Frontier Airlines allows for more pet-friendly travel than other budget airlines as far as allowing various species on board, such as dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small house-birds on domestic flights. Similarly to any other airline in the U.S., Frontier complies with DOT and ACAA regulations, which ensure that trained service animals have carrier-free travel in the cabin area; however, when it comes to pets or ESAs, everything is managed through Frontier Airlines’ own pet policy.
Let’s look into what exactly Frontier Airlines allows, how much it costs, what carrier policies apply, and how service animal travel regulations differ from the general pet traveling rules.
What Is Frontier Airlines’ Pet Policy?
One domesticated pet is allowed to be carried in the cabin per passenger on any Frontier flight, but not more than six pets can be taken in the cabin on any one flight. All animals have to be caged throughout the journey, and Frontier has no option of cargo or baggage; all pets travel in the cabin itself along with their owners.
Service animals trained for the disabled are the only exceptions to this in accordance with the Air Carrier Access Act, as they can be taken in the cabin for free and don’t even need to travel in a carrier. But ESAs don’t get that privilege anymore since the DOT’s 2021 regulation and are just like pets.
What Types of Pets Does Frontier Airlines Allow?
When traveling within the U.S., Frontier Airlines allows pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small birds found in homes. Pets are required to be eight weeks old when traveling.
In international travel, however, the pet policy of Frontier Airlines becomes very restrictive, as only dogs and cats are allowed to travel on the airline and only to and from Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds are not allowed to travel on any international route.
Birds such as macaws, raptors, cockatoos, parrots, ferrets, reptiles, amphibians, mice, and rats are never allowed to travel in Frontier Airlines.
How Much Is Frontier Airlines’ Pet Fee?
There is also a non-refundable fee of $99 per pet each way for Frontier, which will be paid regardless of domestic or international flights that fall under the eligible category. This fee applies to only one pet per flight, as there is no provision made by Frontier for more than one pet sharing a single carrier. The pet carrier also acts as your personal item or carry-on baggage, so carrying another item with it can also incur extra charges.
How Do You Add a Pet to a Frontier Flight?
- Add the pet in the booking process by selecting the “Pet Cabin” option from the passenger information area – or if you already have a booking made, then you will be able to find your flight by entering your last name and your confirmation number and selecting “Special Services.”
- Pay the pet fees during your booking or during check-in.
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with the pet policy of Frontier before the flight – what kind of pets are accepted, the size of the carrier, etc.
- Proceed with your pet through check-in at the airport to give enough time for the representative to examine your carrier.
Your pet cannot be added without booking at the gate, especially when it comes to international flights.
What Is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for Frontier Airlines?
Frontier’s cabin policy provides for the transportation of the aforementioned species of animals in a carrier that is small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of the passenger. No animal can be transported in the cargo section under any circumstances. Due to the absence of sufficient underseat clearance at certain seats, it might be wise to book your flight in advance and inform the airline about your traveling with an animal, since people traveling with animals cannot be seated in the first and the exit row.
What Is the Recommended Pet Carrier Size for Frontier Airlines?
Frontier’s approved carrier dimensions are:\
- Hard-sided carriers: Maximum 18″ L x 14″ W x 8″ H
- Soft-sided carriers: Maximum 18″ L x 14″ W x 11″ H
Soft-sided carriers are generally recommended, since the extra few inches of height make it easier to fit comfortably under most seats. Whichever type you use, your pet needs enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally – carriers that are too tight can result in denied boarding.
Is There a Pet Weight Limit for In-Cabin Travel on Frontier Airlines?
The airline doesn’t provide an official limit on the combined weight of pets and carriers. Actually, the dimensions of the carrier mentioned above are what count in this case; if the pet and its carrier fit in those dimensions comfortably, then weight usually doesn’t matter. It might be wise to call Frontier directly if there are doubts about the eligibility of the pet.
Does Frontier Airlines Require a Health Certificate for In-Cabin Pet Travel?
No, for domestic flights. It is important to note that Frontier Airlines doesn’t require any health certificates from in-cabin pets flying within the USA. However, some destinations can require a certificate on arrival, and it should be checked in advance. The certificate should be provided by a licensed vet and should indicate that the pet is healthy and vaccinated and didn’t bite or attack anybody during the last 30 days.
Can You Bring More Than One Pet In-Cabin on Frontier Airlines?
No, one pet per passenger is allowed by Frontier, and each pet needs to travel in their respective pet carriers. The number of pets allowed in cabin is also capped at six, per flight; hence, it is recommended that if you plan to travel with your pet, you should book your seat reservations well in advance, especially during peak traveling seasons.
Can You Fly Internationally With a Pet on Frontier Airlines?
Yes, you can, but only to certain destinations. Frontier Airlines allows cats and dogs for international flights to and from Mexico and the Dominican Republic. They are, however, subject to the requirements set out by the CDC when bringing in pets from international travel and the country of destination’s regulations regarding pet travel, which may include vaccination records and, in some cases, even a health certificate. Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Birds cannot be transported internationally through Frontier Airlines to any international destinations outside of Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Does Frontier Airlines Allow Pets in Cargo?
No, Frontier Airlines does not provide services for shipping cargo or checked baggage with pets in any way, as all pets traveling with Frontier Airlines travel in the cabin and are secured in a carrier beneath the seats. This is similar to many other major U.S. airlines that have discontinued transporting pets in cargo because of prior safety concerns with brachycephalic breeds.
What Is Frontier Airlines’ Policy for Emotional Support Animals?
The Frontier Airlines company doesn’t provide any special status for ESAs. After the change in DOT rules that occurred in January 2021, all airlines started to consider ESAs as regular pets and require them to travel with proper carriers and charge $99 for transportation like any other pet.
If your ESA letter is used only for flights, then you may think of the documentation that suits you better. All ESA letters are still considered valid when they’re issued for housing rights under the Fair Housing Act, but don’t have any significance for any airline, including Frontier. The ESA Clinic will help you find a psychologist who will give you advice on whether it’s necessary for you to get an ESA letter for housing or an evaluation for the PSD certification.
Are ESA Letters Still Required to Fly With ESAs on Frontier Airlines?
Not at all. Since ESAs are considered regular pets, having an ESA letter does not offer you any special benefits while traveling with Frontier Airlines because it does not waive the pet fees or exclude your pet from the need to be caged during the flight.
Can Frontier Airlines Deny an ESA?
Yes. With ESAs being deprived of their ACAA rights, the airline is entitled to reject one under the very same terms that apply to any other pet – if the pet acts aggressively or disruptively or lacks proper training, and if there is no documentation provided for the animal’s carrier and species.
What Is Frontier Airlines’ Policy for Service Animals?
Service dogs that have been fully trained are accepted by Frontier Airlines at no extra cost and with no need for a carrier. In addition, the airline does not accept any animal that is currently undergoing training as a service animal. Comfort animals or ESAs are also not allowed in the cabin by the airline according to this policy. Service dogs have to be at least four months old for domestic flights and six months old for international flights. A handler may take two service dogs with him/her per reservation.
What Is the Procedure for Flying With a Service Dog on Frontier Airlines?
- Verify eligibility. Only fully trained service dogs older than four months are allowed into Frontier planes. Puppies and dogs that are still in training are ineligible.
- Fill out the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and save a copy of it for easy access throughout your journey.
- Let Frontier know of your plans 48 hours before your scheduled takeoff.
- Include the service animal in your itinerary during reservation or modification of the existing reservation.
- Find an appropriate seat. The service dogs cannot be seated in exit rows or block the aisles in case of an emergency.
- Check in person with an airline attendant before boarding to confirm your credentials.
- Bring travel items such as a leash, collapsible water bowl, food, and bags to clean up after yourself.
- If you’re flying internationally, verify the six-month age limit and bring your CDC Dog Import Form documentation.
The handler is responsible for his/her service dog’s behavior throughout the journey – it should behave properly, not create disturbances, and refrain from relieving itself on board or at the gate.
Do You Need to Notify Frontier Airlines in Advance for a Service Dog?
Yes. Frontier Airlines needs a minimum of 48 hours’ notice, as well as a completed DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. International flights have yet another requirement: an animal health certificate.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free With Frontier Airlines?
Yes. In accordance with ACAA regulations, service dogs, once fully trained, are allowed to fly for free on Frontier Airlines. It should be noted that there is no such allowance for training service dogs, which Frontier Airlines does not accept.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on Frontier Airlines?
No. According to ACAA regulations, Frontier Airlines does not limit the breeds of service dogs; all breeds are eligible so long as the dog is properly trained and behaved.
Can You Bring More Than One Service Dog on a Frontier Airlines Flight?
Yes. According to Frontier, passengers with a disability may have two service animals per flight, subject to a 48-hour notice before their scheduled date and DOT guidelines on dog certification.
Are There Size Restrictions for Flying With a Service Dog on Frontier Airlines?
No. Since these animals do not travel inside of carriers, there’s no official size limit on them. However, they must be fully certified, at least four months old, and stay safely seated next to the handler’s feet, but not blocking the aisle and/or an emergency exit way.
Can Frontier Airlines Deny a Service Animal?
Yes. A service animal may be denied access to a flight if it’s disruptive to other passengers and staff members onboard, not within the control of the handler, and/or if it doesn’t meet all necessary documentation.
Choosing the Right Documentation Before You Fly
There is no gray area when it comes to the rules of Frontier: the price of transportation and the need for a carrier are the same both for pets and ESAs, but legitimate service animals travel unrestrained. In case you have doubts about whether your dog’s training would be enough to consider him or her as a service animal rather than an ESA, better find out the details prior to booking. We will help you get evaluated by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist through ESA Clinic.
