**Frontier Denies Passenger Boarding for Unusual Reason**
An OMAAT reader recounted a confusing incident involving a Frontier flight from Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO) on December 7, 2025. The tickets were acquired using a friend’s credit card to take advantage of an Amex Offers promotion. However, the traveler encountered problems during online check-in and was directed by Frontier’s customer service to bring copies of the buyer’s ID and credit card to the airport.
Upon reaching the airport, the agents asserted that the buyer must be physically present with the original card, and verification at the buyer’s home airport was not permitted. The supervisor referenced the Contract of Carriage, asserting that Frontier does not allow tickets to be purchased by individuals not traveling. Despite multiple requests, no written proof of this policy was provided.
The traveler had to purchase a separate ticket on American Airlines and questioned whether Frontier’s actions were in line with their policies. He also contemplated filing a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for being involuntarily denied boarding.
Interestingly, the traveler had previously utilized a similar promotion for a different journey without any issues. This inconsistency provokes inquiries into Frontier’s intentions, as there appears to be no valid reason for such a policy, particularly when it pertains to a straightforward credit card transaction.
The scenario underscores the necessity for airlines to explicitly communicate documentation requirements and permit verification at any location, not solely at the departure airport. The traveler’s experience underscores potential deficiencies in Frontier’s customer service and policy clarity.
In conclusion, while it is typically permissible to purchase airline tickets using another individual’s credit card, this particular instance with Frontier was an exception. The ambiguity and lack of assistance from Frontier’s representatives left the traveler searching for explanations and considering subsequent action. What are your thoughts on this peculiar Frontier credit card issue?