Saving $$$ on Frontier Airfare
Want to save extra $$$ on budget carriers’ already low airfare?
I tested buying the tickets at the check-in counter at the airport to avoid paying carrier interface/usage charge and it worked!
Overview
Frontier Airlines is an American low-cost airline based in Denver, Colorado. It operates flights to over 80 destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The airline is known for its low fares, with many of its seats sold on a “budget” basis, offering a lower price in exchange for fewer amenities. Seat selection, carry on and checked in luggage will cost you extra.
Frontier offers “Discount Den” program that provides members with access to exclusive discounts and promotions on flights. However, in my experience, the “hack” described below results in higher savings. YMMV, of course.
The "Hack"
I read a few articles online suggesting that you can avoid the “online booking” fee with Frontier, Allegiant Air, and Spirit by purchasing the tickets at the airport. However, all of the articles seemed theoretical with no personal experience description, so, naturally, I was skeptical. I thought I’d give it a try since I drive by Portland Jetport at least 10 times a week.
The fees vary by airlines and by route. Allegiant Air calls them Electronic Carrier Usage Charge, Spirit – Passenger Usage Charge, Frontier – Carrier Interface Charge. These fees are a way for the airlines to reduce their tax burden as they do not pay taxes on the collected fees. The way for a consumer to avoid paying the fee is to purchase the airfare in person.
The total Frontier airfare for 2 passengers for a quick weekend getaway to Disney World to check out Christmas decorations was $241.20 if purchased online. If you expand “Taxes and carrier-imposed fees”, you will see that “Carrier Interface Charge” is $84.
I looked up the next Frontier flight out PWM, and swung by the airport right before the check in counter was closing. The ticketing agent had no idea what I was talking about, but when she tried booking the tickets, she herself was surprised how low the total airfare cost was.
Round trip for 2 people sans Carrier Interface Charge came to $157.20. A quick trip to the airport and $2 parking fee resulted in 35% savings!
A Word of Caution
I must note that you can’t use Discount Den or any other savings/promos when purchasing a ticket in person, so compare your options before heading to the airport. In our case, the trip to the Jetport was totally worth it since PWM-MCO route is excluded from most promos.
A few other things to remember if you are flying Frontier:
- You can bring a personal item for free (not to exceed 18 in x 14 in x 8 in and must fit under the seat in front of you), but there is a carry on and checked bag fee.
- You must pay for a seat assignment as well if you don’t want the airline assigning you a random seat. This is especially important when traveling with kids. Although, if you check in as soon it is available (24 hours before the flight) you are very likely to get seats together
Happy travels!
