Owais Crawford
Although most airline passengers buy their tickets online, some ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier Airlines incentivize booking tickets at the airport. Buying Frontier tickets at the airport can save you $23 per person per segment by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC), which ranges from $3 with direct cheap fares to $50+ with expensive connecting flights. However, there are drawbacks, such as limited ticket counter hours at smaller airports and outsourced staff who may not be knowledgeable about ticketing procedures. Additionally, Discount Den prices and elite status benefits may not be available when purchasing tickets at the airport counter. Ultimately, the decision to buy Frontier tickets at the airport depends on individual preferences and the importance of factors like price, flexibility, and benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport | Bypass the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) fee |
| Avoid the agent fee | |
| Save $23 per person per segment | |
| Ticket counters may only be staffed 3 hours before flight departure | |
| Ticket counters have limited hours and procedures | |
| Employees at ticket counters are outsourced staff |
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What You'll Learn
- Buying tickets at the airport saves $23 per person per segment
- This is because the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) is avoided
- Discount Den prices are only available online
- If you have elite status, you may not get the full benefits buying at the counter
- Outsourced staff at ticket counters may not be knowledgeable
Buying tickets at the airport saves $23 per person per segment
Buying Frontier Tickets at the Airport Saves $23 Per Person Per Segment
Frontier Airlines is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. As is standard for ultra-low-cost carriers, the business model is to have incredibly low base fares, and then charge extra for just about everything. When you look at Frontier Airlines base fares, you’ll see that each fare includes a $23 per person per segment “Carrier Interface Charge” (CIC). This fee can vary, ranging from as low as $3 with direct cheap fares to as high as $50+ with expensive connecting flights.
The reason this fee is “optional” is that you can avoid it by ticketing at the airport. This is a practice that virtually all ultra-low-cost carriers use. By buying tickets directly at the airport counter, you'll avoid this additional charge. However, keep in mind that not all Frontier agents are well trained in this, and you may be told that ticketing reservations at the airport is not possible. Additionally, you will end up paying more for ancillaries if you don’t ticket online, as Frontier sells different “bundles” at the time of booking that are not available for the same price later.
There are a few other considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to purchase your Frontier Airlines ticket at the airport. Firstly, Discount Den prices are only available online, and at the counter, you can only purchase the normal/non-DD fare price. Discount Den is usually at least $10 cheaper per segment, which reduces the value of buying at the counter. Secondly, if you have elite status, especially 100K status, you may not get the full benefits of buying at the counter. Finally, some airports do not have agents available daily to purchase tickets, and ticket counters at outstations may have limited hours, so it is important to check before making a trip to the airport.
Overall, buying Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport can save you $23 per person per segment by avoiding the Carrier Interface Charge. However, there are a few catches to be aware of, and it may not be worth making a special trip to the airport for a small number of tickets.
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This is because the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) is avoided
Frontier Airlines is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. As is standard for ultra-low-cost carriers, the business model is to have incredibly low base fares, and then charge extra for just about everything.
When you look at Frontier Airlines' base fares, you’ll see that each fare includes a $23 per person per segment "Carrier Interface Charge" (CIC). This fee can vary, ranging from as low as $3 with direct cheap fares to as high as $50+ with expensive connecting flights. The CIC is typically only $8 for a round trip. The CIC is an optional fee because you can avoid it by purchasing your ticket at the airport. This is because the CIC is a fee that is only applied to tickets purchased online or over the phone. By buying tickets directly at the airport counter, you can bypass this additional charge.
While Frontier Airlines does allow you to purchase tickets at the airport, not all airports have agents available daily to sell tickets. Additionally, smaller outstations may only staff their ticket counters three hours before flight departure, so be prepared for potential wait times.
It is important to note that the airport itself may charge a concession fee for tickets bought at the airport. Additionally, Frontier Airlines may charge you more in other fees for choosing to purchase your ticket at the airport.
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Discount Den prices are only available online
While Frontier Airlines does offer the option to purchase tickets at the airport, Discount Den prices are only available online.
Discount Den is a membership program offered by Frontier Airlines that provides exclusive deals and discounted rates on airfares. The membership costs $99 in the first year, including a $40 enrolment fee and a $59.99 annual fee. In subsequent years, the membership costs $59.99 annually and is automatically renewed unless cancelled before the end of the current term.
Discount Den members can enjoy savings of around $10 to $30 per one-way flight, with the potential for even greater savings on group bookings. For example, a one-way flight for a group of six people from Denver to Orlando would cost $594 before taxes and fees, but with Discount Den, the price drops to $444, resulting in a $150 savings. Additionally, flights booked for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays include a free ticket for any child aged 14 or younger.
While purchasing tickets at the airport can help bypass the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC), which can range from $3 to $50 or more, the availability of ticket counters and potential wait times at smaller airports are important considerations. Therefore, the convenience of buying tickets online, coupled with the exclusive discounts offered through the Discount Den program, makes it a more attractive option for travellers seeking the lowest fares.
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If you have elite status, you may not get the full benefits buying at the counter
Frontier Airlines offers exclusive benefits and perks to its elite status members. The Frontier Miles loyalty program was recently updated to be more in line with other major carriers. Passengers now earn elite status based on how much they spend with the airline and its co-branded credit card, instead of how frequently they fly. There are two ways to earn points toward elite status: purchasing flights and using the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®.
While having elite status can alleviate some of the extra costs of flying with Frontier, purchasing tickets at the airport may not allow elite status members to take full advantage of their benefits. For example, elite status members may not be able to easily waive certain fees, such as the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC), when buying tickets at the airport. This fee can be avoided by purchasing tickets directly at the airport counter, but it is not always possible to do so without incurring additional charges.
Additionally, some airports do not have daily agents available for purchasing tickets, and ticket counters at smaller outstations may only be staffed a few hours before flight departure. This could result in longer wait times and potential challenges in utilizing elite status benefits.
Furthermore, elite status members who purchase tickets at the airport may miss out on certain online benefits, such as the ability to select their seats in advance or make special requests. Buying tickets online also provides more flexibility in terms of payment methods, allowing elite status members to take full advantage of their credit card rewards and benefits.
In summary, while it is possible to purchase Frontier Airlines tickets at the airport, elite status members may find that they cannot fully utilize their benefits when doing so. Buying tickets online or through other dedicated channels may be a more advantageous option for elite status members to maximize their perks and overall travel experience.
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Outsourced staff at ticket counters may not be knowledgeable
Outsourced staff at Frontier Airlines ticket counters may not be knowledgeable about the company's policies and procedures. This can result in customers being misinformed or unable to purchase tickets at the airport. In some cases, customers may be directed to buy tickets online or through other means, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
One issue that has been reported is that outsourced staff may not be aware of the ability to avoid the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) when purchasing tickets at the airport. The CIC is a fee that applies to online or phone bookings, and customers can save money by booking in person. However, some customers have reported that outsourced staff at the ticket counters were unaware of this policy, resulting in confusion and frustration.
Additionally, outsourced staff may not be familiar with the specific procedures and requirements for ticketing at the airport. This can lead to customers being turned away or experiencing delays in purchasing their tickets. It is important for Frontier Airlines to ensure that all staff, including outsourced workers, are properly trained and informed about the company's policies and procedures to provide a smooth and efficient service to customers.
Furthermore, the lack of knowledge among outsourced staff can impact the overall customer experience. Customers expect to receive accurate and consistent information when dealing with airline personnel. If the staff are unable to provide clear guidance or assist with ticketing inquiries, it can reflect poorly on the company and damage its reputation. It is crucial for Frontier Airlines to maintain a high standard of customer service, especially when relying on outsourced workers, to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
To address this issue, Frontier Airlines should consider providing comprehensive training and support to outsourced staff. This could include regular briefings on company policies, ticketing procedures, and customer service best practices. By investing in the development of their outsourced workforce, Frontier Airlines can ensure that customers receive accurate and helpful assistance at the ticket counters. Additionally, the company could implement a knowledge-sharing platform or easily accessible resources that outsourced staff can refer to when assisting customers. This would enable them to quickly find the information they need and provide accurate responses to customer inquiries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy tickets at the airport. However, some airports do not have airport agents available daily to purchase tickets.
You can save $23 per person per segment by booking your Frontier Airlines ticket at the airport. This is because you can avoid the Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) by buying your ticket at the airport.
Yes, there may be drawbacks to buying tickets at the airport. Firstly, Discount Den prices are only available online, so buying at the airport may eat into your savings. Secondly, if you have elite status, you may not get the full benefits of buying at the counter. Finally, Frontier Airlines ticket counter staff are often outsourced and may not be very knowledgeable.
Yes, in addition to saving money by not paying the CIC, you may be assigned a seat towards the front of the aircraft for free when booking at the airport.
