Frontier is an ultra-low-cost carrier, and that shapes how Frontier seat selection works: the base fare buys the flight, and almost everything else — including choosing your seat — is an optional add-on. This guide explains the seat tiers, what you pay for, and how to avoid surprises.
We're an independent travel agency — not Frontier Airlines and not affiliated with or endorsed by them — but our agents handle Frontier seat selection for travelers daily and can do it for you by phone. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7).
How Frontier seat selection works
As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier typically charges for any advance seat assignment — there's usually no free seat selection before check-in. If you skip paying, Frontier generally assigns a random seat for free at check-in, which may split your group up. Bundles like the "Perks" or "UpFront Plus" options can include seat selection, so it's worth comparing.
- Standard seats — regular economy, paid to choose in advance.
- Preferred / Stretch seats — more legroom, a higher add-on fee.
- UpFront Plus — front-row seats with a blocked middle, premium add-on.
- Free at check-in — a random seat if you don't pay to choose.
Frontier seat types and fees
Prices vary widely by route, demand, and date, so use this as a guide only. Fees change — call to confirm what your flight will cost.
| Seat type | What you get | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Regular economy seat | Paid to select — varies |
| Preferred / Stretch | Extra legroom | Higher paid add-on |
| UpFront Plus | Front row, blocked middle | Premium add-on |
| Check-in assignment | Random open seat | Free |
How to choose your seat
- During booking. Add a paid seat from the map before you pay.
- Via a bundle. Compare Perks/UpFront bundles that include seat selection.
- At check-in. Skip the fee and accept a free random seat assignment.
- By phone. Tell us your preference and budget and we'll find the cheapest option.
Tips to keep costs down
- Decide if you really need to choose. Solo travelers flexible on seat can skip the fee entirely.
- Compare bundles vs à la carte. A bundle with seat + bag can beat paying separately.
- Check your name. A booking typo can complicate check-in — see how to correct a name on a Frontier ticket.
- Watch dates. If plans shift, learn how to change your flight date without a fee.
Should you pay for a seat on Frontier?
Because every seat is an add-on, the real question is whether the fee is worth it for your trip. Here's how to decide:
- Solo and flexible? Skip the fee. A free random seat at check-in is fine if you don't mind where you land.
- Traveling with kids? Pay for seats. Airlines try to seat young children near a parent, but it isn't guaranteed without assigned seats.
- Tall or need legroom? A Stretch seat may be worth it on a longer flight, but compare the cost against the fare you paid.
- Couples or friends? Decide how much sitting together is worth — sometimes it's only a row apart at check-in anyway.
The smartest move on a ULCC is to add up the full trip cost — fare plus the seats and bags you actually need — and compare it to a bundle. Sometimes the bundle wins; sometimes à la carte does. We'll run both for you.
Frontier vs other ultra-low-cost carriers
Frontier's model — cheap base fare, pay for extras — mirrors other ULCCs. If you're comparing, see how it stacks up against Allegiant seat selection, which works much the same way. The trick with any ULCC is to total the real cost: base fare plus seats, bags, and any bundle. If plans fall through, here's how to cancel a flight and get a refund.
Frontier's seat fees add up fast, and the cheapest path isn't always obvious. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 for Frontier seat selection help and our agents will find the lowest-cost option, available 24/7.