How much does it cost to cancel Frontier?
For cancellations, the fee if you booked a Basic Fare is $99 per passenger, per direction of travel, regardless of when you cancel. If you have Frontier elite status, you get free flight changes and cancellations no matter what fare you booked.
Understanding Frontier Airlines’ Cancellation Fees: How Much Does It Really Cost to Cancel?
Frontier Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost fares, but with great savings often comes a catch—fees for cancellations and changes. If you’re wondering how much it costs to cancel a Frontier flight, the short answer is: $99 per passenger, per direction for those who booked a Basic Fare. While this can seem steep, knowing the rules and your options can help you navigate the cancellation process more effectively. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand, with relatable tips and scenarios for every type of traveler.
Frontier’s Cancellation Policy: The Basics
Frontier Airlines charges a flat fee of $99 per passenger, per direction of travel if you cancel a Basic Fare. This applies regardless of when you decide to cancel your booking. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to consider:
Elite Members: If you hold Frontier elite status, cancellations and flight changes are free—a great perk for frequent flyers.
24-Hour Cancellation Window: Like all U.S. airlines, Frontier follows the Department of Transportation’s rule, which allows passengers to cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided the flight’s departure is at least seven days away.
The WORKS Bundle: If you purchased The WORKS, you can cancel your flight without paying the $99 fee. Instead, you’ll receive a travel credit for the full value of your booking.
Cancellations Close to Departure: Fees may be higher or changes restricted if you cancel within hours of your flight, depending on the circumstances.
Why $99 Per Passenger, Per Direction Adds Up
For families or groups traveling together, this cancellation fee can quickly snowball. Imagine a family of four canceling a round-trip flight:
$99 cancellation fee per passenger per direction.
Four passengers canceling both the outbound and return flights.
Total cancellation fees: $99 x 4 passengers x 2 directions = $792.
Relatable Tip: If you’re booking for a group and there’s a chance plans might change, consider adding The WORKS or purchasing refundable fares. The upfront cost might be worth avoiding hefty fees later.
How to Cancel Your Frontier Flight
Canceling your Frontier Airlines flight is straightforward, though fees will apply unless you meet one of the exceptions mentioned above. Here’s how to do it:
Log In to Your Account: Visit the Frontier Airlines website or open their app. Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
Retrieve Your Booking: Enter your last name and confirmation code to pull up your itinerary.
Select “Cancel Flight”: Follow the prompts to cancel your flight. The system will display any applicable fees and the remaining value (if any) as a travel credit.
Confirm Cancellation: Once you accept the terms, your cancellation will be processed, and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Helpful Insight: Keep a copy of your confirmation email—it will include details about any remaining travel credit or refund eligibility.
Who Benefits From Free Cancellations?
Frontier Elite Members: If you’re part of Frontier’s frequent flyer program and have achieved elite status, cancellations and changes are free for any fare type.
Relatable Scenario: Let’s say you’re a business traveler with unpredictable meeting schedules. Elite status ensures you can cancel or change flights without worrying about extra costs, giving you flexibility when plans change last-minute.
Alternatives to Canceling: Consider Changing Your Flight
If you’re facing a steep cancellation fee but still plan to fly in the near future, consider changing your flight instead of canceling. While Frontier charges a fee for changes on Basic Fares, it might be less costly than a full cancellation. Here’s how it works:
Change Fees: Frontier charges a fee of $49-$79 for flight changes, depending on when you make the change.
60+ Days Before Departure: No fee.
7-59 Days Before Departure: $49 change fee.
6 Days or Fewer Before Departure: $79 change fee.
Travel Credits: If the new flight costs less than the original, the remaining balance will be issued as a travel credit.
The WORKS: If you purchased The WORKS, changes are free, and you’ll receive a travel credit for any fare difference.
Relatable Tip: Imagine you’re flying to Orlando for a conference, but it gets rescheduled by a week. Instead of canceling, change your flight to the new date to save on fees.
What Happens If Frontier Cancels Your Flight?
If Frontier cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or free rebooking. This policy applies regardless of your ticket type, ensuring that you won’t lose money if the airline is at fault.
Relatable Example: Say you’re heading to Denver for a ski trip, but a snowstorm grounds all flights. Frontier offers you the option to rebook for free, so you can catch the next available flight or reschedule your trip entirely.
Tips to Avoid Frontier’s Cancellation Fees
Book With Confidence: Before hitting “Confirm,” double-check your travel dates and plans to minimize the risk of cancellations.
Purchase The WORKS: This add-on provides peace of mind by allowing free changes and cancellations. The upfront cost can save you money if your plans are uncertain.
Cancel Within 24 Hours: Take advantage of the DOT’s 24-hour rule for maximum flexibility.
Travel Insurance: Consider buying travel insurance, especially for expensive trips or during uncertain times. Many policies cover cancellations due to emergencies or unexpected events.
Elite Status: If you fly frequently with Frontier, achieving elite status can eliminate change and cancellation fees altogether.
Relatable Anecdote: A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
Take Sarah, a budget-conscious traveler who booked a family vacation to Cancun with Frontier. Two weeks before departure, her youngest child fell ill, and she had to cancel the trip. Because Sarah hadn’t purchased The WORKS, she was hit with $99 cancellation fees for each passenger, each way—$792 in total. While she received travel credits for the remaining balance, the fees stung.
Sarah learned from the experience and now always adds The WORKS to her bookings, ensuring flexibility for her family’s future trips.
Why Does Frontier Charge High Cancellation Fees?
Frontier Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). Their business model is based on offering low base fares and charging for extras like baggage, seat selection, and, yes, flexibility. The cancellation fees are part of this strategy, allowing the airline to keep ticket prices low.
Relatable Insight: Think of Frontier as the “pay-as-you-go” of airlines. While it’s great for travelers looking to save on upfront costs, it’s important to weigh the risks of fees if your plans aren’t set in stone.
Wrapping Up: How to Approach Frontier’s Cancellation Policy
While Frontier’s $99 cancellation fee might feel steep, understanding the airline’s rules and available options can help you manage your booking more effectively. Here’s a quick recap:
Basic Fare Cancellations: $99 per passenger, per direction.
Elite Members: Enjoy free cancellations and changes.
The WORKS Bundle: Cancel or change without fees, with full travel credits.
24-Hour Rule: Free cancellations within the first 24 hours of booking.
Flight Changes: Lower fees may apply compared to cancellations.
If flexibility is essential for your travel plans, consider upgrading to The WORKS or opting for refundable fares. By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can make the most of your Frontier Airlines experience—without being caught off guard by cancellation fees.
