Frontier Flight Cancelled or Delayed? What Frontier Does and Doesn't Cover
Frontier keeps fares low by offering fewer extras, and that includes its delay commitments. Knowing where those limits are before you call or chat with an agent can save you a lot of frustration.
The refund rule still applies to Frontier
The US DOT refund rule (14 CFR Part 260) covers Frontier the same way it covers every other airline. If Frontier cancels your flight, or significantly changes or delays it, and you choose not to travel and do not accept rebooking or a travel credit, the airline must offer a refund under the DOT rule of your fare, taxes, and paid extras to your original form of payment.
A significant change includes:
- A domestic departure 3+ hours earlier, or arrival 3+ hours later, than scheduled (6+ hours internationally)
- A different airport
- More connections
- A downgrade
Credit card refunds are due within 7 business days. Tip: if you want a refund, don't accept a Frontier travel credit. Accepting it, or flying the new itinerary, generally ends the refund right for that ticket.
Frontier's commitments on the DOT dashboard
For disruptions within Frontier's control, the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard shows Frontier commits to:
- Rebooking on Frontier at no extra cost
- A meal or meal voucher if you wait 3 hours or more
Frontier does not commit to:
- Rebooking on another airline
- A hotel for overnight disruptions
- Ground transportation to a hotel
- Cash, credits, or miles for delays
Frontier may still choose to help in some cases, but these are not published commitments. If you are stranded overnight, travel insurance or the credit card you used to book may cover some costs. Check your card's trip delay benefits.
Steps to take
- Screenshot the cancellation or delay notice and the reason given.
- Request the meal voucher once you have waited 3 hours for a controllable delay.
- Decide: refund or rebook. If you need to get there today and Frontier has no seats, you may need to book another airline on your own and request a refund of the unused Frontier ticket.
- Keep every receipt and confirmation number.
- Follow up in writing with your full timeline, and file a DOT complaint if your refund isn't processed.
FAQ
Will Frontier pay for my hotel if my flight is cancelled? Frontier does not commit to hotels on the DOT dashboard, even for controllable cancellations. Check your travel insurance or credit card benefits.
Frontier only offered me a credit. Am I owed a refund? If Frontier cancelled or significantly changed your flight and you decline the credit and rebooking, the DOT rule requires a refund to your original payment method.
How fast should a Frontier refund arrive? Within 7 business days for credit card purchases, and 20 calendar days for other payment types.
Can I complain to the government? Yes. You can file a complaint with the US DOT Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, organized letter for you to send to Frontier, citing the rules that apply to your trip. Delay Draft is not a law firm and does not file claims.