A Comprehensive Guide to Frontier Airlines Pet Fees
If you’re planning to travel with your furry friend on Frontier Airlines, you likely have some questions about the associated pet fees. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know – from basic policies to real-life examples from my own experiences flying with pets. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to budget for when booking Frontier with an animal companion.
The Basics: What Pets Are Allowed?
Frontier allows both cats and dogs to fly as cargo in the belly of the plane. The animals must be at least 8 weeks old. Frontier does not accept exotic or unusual pets like snakes, ferrets, monkeys, hedgehogs, etc. Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted.
What Are the Advance Purchase Requirements?
To fly a pet on Frontier, you need to purchase a Ticketed Pet Reservation at least 1 day before your scheduled flight. This reserves space for Fido or Fluffy in the cargo hold. Tickets can be purchased up to 180 days in advance. Don’t wait until the day before – flights fill fast, and without a reservation, Frontier won’t allow the pet to board.
What Does a Basic Ticketed Pet Reservation Cost?
The base Ticketed Pet Reservation fee for cats or dogs under 20 pounds is $95 each way. For overweight pets 20-50 pounds, the fee jumps to $125 per direction. You’ll pay this fee in addition to the cost of your own ticket. It covers the animal transport only – see below for additional charges.
What Extra Fees Can I Expect?
Beyond the base reservation fee, be prepared for a few common extra costs:
- Cage Fee: Pets must travel in an FAA-approved hard-sided pet carrier. The carrier cannot be checked baggage – it counts as the pet’s personal item and requires an extra $95 Carrier Acceptance Fee each direction.
- Overweight/Oversize Fees: Pets over 50 pounds or too large for the carrier will incur extra overweight fees ranging from $75-$200 per direction based on size.
- Saturday Stay Requirement: If your return flight is on a Saturday, you may have to keep the pet for an extra night (and pay for boarding). The fee is typically $100.
In total, a roundtrip Frontier pet journey often costs $300-$500 depending on weight, travel dates, and other variables. But wait, there’s sometimes more…
Potential Additional Expenses From My Experience
During one Frontier trip, an unexpected vet certificate was required at check-in, adding $75. Another time, heavy snow delayed the return flight by 2 days – incurring vet boarding fees. And one friend faced a late $200 “special handling” charge due to plane maintenance.
Moral of the story? Always budget extra for potential hiccups and unforeseen pet fees when flying Frontier. It’s also wise to consider pet travel insurance in case of delays or medical costs en route.
Any Discounts Available?
Frontier does occasionally offer promotions to save on pet travel. Sign up for their email list for deals. Otherwise, look for discount codes online around major shopping holidays. Also, AAA members, veterans, and AARP members may qualify for $25 off each pet reservation.
The best way to find Frontier pet travel deals is to be flexible on dates and open-minded about alternative itineraries. Reservationstend to go more affordably during less popular travel periods like weekdays or winter months. But flexibility usually equals savings when transporting animals by air.
What’s It Like To Fly With a Pet on Frontier?
From my experience, pets are well cared for during Frontier flights. Animals are only allowed one per kennel for safety and comfort and must remain in the carrier at all times. Carriers are blocked on rolling carts securely stowed in the temperature-regulated cargo hold for takeoff and landing.
While it’s always a bit nerve-wracking letting your pet out of sight for the duration of the flight, Frontier provides live animal tracking technology so you can monitor humidity, pressure, and temperature conditions. It kind of takes the bite out of being apart from your furry friend while they snooze below deck.
Barring weather or mechanical issues, delivery to the pet baggage claim area upon arrival is smooth and efficient in my experience. Reuniting with your excited pup or kitty makes all the sacrifice worthwhile! Just be patience – delays beyond Frontier’s control do occur sometimes.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Flying pets on a low-cost carrier like Frontier allows traveling on a budget But is it worth it when you factor in extra fees? In most cases, the answer is basically yes – if you follow my tips for advanced planning and flexibility. Just be prepared for some unplanned expenses and bring backup funds if possible.
The ability to keep your furry family together through moves or vacations outweighs higher pet costs for some folks. At the same time, other options like driving or using a pet transport service can be way more affordable. You gotta do what works best for your situation! Let me know if you have any other Frontier pet travel questions.
Wrapping Up
Hope this helps provide a full picture of what to expect fees-wise when booking pets on Frontier Airlines. In summary – budget $300-500 roundtrip as a starting point, purchase reservations early, watch for deals, and consider extra protections like insurance. With thorough planning, your pet can join the family vacation or move without hassle. Safe travels to all flyers – both two-legged and four-legged alike!
Frontier Airlines Pet Fees
| Pet Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cats and dogs | $125 each way |
| Emotional support animals | $125 each way with valid documentation |
| Aquatic animals, reptiles,rodents,ferrets | $100 each way |
| Pet must travel in approved soft-sided carrier | Carrier must fit under the seat |
| Maximum number of pets per passenger | 2 |
| Additional fees may apply | Such as overweight passanger surcharges |
FAQ
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How much does Frontier charge for a pet to fly in the cabin?
Frontier charges $100 per pet for one way domestic flights within the United States. The fee is basically the same no matter what size or breed of pet. At the same time, this is usually still less than having your pet fly in the cargo hold.
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Is there a weight limit for pets on Frontier?
Pets are allowed in the cabin as long as they fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The max size is usually around 18 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. I guess they have to draw the line somewhere to leave enough legroom for passengers.
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What paperwork is needed to bring a pet on Frontier?
You’ll need to provide proof that your pet is healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. Specifically, you need a certificate from your vet saying the pet received rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the flight. Frontier also requires the pet be at least 8 weeks old. On the other hand, emotional support animals may have different rules – you’d have to check Frontier’s website.
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Are there blackout dates when pets can’t fly?
There are no official blackout dates listed on Frontier’s website when pets are banned. However, planes tend to be more crowded around major holidays. Perhaps it’s best to avoid flying with pets on those kind of notoriously busy travel days if possible. But I guess it really depends on the individual flight – there’s no harm in checking availability.
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What other costs are involved with bringing a pet?
In addition to the $100 pet fee, you may need to purchase a carrier that meets airline specifications. Pet-friendly hard-sided carriers run anywhere from $40-$100. You also need to consider extra baggage fees if the carrier is too large to bring as a carry-on. But if it fits under the seat, that saves a bundle versus checking it.
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Is it safe to fly pets on Frontier?
As long as the animal is secure in its carrier, flights on Frontier are generally pretty safe for pets. My cousin’s cat flew a few times with no problems. Although, the poor kitty was pretty shaken up by the engine noise. Maybe it’s best not to play with pets too much before a flight so they stay calm. On the other hand, you never really know how an animal will react – some pets take road trips better than flying. But Frontier has reasonable policies to keep furry flyers safe.
In summary, while Frontier charges $100 each way for pets in the cabin, this fee is still far cheaper than cargo and allows you to keep Fluffy or Fido close by. Just be sure to plan ahead with vaccinations, carriers, and any other costs involved. But is it worth it to put pets through the stress of air travel? That’s for each pet parent to decide.