Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees: Carry-On, Checked Bags & Luggage Costs

You've just stumbled upon an almost unbelievable flight deal on Frontier Airlines. Your heart races with excitement as you imagine your upcoming getaway. You're ready to click "book" when a nagging thought stops you cold: "Wait a minute—what are the Frontier Airlines baggage fees going to cost me? That cheap ticket might not be so cheap once I add bags." You're absolutely right to wonder. Frontier is an ultra-low-cost carrier, which means they keep their base fares incredibly low by charging separately for extras like baggage . This approach is fantastic if you can pack light, but it can lead to serious sticker shock if you arrive at the airport unprepared.

At Flying Getway, we've been in your shoes, and we want to help you navigate this with confidence. Understanding the Frontier Airlines baggage policy before you pack a single item is the key to saving money and avoiding stress. In this complete, friendly guide, we'll walk you through every detail—from the free personal item to carry-on fees, checked bag costs, size limits, and clever ways to save. Let's turn that anxiety into action and make sure you're fully prepared for your journey.

The Free Personal Item: Your Best Friend on Frontier

Let's start with the absolute best news: every passenger on Frontier Airlines gets to bring one personal item completely free of charge . This is Frontier's gift to budget-conscious travelers and your golden opportunity to avoid baggage fees entirely. A personal item is a small bag designed to hold your essentials—think of it as your travel companion that stays with you throughout the flight, tucked safely under the seat in front of you.

What exactly counts as a personal item?

Frontier defines a personal item as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, or similar small bag . The key requirement is that it must fit completely underneath the seat in front of you. If you can slide it under the seat and it stays within the size limits, you won't pay a single cent. Personal items don't have a specified weight limit, which is great news if you're carrying heavier items like books, electronics, or a laptop. However, they must still be able to fit comfortably in the available under-seat space .

What are the exact size requirements?

This is where you need to be careful. Frontier's personal item size limit is 14 inches x 18 inches x 8 inches (height x width x depth), including handles, straps, and wheels . This is not a large bag—it's designed to hold just your travel essentials: a tablet, a book, a change of clothes, a few travel-size toiletries, and perhaps a light jacket. If your personal item is even slightly larger than these dimensions, you'll be charged a carry-on fee, which is most expensive at the gate .

• There is no charge for one personal item as long as it meets size requirements.

• The item must fit completely underneath the seat in front of you.

• No specified weight limit for personal items, but it must be stowable.

• All exterior measurements include wheels, handles, straps, and pockets.

• If your personal item is too large, you'll be charged a carry-on fee.

Example: You're heading out for a weekend trip with a small backpack that measures exactly 14 x 18 x 7 inches. It slides perfectly under the seat, and you pay nothing. Your friend brings a slightly larger backpack that can't quite fit, and suddenly they're facing a $99 fee at the gate. A quick measurement before you leave home could have saved them a lot of money!

Frontier Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy: What You Need to Know

Unlike the free personal item, bringing a carry-on bag on Frontier Airlines comes with a cost. Carry-on baggage is not included in your fare, so you'll need to purchase it as an add-on . The Frontier Airlines carry-on baggage fee varies depending on when you purchase and your specific route .

Carry-on size and weight limits

Frontier's carry-on size limit is 24 inches x 16 inches x 10 inches (including handles, straps, and wheels), and it must weigh no more than 35 pounds . This is smaller than some other airlines, so measuring your bag before you pack is essential. If your carry-on exceeds 35 pounds, you may be asked to check it and pay the applicable checked bag fee . Bags that exceed the size limits will also need to be checked and may incur additional fees .

Carry-on pricing: When to buy to save

The cost of a Frontier Airlines carry-on baggage fee depends heavily on when you pay for it . The price increases the closer you get to departure, so timing is everything:

• At booking: This is your cheapest option. Adding your carry-on when you first book locks in the lowest rate and saves you the most money.

• After booking (online): You can add a carry-on through Frontier's website or app, but expect to pay more than the initial booking price .

• At the airport or gate: This is the most expensive option. Waiting until check-in or boarding can cost you significantly more—up to $99 at the gate .

• Book your carry-on at the time of purchase for the absolute lowest price.

• Gate fees are the highest—avoid paying at the gate whenever possible.

• Weight limit is 35 lbs for carry-on bags.

• Size limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches including wheels and handles.

Example: You book a flight and add a carry-on during booking for $59 . Your friend waits until they get to the gate and pays $99—that's a $40 difference for the exact same service! The lesson is clear: plan ahead and save money.

Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policy: Fees and Allowances

If you're traveling with more luggage than can fit in a carry-on and personal item, you'll need to check bags. Frontier Airlines charges for checked bags as well, and the Frontier Airlines checked bag fee also depends on when you purchase and your specific route.

Checked baggage weight limits

Frontier's checked baggage weight limit is 40 pounds per bag for standard checked baggage . This is lower than many other airlines, so it's absolutely crucial to weigh your bags before you head to the airport. Bags exceeding 40 pounds will incur overweight fees, which can add up quickly.

Checked baggage fees

Checked bag fees vary by route and when you purchase. Like carry-ons, the cheapest option is to purchase checked bags at the time of booking . Fees for checked bags generally start at around $60 for the first bag . For the most accurate pricing for your specific flight, Frontier recommends using their online Bag Price Checker, which gives you exact fees based on your route and travel dates.

• Each ticket includes one free personal item.

• Checked bag weight limit is 40 lbs per bag.

• Purchase checked bags at booking for the best price.

• Use Frontier's Bag Price Checker for exact fees on your route.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees: The Hidden Costs

If your bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits, additional fees apply. These fees can add up quickly, so it's well worth weighing and measuring your bags before you head to the airport.

Overweight baggage fees

For checked bags exceeding the 40-pound limit:

• 41 to 50 pounds: $75 fee .

• 51 to 100 pounds: $100 fee .

Oversized baggage fees

For checked bags exceeding the standard size limit (typically 62 linear inches for most airlines, though Frontier uses a 63-110 linear inch range for oversized fees):

• Bags between 63 and 110 linear inches: $75 fee .

• Overweight and oversize fees are in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

• Bags exceeding 100 pounds or 110 linear inches may not be accepted .

• Always weigh your bags before heading to the airport.

Example: Your checked bag weighs 45 pounds. You'll pay the standard checked bag fee (say $60) plus the $75 overweight fee—total $135 for one bag. A few extra pounds can cost you significantly!

Special Exemptions and Ways to Save

While Frontier charges for most baggage, there are some important exemptions and strategies to save money. Knowing these can make a big difference to your travel budget.

Military baggage benefits

Frontier Airlines offers generous baggage waivers for U.S. military service members. By presenting a valid Common Access Card (CAC) or Armed Forces identification card at check-in, military personnel receive :

• One free personal item

• One free carry-on bag

• Two free checked bags

These waivers apply to the service member as well as accompanying spouse and children . Oversize and overweight baggage fees are also waived for the first two free checked bags .

Elite status benefits

Frontier Miles elite members receive baggage benefits based on their tier:

• Elite Gold: 1 free carry-on bag .

• Elite Platinum: 1 free carry-on and 1 free checked bag .

• Elite Diamond: 1 free carry-on and 2 free checked bags .

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard

Cardholders who book directly with Frontier through FlyFrontier.com or the mobile app can receive free checked bags . The primary cardholder using the card to book and pay directly with Frontier receives up to two free checked bags .

• Active duty military get free personal item, carry-on, and 2 checked bags .

• Elite members get free baggage based on their tier .

• Frontier Airlines World Mastercard offers free checked bags for primary cardholders .

• Book directly with Frontier to maximize benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Frontier Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

Yes, Frontier charges for carry-on bags. The fee varies based on when you purchase and your route. Book during initial booking for the best price .

2. What is the Frontier Airlines personal item size?

Frontier's personal item size limit is 14 x 18 x 8 inches, including handles, straps, and wheels. It must fit under the seat .

3. What is the Frontier Airlines carry-on size limit?

The carry-on size limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches, and it must weigh no more than 35 lbs .

4. How much does Frontier charge for checked bags?

Checked bag fees vary by route and when you purchase. Fees generally start at around $60 for the first bag . Use Frontier's Bag Price Checker for exact pricing .

5. What is the weight limit for Frontier checked bags?

The standard checked bag weight limit is 40 lbs. Bags exceeding 40 lbs incur overweight fees .

6. What are Frontier's overweight baggage fees?

Bags weighing 41-50 lbs cost $75. Bags weighing 51-100 lbs cost $100 .

7. What are Frontier's oversized baggage fees?

Bags between 63 and 110 linear inches cost $75 .

8. Does Frontier offer military baggage benefits?

Yes, active duty military receive one free personal item, one free carry-on, and two free checked bags with valid ID .

9. Do Frontier elite members get free baggage?

Yes. Elite Gold gets 1 free carry-on, Elite Platinum gets 1 free carry-on and 1 free checked bag, and Elite Diamond gets 1 free carry-on and 2 free checked bags .

10. Does the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard offer free checked bags?

Yes, primary cardholders who book directly with Frontier through FlyFrontier.com or the app get two free checked bags .

11. Can I bring a stroller on Frontier for free?

Yes, strollers can be brought to the gate and checked free of charge .

12. Are baggage fees cheaper online or at the airport?

Baggage fees are significantly cheaper when purchased online, especially at the time of booking. The gate is the most expensive place to pay .

13. Does Frontier have a baggage fee calculator?

Yes, Frontier offers a Bag Price Checker on their website for route-specific pricing .

14. Is there a weight limit for Frontier personal items?

No, Frontier does not publish a weight limit for personal items, but they must fit under the seat .

15. Can I add baggage to my Frontier booking after purchase?

Yes, you can add baggage after booking through Frontier's website or app, but prices will be higher than at booking .

16. Does Frontier allow sports equipment as checked baggage?

Yes, additional charges may apply for sporting equipment.

17. Can I bring a pet carrier on Frontier?

Yes, pets are allowed with a fee. The pet carrier counts as a carry-on or personal item.

18. Does Frontier charge for carry-on for children?

Yes, children's carry-on bags are subject to the same fees as adult bags.

19. What happens if my carry-on is too large?

An oversized carry-on brought to the gate will be checked and may incur additional fees .

20. How do I use my Frontier World Mastercard free checked bag benefit?

Book directly through FlyFrontier.com or the Frontier mobile app and use your card for payment. You can process free checked bags at check-in online or at the airport counter .

Conclusion

Understanding the Frontier Airlines baggage fee structure is the key to avoiding surprises and saving money on your next trip. The airline's ultra-low-cost model means you pay only for what you need—but it also means you need to plan ahead and be strategic.

Remember the golden rules: book your bags at the time of booking for the lowest prices, measure your bags carefully including wheels and handles, and weigh your bags before you leave home to avoid overweight fees. And don't forget that your free personal item is a fantastic opportunity to travel light and save money.

At Flying Getway, we want you to travel with confidence and without financial worry. Armed with this knowledge of Frontier Airlines baggage policy, baggage fees, and size limits, you can pack smart, save money, and focus on what really matters—enjoying your trip. Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with wonderful memories!