Paying For Your Frontier Flight: Airport Options

can i pay for frontier flight at airport

Frontier Airlines offers the option to purchase tickets at the airport. However, it is important to note that this service may not be available daily at all airports, and fares and schedules are subject to change without notice. While buying tickets at the airport can help avoid the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC), which is typically $23 per person per segment, there have been reports of an airport purchase fee or agent fee being charged, which can range from $23 to $25. Additionally, Discount Den fares and certain elite status benefits may not be available when purchasing tickets at the airport. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks and benefits before deciding to purchase Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport.

Characteristics Values
Can I buy tickets at the airport? Yes, but some airports do not have agents available daily.
Are tickets cheaper at the airport? It depends. You can save $23 per person per segment by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC). However, Discount Den prices are only available online and are usually at least $10 cheaper per segment, so the savings may be reduced.
Are there any additional fees for buying tickets at the airport? Some customers report being charged a $25 "in-person fee" or "agent fee", but this is supposed to be optional and can be refunded.
Can I get a refund at the airport? No, refunds are not available at the airport. Refunds can be requested online within 24 hours of booking for flights 7 days or more before departure.
Can I change my flight at the airport? Yes, an airport agent can assist with changing your flight, subject to seat availability. A same-day change fee and any difference in fare and options prices will apply.
Can I buy tickets at the gate? No, tickets can only be purchased at the airport ticket counter.

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Avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC)

The Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) is a fee that Frontier Airlines imposes on tickets purchased through its website or call center. The CIC is typically $23 per segment, but it can vary depending on the flight and fare, ranging from $8 to $46 round trip. The CIC is an "optional" service charge, and its primary purpose is to enable Frontier Airlines to avoid paying the 7.5% excise tax on tickets, as this tax is not applicable to 'optional' fees.

To avoid paying the CIC, you can purchase your Frontier Airlines ticket at any of their airport ticket counters. By providing this option, the airline ensures that the CIC remains an 'optional' fee, allowing them to avoid paying taxes on that portion of the ticket cost. However, it is important to note that Frontier Airlines does not make this option particularly convenient for customers. The airline does not provide clear information about ticket counter hours and procedures, and there have been reports of long lines and limited staffing at ticket counters. Additionally, Frontier Airlines only staffs its desk for 2 hours before a scheduled flight departure, so customers must plan their visit accordingly.

When purchasing tickets at the airport, it is important to consider the potential for additional fees. Some customers have reported being charged an "airport purchase fee" or an "agent fee" of around $25 per ticket, which can negate the savings from avoiding the CIC. Therefore, it is recommended to check the total fees for your desired itinerary before deciding whether to purchase tickets at the airport to avoid the CIC.

Another factor to consider is that Frontier Airlines' Discount Den fares are only available online and are not offered at airport counters. As a result, customers who purchase tickets at the airport may lose the benefit of discounted prices, and the savings from avoiding the CIC may not always outweigh the higher regular ticket prices.

In conclusion, while it is possible to avoid the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) by purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport, customers should carefully weigh the potential savings against the possible drawbacks, including additional fees, limited staffing, and the unavailability of discounted fares.

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Discount Den fares not available at the airport

Yes, you can pay for Frontier flights at the airport. However, some airports do not have airport agents available daily to purchase tickets, and fares and schedules are subject to change without notice.

Discount Den is a membership program offered by Frontier Airlines that provides members with access to exclusive deals and discounted fares. While Discount Den fares are not available at the airport, members can still purchase tickets at the airport and add their Frontier Miles number online after booking to receive their usual perks, such as a free carry-on bag and upgraded seat selection.

The annual membership cost for Discount Den is $59.99, and new members pay $99.99 for their first year, which includes a $40 enrollment fee. Members can unlock lower fares and be the first to hear about new offers, promotions, and destinations. The more they fly, the more they save.

Discount Den fares are available for members and up to eight additional people on the same reservation. Savings are typically $10 to $30 per flight, and members can also take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free tickets for kids on certain flights. For example, a Denver to Orlando reservation for a party of six would cost $594 before taxes and fees, but with Discount Den, it would be $444, resulting in a $150 savings.

In addition to the monetary savings, Discount Den members can also earn Travel Miles and Elite Status Points for every flight. However, it's important to note that Discount Den fares do not include refundability, pre-reserved seat assignments, carry-on bags, checked bags, or priority boarding. These extras can be added for an additional fee.

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$25 in-person fee

Frontier Airlines allows you to purchase tickets at the airport. However, some airports do not have agents available daily for purchasing tickets.

When purchasing tickets at the airport, Frontier Airlines may charge a $25 in-person fee, also referred to as an "Agent Assist Fee". This fee is charged per flight, resulting in a total of $50 for a round trip. This fee can be avoided by purchasing your ticket online.

The $25 in-person fee has been criticised by some customers as a "shady practice", with some successfully obtaining a refund by filing a DOT complaint. However, others have reported that the fee was not supposed to be charged and could be avoided by requesting a refund from Frontier.

In addition to the $25 in-person fee, there are other considerations when purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport. Discount Den fares, which can offer significant savings, are typically only available online. At the airport ticket counter, customers can only purchase the normal/non-Discount Den fare price. As a result, the savings from avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) may be reduced or eliminated for Discount Den members.

Furthermore, customers with elite status, especially 100K status, may not receive the full benefits when purchasing tickets at the airport. While the agent can add your account number, you may need to go online to add benefit options such as bags and seat selections.

Overall, purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport can offer savings by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC). However, customers should be aware of the potential $25 in-person fee and the limitations on Discount Den fares and elite status benefits when making their purchase decision.

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Limited hours for ticket counters

While purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport can save you money, there are some drawbacks. One significant consideration is the limited hours during which Frontier ticket counters are open at outstations. The ticket counters typically operate within a narrow window, usually only open from 2 hours before departure until 45 minutes prior to the flight's departure time. This limited availability can be a challenge, especially considering that agents must first prioritise assisting passengers with check-ins and other requests.

The limited operating hours of the ticket counters can result in longer wait times, particularly if there are multiple customers seeking assistance. In such cases, passengers may need to factor in additional time for their trip to the airport to ensure they can purchase their tickets and complete check-in procedures before the flight's departure. It is worth noting that some airports do not have daily availability of airport agents for purchasing tickets, which further underscores the importance of planning ahead when opting to buy tickets at the airport.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the potential for additional fees when purchasing tickets at the airport. While buying tickets in person can help you avoid the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC), there have been reports of a separate "airport purchase fee" being charged, which can negate the savings. This fee appears to be applied inconsistently and may depend on the individual agent's training and interpretation of the policies.

Furthermore, purchasing tickets at the airport may not be ideal if you have elite status or are a Discount Den member. While you can add your account number, you may need to go online separately to select your benefit options, such as bags and seats. This extra step can be inconvenient and may reduce the overall value proposition of buying tickets at the airport.

To summarise, while purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport can offer cost savings by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge, it is important to be aware of the limited operating hours of ticket counters, potential additional fees, and the possibility of longer wait times. These factors can impact the convenience and overall experience of buying tickets at the airport, especially for elite status or Discount Den members who may need to take extra steps to secure their benefits.

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Standby travel

Firstly, standby travel is only available for eligible tickets. Customers with Economy tickets are generally not eligible for standby travel, while those with Classic Plus tickets or Elite status in the EarlyReturns programme can request standby at no additional charge. Additionally, Frontier's The WORKS bundle ticket holders can also access free standby travel. For regular tickets, a fee of $119 is applied for flight changes, including standby, while award tickets incur a $99 fee.

When flying standby, passengers must adhere to their original ticketed itinerary. For instance, if the original booking was for a nonstop flight, the standby flight must also be a nonstop journey, and connections cannot be added. Standby travel does come with risks. If a passenger is unable to secure a seat on the desired flight and misses their original scheduled flight, they will be responsible for purchasing a new ticket. Frontier determines the priority order for boarding standby passengers, and customers can check their status on the standby list.

Same-day confirmed flight changes are also available for a fee. Economy fares incur a $50 fee, while Classic Plus fares and Summit level members of EarlyReturns are exempt from this charge. Passengers can request these changes at the airport ticket counter or by contacting Frontier Reservations.

It is important to be mindful that standby travel may involve waiting for multiple flights, and it is advisable to ask customer service or gate agents about the likelihood of securing a seat. Standby travel provides flexibility for passengers, but it also carries the risk of missing out on the desired flight. Therefore, passengers should carefully consider their options and be prepared for potential challenges when opting for standby travel with Frontier Airlines.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can pay for your Frontier flight at the airport ticket counter.

Buying your ticket at the airport can save you money by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC). However, Discount Den prices are only available online, and some perks such as free carry-on luggage and upgraded seat selection may not be available when purchasing at the airport.

Some sources note that Frontier ticket counters may only be open for a narrow window of time, such as from 2 hours prior to 45 minutes before departure. Additionally, some airports do not have airport agents available daily for purchasing tickets.

Some customers have reported being charged an "airport purchase fee" or "agent assist fee" of \$25 when buying their tickets at the airport. However, this fee is supposed to be optional and can be refunded by filing a DOT complaint.

Frontier Airlines accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) as well as monthly payments through FlexPay.

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