your complete guide to the frontier airlines denver terminal at denver international airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) isn’t just Colorado’s largest and most prominent airport—it’s a major national hub and the operational heart of Frontier Airlines. As an ultra-low-cost carrier that prides itself on budget-friendly fares and a la carte services, Frontier has made DEN its epicenter, offering flights to dozens of destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Understanding how the frontier airlines denver terminal works can make all the difference in your travel experience, especially if you're flying on a tight schedule or a tight budget.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first Frontier trip, this in-depth guide will help you navigate the terminal with ease, from check-in to gate, and even after you land. Let’s dive deep into all aspects of the frontier airlines denver terminal to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

why denver matters to frontier airlines

Frontier Airlines was founded in Denver and has remained loyal to the city as its home base. With the Mile High City’s central U.S. location, Denver International Airport is a strategic launching pad for flights heading in all directions. As such, the airport sees dozens of daily departures and arrivals from Frontier, making it one of the airline’s busiest and most developed hubs.

The airline’s major operational facilities, including its crew base and aircraft maintenance, are headquartered here. That means the best infrastructure, most gate availability, and highest frequency of Frontier flights are found at this very airport.

where is frontier airlines at den?

Frontier Airlines operates out of Concourse A at Denver International Airport. Unlike other legacy airlines that are split between multiple terminals or concourses, Frontier is primarily concentrated in this one area. This setup helps streamline operations and provides travelers with a more consistent and predictable experience.

The main terminal at DEN is known as the Jeppesen Terminal, and it serves as the centralized check-in and security checkpoint for all airlines. Frontier’s ticketing counters and self-service kiosks are located on Level 6 on the east side of the Jeppesen Terminal. After checking in, passengers proceed to security before heading to Concourse A.

You can reach Concourse A by:

• Automated People Mover (Train) – Runs every few minutes and quickly connects Jeppesen Terminal with Concourses A, B, and C.

• Pedestrian Bridge – A scenic option that lets you walk to Concourse A while enjoying views of the airfield and Rocky Mountains.

checking in at the frontier airlines denver terminal

One of the most critical things to understand about Frontier Airlines is that its low fares come with minimal frills. As a result, many services that are standard on other airlines (like seat selection or carry-on bags) come at an extra charge.

When checking in at the frontier airlines denver terminal, you have three options:

1. Online Check-In via the Frontier mobile app or website (recommended).

2. Self-Service Kiosks located near the airline’s ticketing counter.

3. Counter Check-In, available if you need special assistance or haven't paid for your bags yet.

???? Pro Tip: Pay for all add-ons—like bags or seats—before arriving at the airport. It’s significantly cheaper and speeds up the check-in process.

tsa security and getting to the gate

After check-in, you'll need to clear TSA security before proceeding to Concourse A. Denver International Airport offers multiple security lanes, and travelers flying Frontier are encouraged to use the North Security Checkpoint, especially if they plan to walk across the pedestrian bridge.

Security is generally well-managed at DEN, but lines can grow long during holidays or peak travel hours. Arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight is strongly recommended.

Once through security, follow signs to Concourse A. You’ll find all Frontier gates concentrated there, typically in the A20–A39 range, but gate numbers can change—always check your boarding pass or the terminal monitors.

what to expect in concourse a

Concourse A is spacious, clean, and well-equipped to handle Frontier’s high-volume, fast-turnaround operations. While the concourse doesn’t offer high-end luxury lounges (consistent with Frontier’s business model), it does provide everything travelers need.

Key Amenities in Concourse A:

• Charging stations at most gates

• Flight information displays throughout the terminal

• Spacious restrooms and nursing stations

• Free airport Wi-Fi

• Pet relief areas

• Children’s play zone

Seating can fill up quickly during peak times, so if you need a quiet corner to work or rest, consider heading toward the far ends of the concourse.

food and beverage options at the frontier airlines denver terminal

Though Frontier does not provide complimentary snacks or drinks onboard, there are plenty of food and beverage options available before you fly. Some popular choices in Concourse A include:

• Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs – A local legend offering gourmet hot dogs and sides.

• Denver Central Market – A food hall-style concept with sandwiches, pizza, and more.

• Cantina Grill – Tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare.

• Caribou Coffee & Dazbog Coffee – For quick caffeine fixes.

• Smashburger – American comfort food with fast service.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels – Perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

If you're planning to eat, build in extra time as lines can be long, especially before early morning and evening departures.

frontier boarding process

Frontier uses a zone-based boarding system, which is determined by when and how you check in, whether you purchased add-ons like seat selection or priority boarding, and your assigned seat.

Here’s a breakdown of the boarding process:

1. Pre-boarding – For passengers needing assistance or traveling with young children.

2. Zone 1 – Priority and “Stretch” seating passengers.

3. Zones 2–4 – Based on standard seat assignments.

Frontier agents begin boarding approximately 30–40 minutes before departure, so don’t stray too far from the gate.

post-arrival: baggage claim and ground transportation

When arriving in Denver, you’ll disembark in Concourse A. To reach baggage claim:

1. Take the train from Concourse A to the Jeppesen Terminal.

2. Proceed to Level 5 (East Side) to retrieve your bags.

3. Watch overhead monitors to locate your flight’s carousel.

Once you have your luggage, Denver offers several ground transportation options:

• RTD A-Line Train – 37-minute ride to downtown Denver’s Union Station.

• Rideshare Pickup – Uber/Lyft areas clearly marked outside Level 5.

• Shuttle Services – Hotels, mountain resorts, and regional destinations.

• Rental Cars – Shuttles run frequently to off-site car rental facilities.

future of the frontier airlines denver terminal

Denver International Airport is undergoing a multi-phase expansion as part of its Great Hall Project. This multi-billion-dollar effort aims to:

• Improve security screening efficiency

• Add new gates (many of which will support Frontier flights)

• Enhance terminal signage and passenger flow

• Expand dining and retail options

As these improvements roll out, the Frontier passenger experience is expected to become even smoother, especially in Concourse A.

final thoughts

Flying with Frontier Airlines from Denver is often an exercise in efficiency, value, and simplicity. When you understand the layout and operations of the frontier airlines denver terminal, you're better equipped to travel with confidence, avoid unnecessary fees, and minimize stress.

Whether you're flying out of Denver for business, vacation, or a quick weekend getaway, this guide gives you the insight needed to take full advantage of everything Concourse A has to offer. And with more routes, amenities, and terminal upgrades on the horizon, flying Frontier from DEN is only going to get better.

For real-time terminal info, gate assignments, or baggage details, always refer to the official frontier airlines denver terminal page before your next trip.