Don't cut it close: Frontier to start closing check-in counters 1 hour before departure

If you're flying Frontier, you may not want to cut it close if you need to stop at the check-in counter. Or at least, you'll need to give yourself an extra 15 minutes.

The Denver-based ultra-low-cost airline said that it will now close check-in counters 60 minutes prior to flight departures, starting Aug. 16. Previously, Frontier closed the counters 45 minutes before departure.

Passengers can check in online to bypass the counter, but those needing to check bags will still be affected by the change.

A spokesperson at Frontier said the change would give passengers more time to get through airport security and to their gate, as well as allow for more time for bags to move through the airport handling systems. The spokesperson also said the change would standardize the carrier's check-in cutoff times for domestic and international travel.

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Frontier made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tuesday night, but at the time did not offer any additional details as to why it wanted to enact a stricter check-in rule.

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Of the big U.S. airlines, Frontier now has the most stringent check-in rule. Most U.S. airlines typically close check-in counters anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes prior to departure.

It is possible that the change will encourage more electronic check-ins, rather than in-person ones, which tie up agents. Additionally, the tighter cutoff would allow agents more time to get from the counter to the gate, where — at a number of airports — Frontier flights are frequently boarded by the same staff who work the check-in desk.