frontier airlines denver airport terminal
If you’re planning a trip with Frontier Airlines out of Denver International Airport (DEN), you’ve probably wondered which terminal, what gates to look for, and how to get the most out of your layover. This guide dives into the details of the Frontier experience at DEN, packed with insider tips, practical checklists, and a handy comparison table to help you decide if Frontier is the best fit for your travel needs.
Where Does Frontier Operate at Denver Airport?
Denver International Airport is a single‑building complex with multiple concourses labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Frontier originally used Concourse A but has, over time, consolidated most of its operations into Concourse B for simplicity and passenger comfort.
Concourse | Typical Line‑up for Frontier | How Long It Is? |
---|---|---|
B | Summit (Gate 1–27), Centrally located | 20–30 min walking time |
A | Less frequent, mostly one‑way fuel or charters | < 10 min walking time |
D | Adjacent to Terminal B corridor | 10 min walking time (when in use) |
Note: Frontier’s primary terminal hub is Concourse B, located in the central “hub” area. This makes transferring to other airlines nearby straightforward if you have a connecting flight.
Check‑In and Boarding Process
Online Check‑In vs. Airport Counter
- Online Check‑In (12‑24 hrs early): Save 15‑30 min. Get a QR boarding pass or print it.
- Airport Counter (A‑5 or B‑3): Ideal if you have checked luggage.
Baggage Policies
Service | Carry‑on | Checked |
---|---|---|
Basic | 1 (Primary bag ~ 22 lb) | None! (10 lb) |
Standard | 1 + 1 (Both up to 22 lb) | 10 lb per bag, maximum 15 lb each |
Priority | 1 + 1 + 1 (All up to 22 lb) | 15 lb per bag, maximum 20 lb each |
Tip: Pack your electronics and valuables in the carry‑on to avoid a $30 fee for checked luggage.
Gate and Boarding
- Gate Locations: Concourse B gates 12‑21 most nights.
- Boarding Groups: Group 1 is usually the front half; Group 3 is near the rear. Frontier often sets B‑process boarding groups, so arrive 45 min before departure.
Amenities and Services at the Terminal
Food & Beverage
- Frontier Flagship Café: Located in Concourse B’s Main Lounge, serving coffee, pastries, and appetizers. Perfect for a quick snack before boarding.
- Local Favorites: The hotel “Denver Lakeside Coffeehouse” sits outside Concourse B and offers a patio—great if you have a longer layover.
Wi‑Fi & Charging
- Free Wi‑Fi: Available across all concourses. Default password is “rightpricefrontier”.
- Charging Stations: Plentiful in Gate B‑20 and near the main lounge.
Lounge Access
- Frontier Trailblazer® Lounge: Requires paying a lounge fee ($25–$35). Offers seating, Wi‑Fi, and snacks. Worth it if you’re traveling over 4 hrs and want to relax before boarding.
Practical Tips for Frontier at Denver
Situation | What to Do |
---|---|
Layover > 4 hrs | Grab a seat in the Trailblazer Lounge to avoid rushing back to the gate. |
Early morning departure | Use the “Advanced Boarding” feature, which lets you board 10 min before the official start. |
Connecting flight | Use the internal shuttle from Concourse B to A or D for a 5‑minute hop to your next gate. |
Lost luggage | Report immediately at the Frontier counter, and you’ll receive a tracking number. |
Example: Sarah, a frequent Frontier flyer, made the most of a 7‑hour layover. She checked into the Trailblazer Lounge, ordered a coffee, and used the free Wi‑Fi for a video conference. Arriving back at Gate B‑12, she had plenty of time to board her next flight without the usual rush.
Frontier vs. Competitors at Denver Airport
When choosing a low‑cost carrier, you’ll likely compare Frontier to Southwest, Spirit, and Alaska. Below is a snapshot focused on Denver Airport operations.
Airline | Typical Concourse | Baggage Fee (Checked) | Rapid Begin (Optional) | Standby Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
Frontier | Concourse B | $30 per bag (up to 30 lb) | Optional ($40) | $55 |
Southwest | Concourse A | None | Included | None |
Spirit | Concourse A | $35 per bag ($1/sqm) | Optional ($45) | $50 |
Alaska | Concourse B | $30 per bag | Included | $50 |
All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
Takeaway: If you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost, Frontier and Southwest hold the advantage. However, Southwest’s no‑fee baggage rule and optional Rapid Begin bundled in the ticket can make it an overall cheaper option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Frontier have a dedicated counter at DEN?
Yes—Gate B‑3 is typically the dedicated counter. During peak times, you may also find a second counter at Gate A‑5.
2. Can I earn miles with Frontier at Denver?
Frontier is part of the Sonic loyalty program. If you join and obtain a Sonic Card, you can earn miles on all Frontier flights, even from Denver.
3. Is the Denver Airport terminal accessible for people with disabilities?
Absolutely. DEN’s concourses are fully ADA compliant, with elevators, ramps, and priority boarding assistance for those who need it.
4. How early should I arrive for a Frontier flight?
- Domestic: 90 min before departure.
- International: 2 hrs before departure, if you have checked luggage.
Credible Sources
- Frontier Airlines Official Website – Baggage & Fees
- Denver International Airport – Terminal Guide
- TripSavvy – Low‑Cost Carriers Comparison
- Consumer Reports – Edge‑Safe Travel Tips
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll know exactly where Frontier operates at Denver, how to navigate the terminal, and what perks to look for. Whether it’s a short trip to Asheville or a longer cross‑country adventure, mastering the Frontier experience at DEN can make your journey smoother—and a little more enjoyable. Safe travels!