Frontier Cancellation Policy: What to Know

Frontier Airlines is a well-known low-cost airline operating mainly within the United States. If Frontier cancels your flight, you may be wondering what your options are.

Let’s take a look at the Frontier cancellation policy, what it entails and other options for getting your money back.

Why Frontier Airlines flights get canceled

Airlines do their best to get you to your destination on time, but sometimes there are situations where you’ll end up delayed or your flight is canceled. Here are some common reasons for flight cancellations:

• Mechanical issues.

• Air traffic control.

• Severe weather.

• Aircraft damage. 

• Crew timeout.

Delays are typically classified as one of two categories: controllable or uncontrollable. Uncontrollable cancellations are those over which Frontier has no influence, such as bad weather. Controllable cancellations are those that the airline is responsible for, such as aircraft maintenance issues.

Regardless of the reason why Frontier cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a refund. You also may also be eligible for meal vouchers.

» Learn more: Frontier vs. Spirit: The battle of the budget airlines

What to do if Frontier cancels your flight

There are two options available to you if Frontier Airlines cancels your flight. The first is to be accommodated on the next available Frontier flight to your destination. Depending on where you’re going, this may require an overnight stay or even a multiday delay.

Your second option is to request a refund. If your flight is delayed by more than three hours or canceled outright, you’re entitled to a full refund of any unused portion of your ticket. This means that if you have a round-trip ticket and haven’t started your trip, you’ll be able to get a refund for the return flight as well. If you’re returning home at the end of your trip, you’ll be refunded the portion you haven’t yet flown.

Note that Frontier’s website specifically instructs that you’ll have to request a refund — it won’t issue one to you automatically.

» Learn more: Flight delays and cancellations: What to do to avoid the disruption

How to rebook after a Frontier flight cancellation

If Frontier has canceled your flight, you’ll want to consider your options. Unlike some other airlines, Frontier doesn’t have agreements with partners to put you on alternate flights.

Instead, if you choose to travel with Frontier after your flight has been canceled, you’ll need to accept a seat on Frontier’s next available flight. If you’re flying on a less common route, this may mean waiting overnight or even several days to get to your destination.

If you have time-sensitive travel, you may instead want to consider accepting a cash refund and rebooking on another airline. Although last-minute prices for tickets can be expensive, redeeming points and miles for your flight can help soften the blow.

» Learn more: How to book a flight that (likely) won’t get canceled

How to get a refund from Frontier

As noted above, Frontier won’t automatically process a refund for your canceled flight. Instead, you’ll need to submit a request through Frontier’s refund request page.

There are a few different reasons for which refunds can be issued, including a canceled flight or a flight delay or schedule change in excess of three hours, among others.

You’ll need to provide your information for the refund request, including your name, address, flight confirmation code and flight route. Once submitted, Frontier will process your request and apply your refund to your original form of payment.

» Learn more: How to get a Frontier Airlines refund

Credit cards can get your money back

Did you purchase your ticket with a travel credit card? Many of these cards offer complimentary travel insurance, which can be invaluable if your flight ends up being canceled.

Although Frontier will refund you if it cancels your flight, its liability is otherwise limited. If it’s a controllable cancellation or delay of more than three hours, Frontier will also provide you with food vouchers, but that’s where the assistance ends. So what if your cancellation ends up affecting other bookings you’ve made for the trip — such as prepaid tours, car rentals or nonrefundable hotels? In some cases, your credit card may be able to cover the cost.

Cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two such options, both of which provide trip interruption and trip delay insurance coverage. Terms apply.

In order to be eligible for insurance through your credit card, you’ll typically need to have purchased your airfare with that card. In the event that your flight is canceled, you’ll be able to apply for reimbursement for expenses incurred.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Consider travel insurance

If you don’t have a travel credit card or you’re worried that the insurance it provides won’t be comprehensive enough, you may also want to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

Like the complimentary insurance offered by cards, travel insurance can cover you in the event that your flight is delayed or canceled. Even better, different policies provide varying levels of coverage, so if you’re on a particularly expensive vacation, you’ll be able to select additional coverage.

If your Frontier flight is canceled

When you’re flying, so many factors can affect whether your flight departs on schedule. If you’re flying on Frontier and your flight is canceled, you have options.

Depending on where you’re going, you may want to accept a refund and book with another airline. Otherwise, Frontier will reaccommodate you on its next available flight for free.

If Frontier cancels your flight, make sure to check the credit card with which you’ve purchased your airfare. You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation, as well as any nonrefundable bookings you’ll end up missing.