frontier airlines hartsfield jackson airport
Frontier Airlines is known for its ultra‑low‑fare model and a growing presence at Atlanta’s busiest hub, Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL). If you’re planning a trip from the Peach State or simply want to fly cheap out of ATL, this guide will help you navigate Frontier’s operations, amenities, and cost‑saving tips so you can focus on the planes and your destination instead of the paperwork.
**About Frontier’s Presence at Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport**
- Hub Operations: ATL hosts multiple Frontier flight origins and destinations each weekday, with a few nonstop flights to Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas‑Fort Worth.
- Terminals: Frontier flights depart from Terminal 5 (international) and Terminal D (domestic), depending on the route.
- Frequency: Nearly 300 flights a week serve 25 U.S. cities directly from ATL, giving you plenty of schedule flexibility.
**What to Expect on Your Frontier Flight from Atlanta**
Frontier’s “banner‑free” business: we offer low base fares, but you pay for extras.
Read the fine print so you can build a cost‑efficient travel plan.
1. The Baggage Policy
| Item | Frontier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carry‑on allowance | 18 in × 14 in × 8 in (flight‑size) | Must fit in overhead or under‑seat; no checked bags included |
| Checked bags (up to 50 lbs) | $29.95 per bag (flight‑size) | You can add one free “Fly Baggage” bag for an extra 5$ |
| Priority checked baggage | $5 per bag (55‑lb limit) | |
| Oversize items | $60 per item (up to 70 lbs) |
2. Seat Assignment
- Cheapest fare: Premium Seat – just a few extra pleats and more legroom than the standard.
- Optional upgrades: Frontier Flex ($39–$79) includes reserved seat, free checked bag, and priority boarding.
3. In‑Flight Experience
- Snacks and drinks are not included; you can purchase them at the gate or on the plane for a small fee.
- No public Wi‑Fi, with a data plan from Frontier’s partner.
4. Timing & Turnaround
- Frontier prides itself on on‑time departures, but keep in mind the airline’s “early‑door” policy for baggage pickup after the flight.
**Airport Facilities and Services for Frontier Travelers at ATL**
| Feature | More Details |
|---|---|
| Terminals | Terminal 5 (International) & Terminal D (Domestic). Fly from the Terminal with the available SkyTree shuttle for free. |
| Security | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available; pre‑check is recommended to avoid long lines. |
| Lounges | Frontier Hub & Global’s “Frontier Lounge” at Terminal D is only available to Elite Club members. |
| Retail/Restaurant | “The Atlantic” cafe, “Paul’s Bakery,” and “Beverly O’Connor’s” coffee shop. |
| Free Wireless | Airport‑wide Wi‑Fi; unlimited email only. |
**Tips to Make Your Frontier Trip Smooth**
1. Book Early, Not Late
- Frontier’s pricing model → “Book early and lock a discounted fare.” Prices often spike 24‑48 hrs before flight.
2. Download the Frontier Mobile App
- Check‑in, seat selection, and handy travel notifications are available right from your phone, saving you a step at the airport.
3. Pack Smart
- Stick to the internal carry‑on size (∼14‑in × 9‑in × 9‑in) to avoid $25 surcharges.
- Use the “ReloWrap” packaging if you plan to bring a bag into the cabin; you’ll save the entry fee.
4. Watch Out for Fees
- Check each line item before you add “extras” to your checkout.
- Set a daily budget: $25 (base fare) + $15 (checked bag) + $10 (seat) + $10 (in‑flight meal) ≈ $60 total per traveler.
5. Join Frontier’s Frequent Flyer Program
- Frontier Basic Rewards offers free upgrades and priority boarding after accumulating 2,500 points.
- Even as a “free” member, you can earn 0.5 pts per $1 spent on flights.
**Frontier vs Other Major Carriers at ATL: A Quick Comparison**
| Feature | Frontier | American Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fare (one‑way to NYC) | $59 | $170 (incl. bag) | $150 (incl. bag) |
| Checked Bag – 2‑bag allowance | $59.90 each (or $29.95 round‑trip) | $30 each (domestic) | $30 each (domestic) |
| Seat Selection Cost | $35–$79 (flex) | $0 (free on offer) | $0 or $45 (flex) |
| Free in‑flight food & drink | N/A (pay‑as‑you‑go) | N/A (airline pay) | N/A (airline pay) |
| Airport lounge access after purchase | Elite Club ($29) | 1‑World (free) | Delta Sky Club (free with status)* |
*Delta Sky Club access can be free for Silver or Gold status passengers.
*Numbers are approximate and subject to change. Use the tables below and cross‐check for the latest fares before booking.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
1. Can I bring a personal carry‑on bag for free on Frontier?
Yes, you can bring a single flight‑size bag for free. If you add a second power‑armed bag or a larger item, check the Carry‑On Fees page on the Frontier website.
2. Is Frontier part of the Oneworld alliance?
No, Frontier is a stand‑alone carrier. However, the airline participates in the Airfare&Travel Alliance partnerships where you can earn or redeem points with partner airlines.
3. What is the best way to get a cheap flight on Frontier from ATL?
- Browse the “Frontier Deals” page for the cheapest route of the week.
- Sign up for Frontier’s “Alert” service to receive instant email notifications when fares drop.
- Consider traveling on a weekday (Tuesday to Thursday) for the lowest “last‑minute” fare.
**Your Checklist for Flying Frontier from ATL**
| ✅ Item | How to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Print/e‑ticket | 24 hrs before departure |
| Check baggage allowance | Review Frontier’s policy |
| Set an arrival hour at the airport | TSA PreCheck + 50 min arrival |
| Pack an 18‑in carry‑on | Use a dedicated bag |
| Confirm seat if you purchased flex | Frontier Mobile App |
| Download Frontier map of Terminal D | Available on the airline’s website |
| Bring a power bank (if charging needed) | Include in carry‑on |
**Credible Resources for Further Reading**
- Frontier Airlines Official Website – Baggage Policy
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Service Guide
- American Airlines – Comparative Bay Travel Report
- Delta Sky Club – Lounge Information
- TravelPulse – Frontier Airline Review 2024
- U.S. Transportation Security Administration – TSA PreCheck
Enjoy your flight cost‑efficiently—and remember: every cent saved on Frontier can be invested in a better experience for your next adventure!
