TRAVEL INFO & SERVICES

international travel

Important Changes to Passport Requirements

The U.S. Department of State announced several changes to the passport requirements for international travel. The new policies, which are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, became effective on January 23, 2007 and require all passengers, including children and newborns, to have a passport to leave, enter or re-enter the United States.

Frontier enforces all the applicable terms within the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, so please be sure to bring all required documents for your outbound and return flights. Visit www.travel.state.gov for more information about document requirements.

In addition to these changes, please review and understand the following information to help make your international travels go smoothly.

proof of citizenship and identity

You'll need to present proper documentation providing proof of citizenship and identity when you check in for international flights, since it's the law. It's your responsibility to know what the required documentation is for entry into the foreign country. So, please do your homework. For the most current list of accepted documents for U.S. citizen proof of citizenship and identity for departing or entering the United States, please visit the U.S. National Passport Information Center website at www.travel.state.gov or U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov

For travel documentation entry requirements for other countries, please contact that country's consulate for information. Note that you must meet the United States exit requirements as well as the foreign country's entry requirements. The documents for exiting the United States are not always the same documents for entering the foreign country. In addition, entry requirements are based on country of citizenship.

Your travel documents and identification may be checked on multiple occasions, so we suggest that you keep your documentation with you throughout your travels. If your documentation isn't adequate or sufficient, we simply can't allow you to board our aircraft. We want you to enjoy your trip, and we want you to come home as well.

If you're a citizen of another country and are traveling to the United States, we recommend that you contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate for the most current travel document requirements.

check-in time

International travelers need to check in for flights at least two hours prior to departure. We strongly recommend coming earlier during peak travel times, such as holidays, because those lines are long...everybody wants to go. You and your baggage must be checked in no later than one hour prior to scheduled departure for international flights.

international baggage

For the most part, the rules are the same as domestic travel as far as baggage allowance, size and weight restrictions. Read more about baggage requirements by visiting the checked baggage page. One difference is that travelers will only be able to check bags to Frontier destination cities on outbound travel to Mexico or Costa Rica. If you have connecting flights on Frontier, you'll need to go through Customs, collect your baggage and then check the baggage to the final destination. The same applies for arrival in the U.S., with onward travel. If you're arriving in the U.S. on a Frontier flight from Mexico or Costa Rica and are making a connection, once you're cleared through Customs, you'll need to re-check your baggage to your final destination. Most customs areas have a connection belt available when you are through with your inspection, so it's easier than it sounds.

These policies apply for travel on Frontier only. It you are connecting to or from another airline's international flight, you may be charged for your baggage. Check the other airline's website for its baggage policies. What this means to you:

  • If you are connecting to Frontier from the other airline and they did not check your baggage to the final Frontier destination, then Frontier charges apply.


  • If you are connecting to the other airline from Frontier and we were unable to check your baggage to the final destination, the other airline may charge bag fees. We always try to check your bags to the final destination, but sometimes it just isn't possible depending on agreements with the other airline, layovers, etc.


  • If you are starting on a regular Frontier flight and connecting to another airline's international flight, Frontier domestic baggage fees apply.

minors traveling internationally

The rules for minors traveling internationally are very strict and are meant to protect the children. Any child 14 years of age or younger is considered a minor for international travel purposes. Please be aware we only accept unaccompanied minors traveling internationally on flights between the United States and Mexico. Those little guys need a parent or guardian to go to Costa Rica.

You will need to be sure you have all your child's documentation for traveling to the foreign country. Plan on arriving extra early to complete the customs forms and other required forms.

For the most current information and travel documentation requirements for minors traveling internationally, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

pets traveling internationally

Pets are accepted as checked baggage on all domestic and international flights including Mexico and Costa Rica. Please contact our Reservations Department at 800-4321-FLY (800-432-1349) for any other international destination.

consulates

Consulates are government offices that help travelers while in foreign countries. Consulates are good in cases where travelers have lost, or have had stolen, their citizenship or identity documentation. In case of any emergency, travelers should be directed to the local consulate. The consulate will be able to help travelers get in touch with other family members should the need arise. Local hotels should be able to direct you to the consulate. To learn more, click here.

travel visa

Travel visas are special notations and stamps, added to a passport by officials of foreign countries, which allow a person to enter and leave these countries. If a visa is required, you can obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before you proceed abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing the visa application, especially if applying by mail. Learn more about travel visas at www.travel.state.gov.

International visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries may now apply for travel authorization online. The tool is easy to use, free of charge and available in 16 languages. Click here for more information and to access the tool.

immunizations

Check with your healthcare provider or your records to ensure immunization (i.e. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date. For detailed information about immunizations for foreign travel, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

money matters

If you're planning a trip to Mexico or Costa Rica, it's not a bad idea to exchange some U.S. currency into Mexican pesos or Costa Rican colones before you travel. This will save time once you land in these countries. Many U.S. banks, airports and other locations offer currency exchange facilities. Be sure to keep some U.S. currency with you. We no longer accept cash for inflight purchases on Airbus flights. Major credit card, or MasterCard and Visa debit cards are accepted for inflight services, such as DIRECTV® programming, movies, snacks and cocktails.

return or onward travel

Some countries require proof of return or onward travel. For instance, Costa Rica will require you to show proof that you will be leaving their country unless you are a Costa Rican citizen. Proof of return or onward travel includes a return air ticket, a bus ticket, a cruise line ticket...something that shows you intend to leave the country. Be ready to show your proof of return or onward travel to the customer service representative or you may need to purchase a ticket at the airport before you leave for Costa Rica.

customs

We know how fun it is to bring home souvenirs, so if you understand the rules, getting through Customs will be a whole lot easier, and you'll be able to give your dad that special t-shirt that you couldn't resist.

You'll be instructed to fill out forms during the flight and have them ready before deplaning. Once off the plane, you'll be asked to show proof of citizenship and identity, and then you'll be directed toward the Customs & Immigration area. Once in Customs, you'll be asked a series of questions about purchases made while traveling, or if you're bringing any fruits or vegetables into the country.

The forms you may be asked to fill out onboard during international flights include:

  • Customs Declaration Form
  • Tourist Card
  • I-94

For the most up-to-date information about Customs, please visit www.cbp.gov.