denver international airport frontier airlines terminal
Traveling at Denver International Airport (DEN) can feel like a small adventure on its own. With a sprawling 33‑plus‑mile runway and a penchant for quirky art installations, DEN can be intimidating, especially for passengers who are just now getting comfortable with the layout. If you’re flying Frontier Airlines, you’ll find yourself in the Frontier Terminal (sometimes referred to simply as Frontier’s wing on the East Terminal). This guide offers a comprehensive look at everything you need to know—so you can breeze through check‑in, security, and boarding with confidence.
About the Frontier Airlines Terminal at DEN
Frontier is one of DEN’s largest carriers, and it operates primarily out of Terminal 20L—the lower level of the East Terminal (often called Terminal 20). Rather than a separate, standalone gate area, Frontier shares the East Terminal with several other “budget” carriers, including Spirit and United. This synergy means you’ll find many of the same amenities and services, but a few Frontier‑specific quirks worth noting.
Terminal Location & Layout
- Gate Area: Frontier’s gates are situated on the lower level, directly adjacent to the concourse that serves the East Terminal. There are 24 gates for Frontier flights, mostly assigned to domestic routes across the United States.
- Access: From the parking lots (Concourse A or B), you can take the hourly shuttle or walk to the East Terminal. Within the terminal, the check‑in kiosk area is located on the first floor, while boarding steps lead from the second floor to the gates.
- Signage: Keep an eye out for the large “Frontier” signage—usually in front of the curbside check‑in aircraft area. When in doubt, the green “fly” logos near the gates will guide you.
Check‑In & Boarding
- Self‑Check In: Frontier offers a self‑check‑in kiosk at the entrance of the East Terminal. Simply input your confirmation number or enter your booking details, print your boarding pass, and attach your luggage tags.
- Frontier Check‑In Counters: If you prefer assistance (handicap assistance, large luggage, etc.), Frontier counters are located on the right side of the concourse, marked by the Frontier logo and a purple bee on the kiosk.
- Boarding: Frontier typically boards in a “first‑come, first‑served” manner. However, they mark boarding zones on the board in the passenger entrance and across the concourse. Be sure to stay near your gate.
Baggage Handling
- Carry‑On: Frontier allows one free carry‑on (size: 40x30x20 inches) on all flights. Any additional carry‑on item or larger bag (e.g., duffle, passing bag) incurs a 25 $ fee per item, which can be paid at the self‑check‑in location or at the counter.
- Checked Bags: The standard checked‑bag allowance is 50 $ for an economy passenger and 25 $ for a Front‑Loaded or Up‑Front passenger. Fees increase for heavier bags or flights that exceed weight limits by 50 $ for every 25 lbs above 50 lbs. Check the Frontier website for exact calculations before you pack.
- Baggage Claim: Once you land your future flight, Frontier checked bags are usually directed to the Denver Baggage Claim Plaza near the East Terminal gates. Use the carousel with the same number as your flight – it’s the quickest way to pull your luggage.
Passenger Amenities and Services
Despite being a “low‑cost” carrier, Frontier offers a suite of amenities that make long waits more enjoyable—or at least tolerable. Knowing where to find these places will help you make the most of your time at DEN.
Dining & Shopping
Category | Location | Details |
---|---|---|
Restorant | Frontier Concourse Café | Open 24 h with a modest menu of sandwiches, salads, and drinks. |
Quick‑Service | Wingback Café | Located near the gates, ideal for a late‑night snack. |
Gift Shops | Frontier Shop | Carry basic travel accessories and souvenirs—great for last‑minute gifts. |
Shopping Centers | 1st & 17th Floor | A bit further but walkable, housing larger retailers such as Target and Clarks. |
Wi‑Fi & Connectivity
- Free Wi‑Fi: Available throughout the East Terminal. To access, download the Denver International Airport WiFi app, connect to “DEN_Special_AIRPORTS”, and log in using your mobile device or email address.
- Charging Stations: Found near the front desk, the lounge area, and even some grab‑and‑go beverage kiosks.
- Business Center: Mountaineer Business Center on the 22nd floor offers professional printing and fax services—though a bit of a trek.
Accessibility & Family Features
- Pax for Families: Frontier signs an “Family Zone” booth near the boarding gate (usually 20B–20D). It provides high chairs, booster seats, and a small play area for toddlers.
- Handicapped Access: Frontiers’ curbside check‑in desks and gates are fully wheelchair accessible. Assistance is available at the counter if needed.
- Baggage Move Service: The terminal features a baggage move station where sizably heavy unpackables can be dropped for a minimal fee.
Practical Tips for Frontier Flyers
Save time, money, and frustration—especially if you’re new to Frontier or the Denver airport routinings.
Booking & Fees
- Check the “Fees” tabs on the Frontier site before purchasing to see if your chosen flight includes any or if the fees are “post‑booking.”
- Small On‑Board Items: Stick to one little bag or garment bag to avoid the 25 $ extra.
- Mobile App: Use Frontier’s mobile app to pay for and print baggage tags online. It can reduce counter waiting time by up to 15 minutes.
Arriving Early
- Outdoor Weather: Denver’s weather can change quickly; bring an extra light jacket even in summer because the terminal’s “cool” air-conditioning.
- Roads & Parking: You’ll find free parking on the “Concourse A” lot for up to 3 hours. If you’re staying longer, the “Concourse B” paid zones start at 5 $ per hour.
Using the Baggage Claim Car
- Baggage Car: Post‑landing, you can acquire the trailer grab-and‑go bag service (located at the caricouth 23rd floor). This will deliver your checked luggage directly to the bus. Very convenient if you’re on a tight connection.
Comparing Frontier with Other DEN Airlines
Feature | Frontier | United | Southwest | Spirit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Primary Terminal | East Terminal | Southwest Tower1 | Southwest Tower2 | West Tower |
Free Carry‑On | 1×(40x30x20) | 1×(45x35x20) plus “Priority” bag | 1×(62x34x24) | 1×(30x16x12) |
Checked‑Bag Base Fee | 50 $ (Economy) | 30 $ (Domestic) | 30 $ (Domestic) | 25 $ |
Wi‑Fi | Free, open | Free, open | Free, open | Free, open |
Lounges (Premium) | None | United Club (reservation needed) | None | None |
Diner Options | Café & Wingback | Multiple (not always on floor) | A small snack stall | Quick‑serve coffee |
Accessibility | Full wheelchair, Family Zone | Full wheelchair, Families | Full wheelchair | Full wheelchair |
Bottom line: Frontier offers an economy‑friendly experience with instruments for cost savings, but you’ll need to budget for baggage and punctual boarding tasks. If you value seamless lounge access or have larger baggage needs, United or Southwest may be worth exploring.
Summary & Final Thoughts
Denver International Airport’s Frontier Terminal has evolved into a compact, functional hub that serves the airline’s “no-frills” philosophy while still providing all essential passenger services. Here are the key takeaways:
- Pre‑Plan Your Fees: Know what extras you’ll need before you purchase tickets.
- Arrive Early and Use Self‑Check‑In to save time at the curb.
- Take Advantage of the Free Wi‑Fi and find a charging point early to avoid lost devices.
- Follow the Gate Signage with the Frontier logo—spaces are usually smaller, so keep traveling lightish.
- Use the Comparison Table if you’re deciding whether to stay with Frontier or try another airline at DEN.
Feeling scalloped by the information? Take the next exit you see as a moment to slow down, look around, and perhaps chat with a fellow traveler. Denver’s an end‑to‑end destination of its own, and each terminal hides a bit more of the city’s spirit than you might think.
Enjoy your journey—whether it’s headed to a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure—and keep your carry‑on within that one airplane seat space.
Sources
- Frontier Airlines Official Site – Frontier Trip Planner
- Denver International Airport – Airlines & Terminals – DEN Airport
- Travel + Leisure – Denver Airport Guide – TL Guide
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Airport Operations – DOT Data
(All links were accessed on 2025‑10‑19.)