Frontier's Basic Change Policy

Frontier Airlines does not allow free changes on most tickets. If you booked a basic economy fare—which is Frontier's lowest price tier—you cannot change your flight without paying a change fee, which typically ranges from $75 to $99 depending on the route and how far in advance you make the change. The airline treats basic economy as a non-refundable, non-changeable product.

However, Frontier does offer free changes under specific circumstances. If Frontier cancels your flight, significantly delays it, or changes your departure time by more than one hour, you can rebook on another Frontier flight at no charge. You can also change your flight for free if you purchased a higher fare class—such as Classic or Premium—rather than basic economy, though these tickets cost considerably more upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic economy fares on Frontier charge $75 to $99 to change your flight, with no exceptions for personal reasons.
  • You can change your flight free of charge if Frontier cancels, significantly delays, or reschedules your departure by more than one hour.
  • Classic and Premium fare classes include free changes, but cost more when you purchase the ticket.
  • Changes must be made through Frontier's website, mobile app, or by calling 1-801-401-9000; changes made at the airport may incur additional fees.
  • If you change to a cheaper flight, Frontier keeps the difference; if you change to a more expensive flight, you pay the price gap.

How to Change Your Flight on Frontier's Website

Log into your Frontier account on the airline's website using your confirmation number and last name, or your email address if you created an account when booking. Go to "Manage My Booking" and select the flight you want to change. Frontier will show you available flights on your new preferred date and time.

When you select a new flight, Frontier will calculate any change fee owed (if applicable) and any fare difference. If your new flight costs less than your original ticket, you will not receive a refund—Frontier keeps the difference. If your new flight costs more, you will be charged the difference at checkout. Complete the payment, and your new booking confirmation will appear when ready in your account and email.

Changing Your Flight by Phone

Call Frontier's reservations line at 1-801-401-9000. Have your confirmation number and last name ready. A representative will pull up your booking, explain your change options, and process the change over the phone. Phone changes incur the same fees as online changes, but some travelers find it easier to discuss options with a person, especially if your preferred date has limited availability.

Wait times can be long during peak travel periods (early morning, evening, and weekends). If you are changing your flight within 24 hours of departure, calling is often faster than using the website, since the system may not display all available flights online in real time.

When Frontier Pays for Your Change

If Frontier cancels your flight, you can rebook on any other Frontier flight to the same destination at no charge. Frontier will also waive change fees if the airline reschedules your departure by more than one hour from your original time. This applies whether the change is earlier or later in the day.

If no other Frontier flights work for you, you can request a refund of your ticket price (not including taxes and fees, which Frontier keeps). Some travelers in this situation choose to take a refund and book with another airline instead. To request a refund after a cancellation or major delay, contact Frontier directly through your account or by phone.

Fare Differences When You Change Flights

Frontier calculates the cost of your change based on the difference between what you paid and what your new flight costs. If you originally paid $150 for a flight and change to a flight priced at $120, you lose the $30 difference—Frontier does not refund it. If you change to a flight priced at $180, you pay $30 more.

The price of a flight changes constantly based on demand, so a cheaper flight on a different date may cost more than your original ticket if that date is busier. Check the price of your new flight before confirming the change so you understand what you will owe.

Changing Your Flight at the Airport

You can change your flight at the Frontier ticket counter or gate on the day of travel, but the airline may charge an additional $25 to $50 fee on top of the standard change fee and any fare difference. This is why changing online or by phone before you arrive at the airport is almost always cheaper.

If your flight is cancelled or severely delayed at the airport, gate agents can rebook you on the next available Frontier flight without charging any fee. If you straightforward want to move to a different flight for personal reasons, expect to pay both the change fee and the airport processing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my flight if I bought a basic economy ticket?

Yes, but you will pay a change fee of $75 to $99 plus any difference in ticket price. Basic economy fares are non-refundable and non-changeable without a fee. If you want to avoid change fees in the future, purchase a Classic or Premium ticket instead.

What if I change to a cheaper flight—do I get money back?

No. Frontier keeps the difference between what you paid and the price of your new flight. You only pay additional money if your new flight costs more than your original ticket.

How long does it take to change a Frontier flight?

Online changes process when ready, and your new confirmation appears in your account and email within minutes. Phone changes take as long as the call itself, typically 5 to 15 minutes depending on wait time. Changes made at the airport can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the counter is.

Can I change my flight if Frontier delayed it by 30 minutes?

No. Frontier only waives change fees for delays or reschedules of more than one hour. A 30-minute delay does not may have access to for a free change, so you would pay the standard change fee and any fare difference if you want to move to a different flight.

What happens if I change my flight and then need to change it again?

You will pay another change fee for the second change, plus any fare difference. Each change is treated as a separate transaction. If you are uncertain about your travel dates, consider purchasing a refundable ticket or waiting until your plans are firm before booking.