As someone who flies budget carriers often, especially on quick domestic trips,I’ve learned that Frontier Airlines gift cards can be useful, but they come with fine print you absolutely need to understand.
I have taken over 75 flights with Frontier Airlines across 24 states, and made every possible mistake and discovery in the process. I can tell you this: a Frontier Airlines gift card can be either a clever travel hack or a frustrating limitation, depending entirely on how you use it. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed breakdown.
From how to buy it, to how to use it, to whether it even makes sense for your travel habits,I’m unpacking every relevant fact and sharing some insider opinions you won’t get from the fine print alone.
What Is a Frontier Airlines Gift Card?
A Frontier Airlines gift card is a prepaid digital voucher you can apply toward eligible purchases directly on Frontier’s website. It’s not a debit card. You can’t swipe it at the airport. It works only in Frontier’s booking flow.
Frontier offers only electronic gift cards,no physical cards. You can purchase them in fixed amounts ranging from $25 to $500. They’re delivered via email, typically within 72 hours, though in my experience, it’s often faster,usually under 24 hours.
The biggest limitation? You can only use them for flight bookings and associated fees directly on flyfrontier.com. That means no inflight snacks, no third-party sites, and no seat-back upgrades at the airport.
How Can You Use a Frontier Airlines Gift Card?
You can use a Frontier gift card for:
- Base fare
- Taxes and government fees
- Baggage fees during online booking
- Seat selection at the time of booking
- Discount Den membership (if added during booking)
But you cannot use it for:
- In-flight purchases
- Travel insurance
- Frontier Miles redemption fees
- Change fees made post-booking (over the phone or at the airport)
To redeem it, go through the flight booking process on flyfrontier.com. At the payment stage, select “Gift Card” and enter your 10-digit code and 6-digit PIN.
Keep in mind:
- Only one gift card per transaction is allowed.
- If your gift card doesn’t cover the full amount, you must pay the rest using a credit/debit card.
- Gift cards are non-refundable and non-reloadable.
Where to Buy Frontier Airlines Gift Cards
You can only buy official Frontier gift cards from the airline’s own website. Frontier does not sell gift cards at retail stores or via platforms like Amazon or Walmart.
As of now, there are no authorized third-party resellers. Sites offering discount Frontier gift cards are usually unauthorized or operate on resale models, which carry risks like expired codes or inactive cards.
Pro tip from personal experience: If you’re looking to gift it to someone, send it to your own email first. That way, you can verify the code works before forwarding it.
What Are the Terms and Conditions of Use?
Here are the critical terms most travelers overlook:
- Expiration Date: None , gift cards never expire.
- Transferable: Yes, but non-refundable once issued.
- Reloadable: No.
- Partial Use: Yes , any remaining balance stays active.
- Maximum Use: One gift card per booking.
- Lost/Stolen Policy: No recovery; treat it like cash.
The key here is to treat your Frontier gift card like cash. Once it’s gone or compromised, there’s no recovery mechanism.
Who Should Consider Buying a Frontier Gift Card?
In my opinion, a Frontier gift card only makes sense for specific traveler types:
- Frequent Frontier flyers who understand and accept the airline’s ultra-low-cost model.
- Budget travelers who plan ahead and can commit to non-refundable itineraries.
- Gift givers who want to contribute to someone’s specific trip (not general travel flexibility).
- Corporate travel managers looking for bulk flight coverage within limited route networks.
It’s not suitable for:
- Travelers needing flexibility or refundable options.
- People who want bundled vacation packages.
- Anyone expecting service recovery for delays or cancellations,Frontier’s policy here is very rigid.
Thinking about picking up a Frontier Airlines gift card or wondering how far it’ll really take you?
Check out the forum thread: Frontier Airlines Gift Cards – Tips, Tricks & Limitations
Our blog covers the basics, but the community shares real-world experiences: how to use them, blackout date frustrations, and whether they’re worth gifting. Join the chat to learn how to get the most out of your Frontier credit or avoid common pitfalls.
How Does the Frontier Airlines Gift Card Compare to Other Airline Gift Cards?
When comparing Frontier’s gift card with other major U.S. airlines, several key differences emerge in terms of flexibility, usage, and value. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
| Feature | Frontier Airlines | Delta Air Lines | Southwest Airlines | United Airlines |
| Redeemable For | Flights, bags, seats, taxes | Flights, upgrades, taxes | Flights, taxes, fees, gift registry | Flights, fees, in-flight purchases |
| Use During Booking? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use After Booking? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can Combine Cards? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expiration Date | Never | Never | Never | 5 years |
| Refundable or Cancelable? | No | No | No | No |
| Buyable from Retailers? | No – Direct from Frontier only | Yes – Also at gift card retailers | Yes – Widely available | Yes – Available through major outlets |
| Use for Ancillary Fees? | Yes (if selected during booking only) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use for In-Flight Purchase? | No | No | No | Yes |
Frontier is more limited in scope, especially since you can’t combine gift cards or use them post-booking. Other airlines offer more flexible redemption and broader applicability.
Can You Use a Frontier Gift Card with Frontier’s Discount Den?
Yes, but only if you buy the Discount Den membership during the flight booking. You cannot apply for a gift card to join Discount Den outside the flight purchase flow.
Discount Den is Frontier’s paid membership ($59.99/year) that unlocks lower fares and allows kids under 15 to fly free on select routes. If you’re using a gift card for a new booking and want to activate a Discount Den deal, it’s a smart combo.
Note: Renewals of Discount Den cannot be paid with gift cards.
What Are Common Issues and Solutions with Frontier Gift Cards?
Some common problems I’ve seen and handled firsthand:
- Gift card not working: Often caused by using it on a mobile browser. Use a desktop.
- Can’t find balance: Visit flyfrontier.com/giftcardbalance and enter your card details.
- Lost gift card email: No recourse unless you have the original email. Frontier doesn’t resend.
- Code says ‘invalid’: Double-check for leading/trailing spaces. The system is case-sensitive.
Frontier customer service can’t reissue or cancel gift cards. For that reason, always forward your card email to yourself and save a PDF backup.
Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Frontier Gift Card
Over the years, I’ve developed a few key strategies to stretch the value of Frontier gift cards:
- Book flights during fare sales, which typically drop every Tuesday.
- Avoid add-ons at checkout,use miles for seat upgrades instead when possible.
- Use the card for bundled deals (THE WORKS or THE PERKS) only if savings exceed the card’s remaining value.
- Travel during off-peak months like January, September, and early December.
- Combine with Frontier Miles to bring down the total payable.
If you want to fly roundtrip under $100 using a gift card, stick to shorter, direct routes,think Denver to Vegas, Orlando to Atlanta, or Philly to Chicago.
Final Thoughts: Frontier Airlines Gift Card Insights for Travelers
A Frontier Airlines gift card can offer solid value,if you know exactly how to use it. It’s redeemable only on Frontier’s website, doesn’t expire, and can be used for airfare, bundles, and extras added during booking. But it’s limited to one per transaction, can’t be reused post-cancellation, and doesn’t offer much flexibility.
If you fly Frontier often or know someone who does, a gift card can be a smart way to budget a trip or surprise a traveler. But for anyone looking for flexibility or post-booking add-ons, it’s not the most traveler-friendly option.
FAQs About Frontier Airlines Gift Cards
Can I buy a Frontier Airlines gift card for international travel?
Yes, but only for flights operated by Frontier. Most routes are within the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Are there limits on how many gift cards I can use per booking?
Yes, only one gift card per transaction is allowed.
Can I use a gift card to pay for taxes and fees?
Yes. The gift card can be applied toward taxes, airport fees, and other mandatory charges.
Can I use a Frontier gift card over the phone or in person?
No. It must be redeemed online at flyfrontier.com.
What happens if my trip is canceled?
If canceled voluntarily, your refund goes to Frontier credit, not back to the gift card. If Frontier cancels, you’ll usually receive the amount as travel credit.