Air travelers have, over the years, become familiar with the changing technology around checking in for flights.
It was not long ago that the only option involved waiting in lines to check in and check luggage with agents.
DON'T MISS: Southwest Airlines Makes a Major Passenger-Friendly Change
Passengers are now are able to check in on the web or with apps. Travelers can bypass the check-in counter by printing their boarding passes at home or using electronic tickets on their phones.
Airlines also have self-service kiosks at airports where flyers can check in, select seats, print boarding passes and check luggage.
But some passengers prefer the convenience of human interaction at the check-in desk.
To accommodate those people, the counters are there, but there are some specific rules about when they can be used.
For domestic flights on American Airlines (AAL) -), the minimum amount of time the agents at the counter are available for assistance checking in and checking bags is 45 minutes.
On Southwest Airlines (LUV) -) the minimum time before a domestic flight to check in is 30 minutes.
Delta Air Lines (DAL) -) also lists a minimum time before the flight for checking in of 30 minutes.
For international flights, passengers need to check in even earlier. The times vary between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the airline.
Frontier Airlines Makes a Big Change
Frontier Airlines, a subsidiary of Frontier Group Holdings (ULCC) -), is a low-cost airline that encourages its passengers to check in electronically.
The company is now announcing a new policy to increase the urgency of completing the task through digital means.
"Important info for your next flight," wrote Frontier Airlines in an Aug. 1 post on X (formerly Twitter). "Starting August 16th, all Frontier ticket counters will close for check-in and bag drop 60 minutes (previously 45 minutes) prior to your flight departure. We continue to be committed to getting you and your bags to your destination without interruption."
Frontier is often criticized for its customer service, but it justifies its no-frills policies as necessary to maintain low airfares.
Last November, the airline dropped telephone customer service entirely, according to View From the Wing (VFTW).
"Here's what you get when you dial now," wrote VFTW's Gary Leff.
We offer the lowest fares in the industry by operating our airlines as efficiently as possible. We want our customers to operate efficiently as well, which is why we make it easy to find what you need at FlyFrontier.com or on our mobile app. We also have a chat service.
Frontier further explains its business and mission with these words in its press releases.
Frontier Airlines, Inc., a subsidiary of Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., is committed to "Low Fares Done Right." Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company operates more than 125 A320 family aircraft and has among the largest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. The use of these aircraft, along with Frontier’s high-density seating configuration and weight-saving initiatives, have contributed to Frontier’s continued ability to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by available seat miles (ASMs) per fuel gallon consumed. With more than 220 new Airbus planes on order, including direct leases, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America.
Get exclusive access to portfolio managers and their proven investing strategies with Real Money Pro. Get started now.
