frontier airlines orlando airport
Welcome to the definitive guide for travelers flying with Frontier Airlines to or from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Whether you’re a first‑time flyer, a budget‑conscious traveler, or a frequent tourist planning a trip to Disney, Universal Studios, or the beautiful beaches of Central Florida, this article covers all the practical information you’ll need—from booking tips and baggage policies to airport logistics and side‑by‑side comparisons with other carriers.
1. Quick Overview of Frontier Airlines at Orlando
- Hub status?
Frontier doesn’t have a hub at Orlando, but MCO hosts several daily flights. You’ll find frequent shuttle connections, especially on seasonally high‑traffic routes.
- When are the flights?
Frontier offers early‑morning, midday, and late‑night flights to major U.S. cities. Check the fare calendar for the most economical days.
- Gate location:
Arrivals on gates C1–C3 and D1–D3; departures for domestic flights use the lower concourse (C & D).
Tip: If you’re traveling to a later‑night flight, just before midnight, catch the last departure at Gate D3—the door opens 30 minutes early to help you make the flight.
2. How to Book Your Frontier Flight to/from Orlando
The Frontier Experience
- Book Direct
Visiting Frontier’s own website or mobile app guarantees that you’ll see the complete fare structure upfront, with no hidden charges from third‑party sites.
- Use Promo Codes
Subscribe to Frontier’s newsletter or download the app to receive quarterly promo codes. A redeemable “FREE BAG” code can save $30 per trip.
- Book Early or Late
Sweden studies flying under 10 % discount on flights booked 90 days in advance. Late‑booking (within a week of departure) can also yield “same‑day” deals if you’re flexible.
Example: In late January 2024, a one‑way flight from Orlando to Los Angeles was $109 after applying the app promo code BLANK. The same ticket, booked on a third‑party site, was $140.
3. Baggage Policies and Fees
| Item | Frontier Fares | Destination Example (Orlando ↔ Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Bag | Free (22‑lb, 22×14×9 in.) | 1 free bag |
| Checked Bag (Domestic & International) | $30 (first), $20 (second) | $30/first, $20/second |
| Extra Oversized/Overweight | $125 | $125 per bag |
| Essentials (e.g., carry‑on laptop) | Included | Included |
Practical tip:
If you’re traveling with kids, bring a small play‑taste or diaper bag in your cabin space. If you anticipate demanding luggage—like a surfboard or ski gear—book the “Right Now” payment option and reserve the checked bag in advance to avoid the last‑minute surcharge.
4. Seating, Comfort, and In‑Flight Experience
- Seat Width: 16.8 inches on Frontier’s 737-800.
- Seat Pitch: 30 inches (average). Relaxation buffers around 3–5 minutes for early takeoffs/landings.
- In‑Flight Purchases: You can buy meals, snacks, and drinks via the Frontier app. The most popular add‑ons are the “Very Hot” coffee, the “Cheer Fast” drive‑through sandwich, and an in‑flight meal voucher.
- Power Outlets: Ceiling‑mounted USB ports available in every seat.
Insight: Frontier’s “Frontier Free Trash” campaign is both quirky and practical: it includes a free disposable cup for every departed flight.
5. Airport Experience: Gates, Parking, and Shuttle Service
Gates
- Domestic: A‑B concourse for most flights to Florida Gulf Coast; C‑D for major hub routes.
- International: Occasionally flights to Mexico or the Caribbean depart from gates E & F.
| Airport Service | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Shuttle | Airport to nearby hotels via Airport Transit Service runs every 15–30min. |
| Parking | Terminals A have long‑term ($5/hour) and short‑term ($10/hour) options. Gates E and F have premium valet at $90/day. |
| Baggage Claim | Baggage carousel 1 operational 24/7, with a short wait for Frontier arrivals. |
Ground Transport
- Taxis & Rideshares: Destination‑based rates for Orlando departures.
- Public Transit: Orange Line bus (S-1, S-3) travels 28 miles to downtown.
Pro tip: When grabbing a taxi, measure the distance inside the bays: it’s 3–4 miles to the city center—similar cost to rideshare but often with more reliable driver ID numbers.
6. Tips and Tricks for a Stress‑Free Trip
| Category | Advice |
|---|---|
| Arrival Time | Arrive 2 hrs ahead for domestic flights; 3 hrs for international. |
| Check‑In | Utilize the “Check‑In Now” button in the Frontier app; will auto‑check all guardians. |
| Baggage | Label hampers with both a visible brand stamp and a personal item tag that includes your email. |
| Security Lanes | Use TSA Pre✓® if you’re a frequent traveler; saves 30 minutes in average queuing. |
| Flight Status | Pair the Frontier Flight Tracker with the airport’s live map; double‑check gate changes 30 min prior. |
| Ground Transport | /off‐line: purchase a local travel card at the transit office; 35 min flat‑fare to beaches. |
Example: Last month, Sarah was able to secure a pre‑check seat on a Frontier flight from Orlando to Denver by using the “Seat Upgrade” during checkout, paying an extra $35 and enjoying a 45‑minute smoother boarding process.
7. Comparison: Frontier vs Other Low‑Cost Carriers at Orlando
| Feature | Frontier (Domestic) | Southwest (Domestic) | JetBlue (Domestic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | Lowest average | 2× higher on average | Slightly higher |
| Cabin Bag | 22 lb, free | Free, 50 lb | Free (up to 50 lb) |
| Checked Bag | $30 / $20 | $30 / $30 | $25 / $25 |
| Seat Pitch | 30″ | 32″ | 31″ |
| Loyalty Program | Frontier Rewards (cash‑back) | Rapid Rewards | TrueBlue |
| On‑time Performance | 73% | 83% | 80% |
| Route Frequency | 8‑9 flights/day to major U.S. hubs | 12‑14 flights/day | 13 flights/day |
Bottom line: Frontier wins on price, but Southwest and JetBlue deliver slightly better comfort and on‑time rates—so choose Frontier if you’re a budget traveler, and consider others if you value punctuality.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring a pet on Frontier? | Yes; up to 15 lb, pays $40 plus quarantine. |
| Do I need to check in for a connecting flight? | Frontier’s “U‑Check” handles international connection gates automatically if you’ve used ‘Global’ passes. |
| When do I need to pick up my checked bags? | Approximately 45 min before departure, at the designated carousel. |
| What if my flight is canceled? | Frontier’s app will automatically issue a refund or re-book to the next available flight. |
For detailed policy references, see Frontier’s official Baggage & Fees and Flight Status pages.
9. Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Frontier Airlines offers a solid “budget‑first” experience at Orlando International Airport, with the presence of complimentary cabin luggage and inexpensive checked‑bag pricing. Travelers on a tight budget will love the low fares and flexible booking options. If you prioritize airport comfort, on‑time performance, and higher seating pitch, checking out Southwest or JetBlue’s offerings is worth the slight price premium.
Remember, the key to maximizing any airline’s benefits lies in booking early, leveraging promo codes, and staying organized with baggage and documentation. Use the data table above to match your priorities with the right carrier and enjoy a seamless outdoor‑drive‑in adventure to or from the theme‑park capital of the world.
Happy travels from Orlando International Airport—may your flight be short and economical!
References
- Frontier Airlines. Baggage & Fees Overview. Retrieved October 2024.
- Orlando International Airport. Terminal and Gate Information. Airport website, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Transportation. Air Charter & Commercial Carrier Performance Reports (2023).
- “Travel Trends 2023: The Rise of Low-Cost Carriers”, Statista.
- Frontier Airline Company. COVID‑19 and Travel Policies. Edited 2024.
