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Ultra-low-cost carriers promise unbeatable fares, but baggage fees can quickly transform that $39 ticket into a $150 expense if you’re not prepared. The Frontier bag policy operates differently from traditional airlines; only personal items fly free, while everything else costs extra. Understanding these rules before booking helps you pack strategically and budget accurately for your total trip cost.
What’s Free Under Frontier Airlines Bag Policy?
Every passenger receives one complimentary personal item that must fit under the seat ahead of you. The Frontier personal item size cannot exceed 14″ H x 18″ W x 8″ D, including handles, wheels, and straps.
Examples of acceptable personal items:
- Purses and small handbags
- Laptop bags and briefcases
- Small backpacks
- Tote bags
Gate agents measure personal items during boarding using sizing frames, and oversized items face additional charges. Choose your bag carefully; this is your only free allowance.
Frontier Airlines Carry On Bag Policy
Unlike most airlines, Frontier charges for standard carry-on bags. The Frontier Airlines carry on size limit is 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D with a maximum weight of 35 lbs.
Frontier Baggage Fees for Carry-On
| Purchase Timing | Price Range |
|---|---|
| During initial booking | $59–$69 |
| After booking online | $69–$79 |
| During online check-in | $79–$89 |
| At airport/gate | $89–$99 |
Note: Purchasing during initial booking gives the lowest price. Airport fees can be $40+ higher.
Passengers booking THE WORKS or THE PERKS bundle receive a free carry-on bag included. For trips over two nights, bundles often cost less than buying bags separately.
Frontier Checked Bag Policy
The Frontier Airlines checked bag policy limits standard bags to 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and 40 lbs maximum weight.
Checked Baggage Fee Structure
| Purchase Timing | First Bag | Second Bag |
|---|---|---|
| During booking | $39–$49 | $49–$59 |
| After booking online | $49–$59 | $59–$69 |
| At airport/gate | $79–$89 | $89–$99 |
Important: Fees are charged each way.
A $39 checked bag becomes $78 for your complete journey.
Interestingly, checked bags often cost less than carry-ons when purchased in advance, making Frontier one of the few airlines where checking luggage beats carrying on.
Overweight and Oversized Fees
Bags weighing 41-50 lbs incur an additional $75 fee, while 51-100 lbs cost an extra $100. Bags over 100 lbs are prohibited. Oversized bags measuring 63-110 linear inches face an additional $75 charge.
Frontier Ski Bag Policy
Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from special considerations. Frontier accepts ski equipment as regular checked baggage, and oversize charges don’t apply to skis.
Your ski package can include:
- One pair of skis
- Ski poles
- Ski boots (up to 25 lbs in separate boot bag)
Skis and boot bags together count as one checked item when the boot bag weighs under 25 lbs. Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in for ski equipment processing.
Snowboard packages follow identical rules, board, bindings, and boots count as one item when properly packaged.
Frontier Military Bag Policy
Active duty military members receive two free checked bags up to 50 lbs each by presenting a Common Access Card at check-in. Frontier also waives oversize and overweight fees for the first two checked bags of military passengers.
The Frontier military bag policy applies to active duty armed forces, reserves, and National Guard members, but not family members or traveling companions unless bags are checked under the active duty member’s name.
Frontier Airlines Personal Item Size: Maximizing Space
The Frontier Airlines personal item size of 14″ x 18″ x 8″ provides surprising capacity with smart packing:
- 1-2 days of rolled clothing
- Laptop and tablet with chargers
- Toiletries in TSA-approved containers
- Essential documents and medications
- Snacks and entertainment items
Soft-sided bags work better than rigid cases for maximizing this allowance, as they compress slightly to fit sizing frames.
Frontier Airlines Baggage Policy: Bundle Benefits
Frontier offers two bundles that include baggage:
| Bundle Name | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| THE PERKS Bundle | – One carry-on bag – One personal item – Seat selection – Flight flexibility |
| THE WORKS Bundle | – One carry-on bag – One checked bag – One personal item – Priority boarding – Seat selection – Flight flexibility – Refundability |
Calculate your total costs; bundles frequently cost less than purchasing bags separately, especially for round-trip travel.
Ways to Minimize Frontier Baggage Fees
Pack Only a Personal Item: For short trips, strategic packing in a 14″ x 18″ x 8″ bag avoids all fees. Compression cubes and rolled clothes maximize space.
Always Book Bags Early: Purchasing during initial booking saves $20-40 per bag compared to airport pricing. Even adding bags after booking but before check-in costs less than gate fees.
Consider Checking Instead of Carrying: When advance-purchased, checked bags often cost $20-30 less than carry-ons – unusual among airlines but true for Frontier.
Use a Luggage Scale: Weigh bags at home to avoid $75-100 overweight charges at the airport. Redistributing 5 lbs between bags beats paying penalty fees.
Achieve Elite Status: FRONTIER Miles Elite Gold members receive one free carry-on, while Platinum members get a free carry-on plus first checked bag. Frequent travelers benefit from loyalty program perks.
Frontier Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy: Special Considerations
Children under two sitting on adult laps receive the same personal item allowance as adult passengers. If you purchase a seat for an infant, they receive standard adult allowances.
Strollers, car seats, and diaper bags don’t count against your baggage allowance and travel free regardless of ticket type or bundle purchased.
Store Your Bags with Radical Storage
Whether you’re arriving early, have a long layover, or want to explore after checkout, carrying luggage through cities turns sightseeing into a burden. Radical Storage provides secure luggage storage near airports and downtown districts throughout the United States. Drop your bags at verified partner locations, pay one flat daily rate, and enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, all bookable online in minutes with instant confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if it fits the personal item size (14″ x 18″ x 8″), larger backpacks require carry-on fees.
You’ll pay the carry-on fee at the gate ($89-99) and must gate-check it.
Often yes, when purchased during booking, checked bags typically cost $20-30 less than carry-ons.
Yes, sealed duty-free bags don’t count against your allowance.
Very strict, gate agents actively measure bags using sizing frames, especially during busy periods.
Conclusion
The Frontier bag policy rewards prepared travelers who understand the fee structure and pack accordingly. With only personal items free and all other bags costing extra, knowing when to purchase, what size restrictions exist, and how bundles compare to à la carte fees helps you maintain Frontier’s advertised low fares through your entire journey.