Frontier Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, which means its ticket prices are usually lower than traditional carriers but come with added fees. Among these, baggage fees are the most common and can significantly impact your travel expenses if not planned properly. Frontier is one of the few U.S. airlines that charges for both standard carry-on and checked baggage, with no automatic luggage inclusion for standard tickets.
These fees vary based on multiple factors including route, when you purchase the allowance, and how many bags you’re traveling with. The most cost-effective approach is to prepay for baggage as early as possible, ideally during your initial booking. As departure time gets closer, the cost for luggage increases.
Carry-on Baggage Policy
Frontier allows one free personal item for each passenger. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and comply with the airline’s strict size limitations.
Carry-on Fees
Carry-on luggage fees vary based on when the purchase is made. The airline encourages checking its online pricing tool since costs may vary by route, but these are typical price ranges based on recent data:
- During Booking on Web/Mobile App: $29 to $69
- Before Check-in on Web/Mobile App: $39 to $86
- At Check-in on Web/Mobile App: $39 to $86
- At Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter: $79 to $92
- At the Departure Gate: $99 to $115
- Via Call Center: $79 to $92
Travelers who purchase The WORKS or The PERKS bundles receive a complimentary carry-on bag included in the package.
Carry-on Size Restrictions
- Personal Item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45.72 x 35.56 x 20.32 cm)
- Standard Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm)
- Maximum Weight: 35 pounds (15.88 kg)
Arriving at the gate with unapproved or unpaid carry-on items results in an automatic fee to check the bag as hold luggage—at the highest rate Frontier charges.
Infant and Child Equipment Policy
Parents flying with children receive additional allowances in some cases:
- Diaper Bags: May be brought aboard in addition to the carry-on allowance.
- Strollers and Car Seats: May be checked at the gate at no extra cost.
These provisions help ease the travel process for families, though it’s recommended to confirm eligibility when booking.
Checked Baggage Policy
Checked bags also incur fees that fluctuate depending on booking time and route. All checked bags must meet the following size and weight criteria:
- Maximum Weight: 40 pounds (18.14 kg)
- Maximum Size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
Typical Checked Bag Fees
| Time of Purchase | First Bag | Second Bag | Third+ Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| During Booking (Web/App) | $29–$63 | $59–$86 | $75–$110 |
| Before Check-in (Web/App) | $39–$74 | $59–$97 | $75–$120 |
| At Check-in (Web/App) | $39–$74 | $59–$97 | $75–$120 |
| Airport Kiosk/Ticket Counter | $79–$92 | $89–$110 | $99–$116 |
| At Departure Gate* | $99–$115 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Call Center | $79–$92 | $89–$110 | $95–$116 |
*Only available for bags exceeding carry-on limits.
Purchasing baggage during the initial booking offers the best rates. Travelers using Frontier’s bundles (Economy, Premium, Business) may receive carry-on or checked bags included with their fare.
Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees
Baggage that exceeds either size or weight limits triggers extra charges.
Overweight Charges
- 41 to 50 lbs: Additional $75
- 51 to 100 lbs: Additional $100
- Over 100 lbs: Not accepted
Oversized Charges
- 63 to 110 linear inches: Additional $75
- Over 110 inches: Not accepted
Travelers carrying unusually shaped or heavy equipment such as sporting gear or musical instruments must adhere to the same weight and size rules. Special items often fall under a separate fee structure and require additional preparation or early check-in.
Exclusions and Benefits for Elite Members
Frontier’s loyalty program, FRONTIER Miles, offers elite status perks which reduce or eliminate some of the baggage fees.
Elite Status Allowances
- Elite Gold: 1 free carry-on
- Elite Platinum: 1 free carry-on + 1 free checked bag (applies to companion as well)
- Elite Diamond: Adds 1 second free checked bag for both traveler and companion
These benefits are only available to members who have met the qualifying criteria through flying or spending. Elite status benefits make a significant difference in savings over multiple trips.
Active Duty Military Benefits
Active-duty military personnel receive several valuable baggage benefits when flying with Frontier Airlines. These waivers apply only to the service member, not their travel companions.
Free Allowances for Military Members
- 1 Free personal item
- 1 Free carry-on bag
- 2 Free checked bags
- Waived oversize and overweight fees for the first two checked bags
To qualify, military travelers must present valid active-duty ID at check-in. These benefits are not available for dependents unless baggage is checked under the service member’s name.
Note: Baggage must be checked at the airport. Military travelers cannot prepay online and still expect the fees to be waived.
Strategies for Reducing Baggage Costs
Proper planning can lead to meaningful savings when traveling with Frontier. Below are practical tips to cut down on baggage expenses:
Early Purchase Advantage
Purchasing baggage during the initial ticket booking process is the cheapest option. Rates may nearly double if postponed to the airport.
Bundle Purchases
Frontier offers fare bundles like The PERKS and The WORKS that include carry-on and/or checked luggage. While the base fare is higher, it often offsets luggage and seat selection fees, making it a better value.
Weight Management
Avoid overweight charges by packing smart and weighing your bags at home. If needed, redistribute items across bags or share luggage with a travel companion.
Loyalty Benefits
Frequent travelers can benefit significantly from attaining Elite Status with FRONTIER Miles. The carry-on and checked bag waivers add up quickly for regular flyers.
Military Travel Optimization
Active duty military personnel can save up to several hundred dollars in waived fees by using their allowance effectively. Always carry military ID and check in at the airport.
Prepayment Methods
Passengers can prepay for bags in several ways:
- My Trip/Check-In section on Frontier’s website
- Frontier mobile app (available for iOS and Android)
Prepaying through these platforms can result in up to 50% in savings compared to paying at the airport or via the call center.
Payment Reimbursement Using Travel Cards
Frontier does not offer a branded credit card with baggage benefits, but travelers can still get reimbursement through general travel rewards cards.
Cards like the Capital One Venture or Capital One Venture X allow users to pay for baggage fees and then apply miles to offset the cost. This is done at a redemption rate of 1 cent per mile, and eligible travel purchases can be reimbursed within 90 days.
This strategy is especially useful for non-frequent Frontier travelers or those who only fly the airline occasionally.
Items Not Counted Toward Allowance
Some personal medical and mobility equipment is exempt from baggage fees and does not count toward your carry-on or checked luggage allowance.
These include:
- Wheelchairs
- Canes or crutches
- Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs)
- Breast pumps
- Child safety seats (if a ticketed infant occupies a seat)
Always notify the airline in advance and arrive early at the airport if traveling with special equipment.
Important Reminders Before Flying Frontier
- Baggage fees apply per one-way segment; round trips will double your total luggage charges.
- Prepay for bags no later than 24 hours before departure to avoid the highest fees.
- Size and weight restrictions are strictly enforced. Overages incur significant penalties.
- Travel insurance or credit card protections may reimburse fees if the airline loses or delays your luggage.
Carefully reviewing Frontier’s policies before flying can prevent unexpected charges and streamline the travel experience.
FAQs
Are carry-on bags included in Frontier’s basic ticket price?
No, Frontier Airlines does not include carry-on bags in the basic fare. Only one personal item that fits under the seat is included for free. Standard carry-on luggage incurs additional fees, which vary based on when and how the bag is added to your booking. To avoid higher fees, carry-on luggage should be purchased during initial booking or well before check-in.
How much does Frontier charge for checked baggage?
Checked baggage fees are route- and time-dependent. For the first checked bag, fees typically range from $29 to $63 if purchased during booking. Prices increase as departure approaches, and paying at the airport may cost $79 to $92 or more. The second and additional bags are more expensive. Frontier also charges extra for overweight or oversized bags.
Can baggage fees be waived or reduced?
Yes, baggage fees can be reduced or waived under specific conditions:
- Elite status members receive complimentary bags depending on their tier.
- Active-duty military personnel receive up to 2 free checked bags and 1 carry-on bag.
- Purchasing bundles like The PERKS or The WORKS includes baggage in the ticket price.
- Prepaying early through Frontier’s website or app can cut fees by up to 50%.
What are the size and weight limits for bags on Frontier?
For a personal item, the size limit is 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
For a carry-on, the size limit is 24 x 16 x 10 inches, and it must not exceed 35 pounds.
Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches and 40 pounds in weight. Overweight (up to 100 pounds) and oversized (up to 110 linear inches) bags are accepted for an additional fee. Bags beyond these limits are not allowed.
Can I use travel credit card points to cover baggage fees?
Yes, while Frontier does not have a co-branded credit card offering free baggage, travel rewards cards like the Capital One Venture or Venture X allow you to redeem miles to cover baggage fees. You can apply miles as a statement credit against qualifying travel purchases, including baggage fees, within 90 days of the charge.
Final Thoughts
Frontier Airlines’ low base fares are attractive but come with a trade-off in the form of à la carte pricing. For travelers who plan carefully, the baggage fee structure can still work to their advantage. Early purchase, strategic packing, loyalty benefits, and bundled fares provide multiple paths to reduce or eliminate baggage costs.
This guide equips travelers with a complete understanding of Frontier’s baggage policies and cost-saving strategies, allowing for a smoother journey and a better overall value when flying with the airline.
