When planning your travel experience with Frontier Airlines, it’s essential to understand the full layout, features, and functionality of its central operational hub: the frontier airlines denver terminal. Located at Denver International Airport (DEN), this terminal acts as the cornerstone of Frontier’s national and international operations. With a surge in low-cost travel and increasing passenger demand, knowing the ins and outs of this terminal can significantly enhance your flying experience, helping you avoid last-minute surprises, navigate through the airport with ease, and access the right amenities before and after your flight.
This very long and detailed blog will take you through everything you need to know about the frontier airlines denver terminal—from check-in processes and gate layouts to dining, transportation, and travel tips you won’t find on your boarding pass.
The Strategic Importance of Denver International Airport for Frontier Airlines
Denver International Airport is not just one of the busiest airports in the United States—it’s also a strategic focal point for airlines that prioritize both affordability and accessibility. As the main hub for Frontier Airlines, Denver International serves as a springboard for numerous domestic and international flights. The sheer scale and organization of the frontier airlines denver terminal ensure that Frontier can deliver on its promise of economical travel while maintaining operational efficiency.
Frontier’s headquarters are located in Denver, and this airport acts as a base for most of its aircraft and crew. That means, whether you're traveling east or west, chances are high you’ll pass through this terminal, making it even more critical to familiarize yourself with how it operates.
Where Is Frontier Airlines at Denver International Airport?
Frontier Airlines operates primarily from Concourse A at Denver International Airport. All flight arrivals and departures for Frontier are handled here, including domestic and select international routes. You’ll start your airport journey in the Jeppesen Terminal, which is the main terminal building. Check-in counters for Frontier are found on the east side of Level 6 in this terminal.
After check-in, you can proceed to Concourse A in one of two ways:
Take the Pedestrian Bridge: This offers an elevated, scenic view and connects directly to Concourse A.
Use the Automated People Mover (Train): Fast, reliable, and used by the majority of passengers, this underground train service runs continuously and stops at all concourses.
Check-In and Baggage Drop at the frontier airlines denver terminal
To avoid long lines and stress, Frontier encourages passengers to check in online or via the mobile app. You can do this up to 24 hours before your flight. This allows you to skip the line, print your boarding pass, and even pay for any baggage you plan to check in.
If you need to check in at the airport:
Head to Frontier’s check-in area on Level 6 East.
Use the self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and luggage tags.
Proceed to the baggage drop counters if you're checking bags.
Frontier Airlines charges for both carry-on and checked baggage, so pre-paying online not only saves time but also helps avoid higher fees at the airport.
Security Screening and Concourse A Access
Once you’ve checked in and dropped off your luggage, the next step is TSA screening. Frontier passengers typically go through security lines that lead directly to Concourse A. The airport provides separate lines for:
General boarding
TSA PreCheck
CLEAR members
Passengers with accessibility needs
Once through security, you’ll enter Concourse A, the exclusive domain of Frontier Airlines at Denver. Here’s where your journey truly begins.
Inside Concourse A: A Look at the frontier airlines denver terminal
Concourse A is a well-designed, modern section of the airport. It includes all the necessary amenities to make your pre-flight or post-landing experience more comfortable. What makes the frontier airlines denver terminal particularly unique is its focus on ground boarding.
Ground Boarding Expansion
Frontier recently expanded the concourse to include 14 ground boarding gates located on the east side. These gates allow for dual-door boarding, meaning passengers can board or exit the aircraft from both the front and rear doors. This drastically reduces boarding time and increases aircraft turnaround efficiency—one of the keys to keeping Frontier’s ticket prices low.
At these gates, you’ll find:
Ramp access for boarding via stairways
Modern waiting areas with ample seating
Flight status monitors and boarding announcements
Charge stations for electronic devices
Dining, Shopping, and Amenities
Despite being a low-cost airline terminal, the frontier airlines denver terminal offers a variety of food, beverage, and shopping options to accommodate all travelers.
Dining Options
Whether you're in the mood for a full meal or a quick snack, Concourse A has you covered:
Smashburger – Known for fast, high-quality burgers.
Einstein Bros. Bagels – Perfect for breakfast or a light bite.
Cantina Grill – Tacos, burritos, and other Mexican delights.
Modern Market – Offers healthy and locally sourced food options.
Caribou Coffee – Grab a hot cup of coffee before your flight.
Shopping and Essentials
Running low on reading material or forgot your charger? No worries:
Tattered Cover Bookstore – A beloved local bookstore.
Hudson News – For travel snacks, water, and magazines.
InMotion – Offers travel electronics and accessories.
Other Amenities
Free Wi-Fi throughout the concourse
Family restrooms and baby-changing stations
Pet relief areas for travelers with animals
Hydration stations to refill your water bottle
Wheelchair assistance available upon request
Boarding Your Frontier Flight
Boarding procedures with Frontier are slightly different compared to traditional airlines, largely due to its ultra-low-cost business model. Boarding generally begins 30–40 minutes before departure and closes 15 minutes before the flight leaves.
Passengers are boarded in zones, with those who have purchased priority seating or carry-on packages called first. The dual-door boarding available at ground gates allows the process to flow quickly, so make sure to be at your gate on time. There are no complimentary snacks or drinks on board, so be sure to purchase what you need beforehand or bring your own.
Arrivals and Baggage Claim
If you're arriving on a Frontier flight at Denver, deplaning will also occur via ground boarding gates or standard jet bridges depending on the aircraft and gate availability. Once off the plane, you'll head back to the Jeppesen Terminal Level 5 for baggage claim.
You’ll find digital monitors displaying baggage carousel assignments. In most cases, Frontier luggage arrives promptly, especially given the dual-door deplaning efficiency.
Ground Transportation Options from the Terminal
Once you’ve collected your baggage, you can move on to any of the following transportation options:
RTD A-Line Train to downtown Denver (runs every 15 minutes)
Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) from designated pick-up zones
Rental car shuttles to nearby lots
Airport shuttles and taxis available 24/7
Frontier Travel Tips at DEN
To make your trip even smoother, here are some quick tips specifically for travelers using the frontier airlines denver terminal:
Check in early online – Saves time and money.
Pack smart – Only one personal item is free. Measure carefully.
Bring snacks and water – Frontier doesn’t offer free refreshments.
Charge devices beforehand – While outlets are available, they fill up fast.
Watch for gate changes – Especially during busy travel seasons.
Looking Toward the Future
Frontier Airlines is rapidly growing, and its presence at Denver International Airport is only expected to expand further. Future developments include:
Additional ground boarding gates
Improvements to digital infrastructure
Enhanced baggage handling systems
Continued focus on sustainability and fuel-efficient aircraft
These developments show that the frontier airlines denver terminal will continue to serve as a leading hub in cost-effective and efficient air travel for years to come.
Conclusion
Navigating the frontier airlines denver terminal doesn't have to be intimidating. With some planning and a little insight, you can make the most of your time at one of the nation's busiest and most efficient airline terminals. Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or arriving late in the evening, this terminal offers everything you need for a streamlined and comfortable travel experience.
For more comprehensive details including gate maps, real-time flight updates, and airport services, visit the official guide to the frontier airlines denver terminal. With this knowledge in hand, your next trip through Denver with Frontier Airlines is bound to be your smoothest yet.