diff --git a/astroquery/mast/utils.py b/astroquery/mast/utils.py
index 29e5bd15d4..9fe65b3dea 100644
--- a/astroquery/mast/utils.py
+++ b/astroquery/mast/utils.py
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ def parse_coordinates(coordinates):
     coordinates = commons.parse_coordinates(coordinates)
 
     # Convert to ICRS frame, if needed
-    if coordinates.frame != 'icrs':
+    if coordinates.frame.name != 'icrs':
         coordinates = coordinates.transform_to('icrs')
 
     return coordinates