Your Ultimate Guide to the frontier airlines denver terminal: Navigating Frontier’s Hub at Denver International Airport
As one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States, Frontier Airlines has built a robust and well-orchestrated hub at Denver International Airport (DEN). Known for its budget-friendly fares and a la carte pricing model, Frontier continues to serve millions of travelers annually from this central U.S. location. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or it’s your first time boarding a Frontier flight, understanding the frontier airlines denver terminal layout, services, and travel tips can save you time, stress, and even money.
In this very detailed blog post, we’ll walk you through every aspect of the frontier airlines denver terminal, from check-in and security to boarding gates, dining options, and transportation links. If you’re flying through DEN with Frontier, this guide is your one-stop resource for a seamless airport experience.
Why the Denver Terminal Matters for Frontier Airlines
Denver International Airport isn't just any stopover for Frontier—it’s the airline’s primary hub. The frontier airlines denver terminal serves as the nucleus of Frontier’s nationwide flight operations. This centralized location allows the airline to offer a wide variety of connections across the U.S., Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.
Frontier’s choice of Denver as its main base is strategic. The city’s central location means shorter average flight distances across the country, optimizing fuel efficiency and aircraft utilization. This directly contributes to Frontier’s ability to keep ticket prices low.
Where to Find Frontier at Denver International Airport
Frontier Airlines primarily operates from Concourse A at Denver International Airport. Passengers begin their journey in the main terminal, officially known as the Jeppesen Terminal, before heading to Concourse A for their departure gates.
Here’s how to navigate to your gate:
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Check-In: Head to Level 6 East side of the Jeppesen Terminal for Frontier’s check-in counters.
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Security Screening: After check-in, proceed to the security checkpoint. The airport offers standard TSA, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR lanes.
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Accessing Concourse A: You have two main options:
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Pedestrian Bridge: Located on Level 6, this bridge leads directly to Concourse A and allows for scenic views of aircraft activity.
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Automated People Mover (Train): A fast and convenient underground train that connects the Jeppesen Terminal to Concourses A, B, and C.
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Once in Concourse A, you'll find Frontier's gates and a host of amenities to keep you comfortable while you wait for your flight.
Inside the frontier airlines denver terminal: A Concourse A Overview
Concourse A is home to the bulk of Frontier’s operations at DEN. The concourse has seen numerous upgrades in recent years, including the addition of 14 new ground boarding gates specifically for Frontier. These gates are located on the east end of the concourse and are designed to improve boarding and deplaning efficiency.
What Are Ground Boarding Gates?
Unlike traditional jet bridges, ground boarding gates involve passengers walking across the tarmac and boarding via stairs at the front and rear of the aircraft. This process, known as dual-door boarding, significantly reduces boarding times and allows quicker turnaround for planes—one of the key factors in Frontier’s cost-saving model.
These new gates are:
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Spacious and well-lit
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Equipped with flight information displays
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Fitted with charging stations and seating areas
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Designed to accommodate wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility
Checking In: Tips for Smooth Processing
Frontier emphasizes self-service and digital check-in, so be sure to take advantage of the online check-in process, available 24 hours before your flight. If you do need to check in at the airport, head to the East side of Level 6 in the Jeppesen Terminal where Frontier’s counters are located.
Self-service kiosks are available to:
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Print boarding passes
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Purchase baggage options
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Print luggage tags
After tagging your checked bags, drop them off at the designated baggage counter. If you're only traveling with a personal item, you can proceed directly to security.
💡 Tip: Frontier charges for both carry-on and checked baggage. Save money by booking your luggage online during check-in rather than at the airport.
TSA and Security Process
After checking in, you’ll head through one of Denver Airport’s security screening areas. The lines can vary in length depending on the time of day, but DEN generally handles its passenger flow efficiently. Passengers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships can use the respective dedicated lanes for faster processing.
Make sure to:
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Have your ID and boarding pass ready
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Remove laptops and liquids from your bag if you’re not in the PreCheck line
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Wear easily removable shoes
Once through security, follow the signs to Concourse A, where the frontier airlines denver terminal truly comes to life.
Amenities at the frontier airlines denver terminal
Even as an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier’s terminal area offers a full range of amenities. Denver International Airport is known for its clean facilities and traveler-focused services, and Concourse A is no exception.
Dining Options
Hungry? There are several dining choices available:
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Smashburger – A local favorite for gourmet burgers
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Einstein Bros. Bagels – Ideal for breakfast on the go
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Cantina Grill – Serves Mexican cuisine like burritos and tacos
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Caribou Coffee – A go-to spot for caffeine and pastries
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Modern Market – Offers healthy meals and vegetarian options
Shopping & Essentials
Forgot your phone charger? Need some reading material for the flight? Stop by:
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Hudson News – A staple for snacks, books, and travel accessories
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Tattered Cover Bookstore – A beloved Colorado bookshop with a rich selection
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InMotion – Electronics and tech gear for travelers on the go
Special Amenities
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Free Wi-Fi throughout the concourse
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Family restrooms and baby-changing facilities
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Pet relief areas for service animals and traveling pets
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Hydration stations to refill your water bottle
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Assistance services for travelers with limited mobility
Boarding Process: What to Expect
Frontier uses a zone boarding system, and passengers should pay close attention to announcements. Boarding typically starts 30–40 minutes before departure and closes 15 minutes before the flight.
If your flight departs from one of the ground gates:
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Be prepared to walk down stairs to the tarmac
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Follow clear signs and crew instructions
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Use both the front and rear doors when possible to expedite boarding
The efficiency of this system is part of what keeps Frontier tickets affordable.
Arriving at DEN on Frontier
When arriving on a Frontier flight, deplaning is usually quick, especially from the dual-door ground gates. Passengers will then proceed back toward the main terminal via the automated train or pedestrian bridge.
Baggage claim is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. Monitors will show carousel numbers, and baggage for Frontier flights is typically processed in a timely manner.
Ground Transportation and Connections
Once you’ve landed or are preparing to leave the airport, there are multiple ground transportation options at your disposal:
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Ride-share (Uber, Lyft): Pickup zones are clearly marked outside baggage claim.
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Taxis and shuttles: Available 24/7 outside the terminal.
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Rental car center: Accessible via airport shuttle.
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RTD A-Line train: Connects Denver Airport to downtown in about 37 minutes.
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Hotel shuttles: Many local hotels offer free pickup services.
Travel Tips for Using the frontier airlines denver terminal
To get the most out of your trip, keep these tips in mind:
✅ Arrive early – At least 2 hours before a domestic flight
✅ Prepay for baggage – Cheaper online than at the counter
✅ Bring snacks – No free food or drinks on board
✅ Charge devices ahead of time – Outlets are limited during busy hours
✅ Download the Frontier app – For mobile boarding passes and flight updates
Future Plans and Terminal Expansion
Denver International Airport is undergoing major upgrades, and Frontier’s section of Concourse A is expected to see even more growth. Additional gates, improved signage, and streamlined boarding technologies are in the works to keep up with the increasing passenger demand.
This means that future travelers can expect an even better experience at the frontier airlines denver terminal, with reduced wait times and more efficient flight operations.
Conclusion
The frontier airlines denver terminal at Denver International Airport stands as a shining example of how low-cost travel doesn’t have to mean low-quality experiences. With smart design choices, effective boarding processes, and a wide range of amenities, Frontier’s DEN hub is built to serve the needs of modern travelers.
Whether you're catching a quick domestic flight or embarking on a longer journey, being familiar with this terminal can make your trip faster, smoother, and much more enjoyable. To dive deeper into all the specific amenities, maps, and travel insights for Frontier at DEN, be sure to visit the official frontier airlines denver terminal guide.
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