaper than AA.
Right AA is charging $360 round-trip based on a quick google search for flights 4 days apart... So still not comparable.
I remember my 1st and only experience flying Frontier, NEVER again. I flew round trip to Denver, a Frontier HUB. The flight in was uneventful, but I almost had to rent a vehicle to get back home (Salt Lake). I was with a group of 10 or so people and we checked in and were told our flight was delayed due to, get this, NO AVAILABLE PILOT! Granted, the weather that day in Denver wasn't ideal, but a HUB with no available PILOT for a scheduled flight is ridiculous.
Worst airline I flew with. Never again. Making me spend 3x what I usually pay with other airlines around same dates And service was ridiculous, flight was delayed 2 times due to lock of employees.... to conclude if you want to have a happy trip And stay in budget, stay away from Frontier.
They “made” you spend 3x what you usually pay with other airlines?
Have flown Spirit once...and never again. As for Frontier, I would imagine it's no better. Therefore, both are off my radar scope. And from what I've heard, Breeze brings up the rear in poor service. Such hap hazard route management, lack of schedules past two months in advance, and not sure if I would make it home on Breeze due to a sudden route withdrawn.
"Pay the two bucks, Roger" and assure yourself of...
Have flown Spirit once...and never again. As for Frontier, I would imagine it's no better. Therefore, both are off my radar scope. And from what I've heard, Breeze brings up the rear in poor service. Such hap hazard route management, lack of schedules past two months in advance, and not sure if I would make it home on Breeze due to a sudden route withdrawn.
"Pay the two bucks, Roger" and assure yourself of some type of customer support. Though, I don't hold UA, AA, B6, nor DL much higher. B6 has a wicket tendency to cancel its 8:05 AM non-stop MSY => LGA on a reoccurring basis. We'll see if it's any better than Frontier, Breeze, or Spirit. I'm not holding my breath.
I rather die before I fly Frontier. They are the worst customer service company not just airline in the world.
I wouldn't fly frontier even if it was free
How much money would they need to pay you?
When flying Breeze from RSW in June, they had a paper sign at check in saying the somewhat the same thing…counter closes at 11a for the 1150a flight. I tried to ask the agent what would have happened if I showed up at 1105 which would be technically allowed still. She didn’t know what to say but then again, contact employee. Fast forward to the gate, same folks at ticket counter were at the gate....
When flying Breeze from RSW in June, they had a paper sign at check in saying the somewhat the same thing…counter closes at 11a for the 1150a flight. I tried to ask the agent what would have happened if I showed up at 1105 which would be technically allowed still. She didn’t know what to say but then again, contact employee. Fast forward to the gate, same folks at ticket counter were at the gate. Frontier has some enticing fares from BDL but I’d prefer Spirit over them of late if I had to choose ULCC.
Most likely the second option. This will also make it harder for folks who purchase tickets at the airport since their window to do so may be cut by as much as 20%.
I really think that poor people shouldn't fly.
The reason that these ultra low fare airline exist is because people who can't afford to fly normally gets to go on a plane.
And then we get into this issue where airlines are forced to cut down on expenses etc.
Remove poor people from flying and do income tests on them and then people who can fly like normal humans can do it...
I really think that poor people shouldn't fly.
The reason that these ultra low fare airline exist is because people who can't afford to fly normally gets to go on a plane.
And then we get into this issue where airlines are forced to cut down on expenses etc.
Remove poor people from flying and do income tests on them and then people who can fly like normal humans can do it without all these fluff news.
In fact, why are poor people thinking of going places anyway when they should be worried about getting more hours and working.
The fact that you consider 'poor people' as not humans is just unbelievable and inhumane. Just because you may have been born into a family with money or were given opportunities that others may not have had due to many circumstances does not give you any right to look down on a fellow human being. All humans should have equal rights in this world, not just based on materialistic wealth! In fact, if it wasn't...
The fact that you consider 'poor people' as not humans is just unbelievable and inhumane. Just because you may have been born into a family with money or were given opportunities that others may not have had due to many circumstances does not give you any right to look down on a fellow human being. All humans should have equal rights in this world, not just based on materialistic wealth! In fact, if it wasn't for the majority of greedy corporations and CEOs, where profits are shared equally with all employees down to the lowest level rather than being disproportionately distributed, then the widening income gap between the rich and poor would ultimately decrease!
You need to be examined by a psychiatrist
@JP, we already know you are stupid. You don’t need to advertise it by commenting.
Who says that only "poor" people take ULCCs? Fact is, there are quite a few people with money who are frugal (cheap) as hell. Aside from your comment being incredibly stupid and elitist, it's also inaccurate anyhow as truly poor people can't afford to fly anywhere.
Having an average income in the USA doesn't make one "poor" though it may seem so to those who live in a coastal bubble of entitlement.
These wretched people wouldn't be so poor if they would simply sell their children to rich people who can eat their young, tender meat as food. 'Tis a modest proposal, I think, but one that would certainly work well for all parties, rich and poor.
You should change your username to J Swift
Wow, I thought this was just a very poor and tasteless attempt at humor. Judging by the replies, perhaps not.
Obvious troll is obvious.
LOL...OMG JP you are hilarious! Like, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus hilarious! I'll assume you're not "poor people" and as such, would not be flying Frontier, so why do you even care if low cost airlines exist?
JP's irony flies right over everyone's head with a quiet whoosh.
.y last frontier flight last month, the ticket agents also worked at the gate. So this is already happening.
I am sure the issue is the second one. Have the ticket counter agents go to the gate.