Frontier Airlines, as an ultra-low-cost carrier, charges for both carry-on and checked baggage, with fees varying based on when and how you purchase your baggage allowance. Below is a detailed overview of their baggage policy, including size and weight limits, fees, and special considerations, based on the most recent information available.
Personal Item
- Allowance: Every passenger is allowed one free personal item that must fit completely under the seat in front of them.
- Size Limit: Maximum dimensions are 14” H x 18” W x 8” D (including handles, wheels, and straps). Examples include purses, totes, computer bags, briefcases, or small backpacks.
- Notes:
- Items exceeding these dimensions are considered carry-on bags and incur a fee.
- Frontier is strict about enforcing size limits, and there have been reports of passengers being charged for items that slightly exceed the personal item size, even if they fit under the seat.
- Essential baby items (e.g., diaper bags, strollers) and medical devices (e.g., wheelchairs, CPAP machines) do not count toward the baggage allowance and can be carried or checked at no charge.
Carry-On Baggage
- Allowance: Carry-on bags are not included in the base fare and require a fee unless you have specific elite status or a fare bundle that includes it.
- Size Limit: Maximum dimensions are 24” H x 16” W x 10” D (including handles, wheels, and straps), with a weight limit of 35 lbs. The bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- Fees:
- Fees vary based on the route, travel date, and when you purchase the baggage allowance. They typically range from $59 to $99 per carry-on, per direction.
- Cheapest: Pay at booking (online or via the Frontier app).
- More expensive: Pay during online check-in (within 24 hours of departure).
- Most expensive: Pay at the airport or gate (up to $99).
- Use Frontier’s Bag Price Checker on their website (FlyFrontier.com) for exact costs for your specific flight.
- Exceptions:
- Elite Status: Frontier Miles Elite Gold, Platinum, or Diamond members receive a free carry-on bag. Platinum and Diamond members may also get free checked bags for themselves and companions.
- Military: Active-duty U.S. military members (with a Common Access Card) receive one free carry-on and two free checked bags, with oversized/overweight fees waived for the checked bags. This does not extend to family members or companions.
- Bundles: The WORKS or PERKS bundles include a free carry-on bag. A limited-time Economy Bundle (bookings by March 24, 2025, for travel between March 18 and August 18, 2025) includes a free carry-on, seat selection, and free flight changes.
- Business Tickets: Allow a 50-pound checked bag allowance.
Special Items
- Sporting Equipment: Items like bicycles ($75 per direction), antlers ($100 per direction), golf bags, skis, or snowboards are accepted but may incur fees. They count as one checked bag, with only overweight fees applying if applicable.
- Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments (e.g., violins) count as carry-ons if they fit in the overhead bin.
- Large instruments (e.g., cellos) require a purchased seat.
- Instruments under 100 lbs are subject to standard baggage fees.
- Firearms: Allowed in checked baggage (not carry-on) in locked, hard-sided containers with up to 11 lbs of ammunition. Must be declared at check-in.
- Smart Luggage: Bags with lithium-ion batteries (e.g., USB chargers, GPS) are subject to specific rules for safety. Batteries may need to be removed.
- Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, CPAP machines, and essential baby gear (e.g., strollers) are exempt from fees and do not count toward baggage limits.
Tips to Avoid or Minimize Fees
- Pack Light: Stick to one personal item (e.g., a backpack or purse) within the 14” x 18” x 8” limit to avoid fees. Use lightweight luggage, such as those from UUH Luggages, to maximize space.
- Prepay Online: Purchase baggage allowances at booking or during online check-in (within 24 hours of departure) to get the lowest rates. Airport and gate fees are significantly higher.
- Measure and Weigh Bags: Use a handheld luggage scale and measure bags at home to ensure they meet size and weight limits.
- Consider Checking Bags: Checked bags are often cheaper than carry-ons on Frontier (unlike most airlines).
- Use Bundles or Elite Status: Opt for fare bundles (e.g., WORKS, PERKS, or Economy Bundle) or earn Frontier Miles elite status for free baggage allowances.
- Military Benefits: Active-duty military members should present their Common Access Card at check-in to claim free baggage waivers.
- Alternative Shipping: For excess or oversized luggage, consider shipping via services like LugLess (starting at $20) instead of paying Frontier’s fees.
Important Notes
- Strict Enforcement: Frontier is known for strictly enforcing baggage size and weight limits, with some reports of employees being incentivized to charge for non-compliant bags. Measure carefully to avoid surprises.
- Gate Check Risks: If you bring an oversized personal item or unbooked carry-on to the gate, you may be charged to check it, plus a processing fee.
- Fee Variability: Baggage fees depend on the route, travel date, and fare class. Always check Frontier’s Bag Price Checker for accurate pricing.
