Flying with a budget airline like Frontier can be a great way to save money, but unexpected baggage fees can quickly turn a good deal sour.
Understanding the Frontier Airlines baggage policy is essential to avoid surprise charges at the airport.
Frontier Baggage Policy at a Glance
Frontier’s baggage fees are dynamic, meaning they change based on your travel route, the timing of your purchase, and your elite status.
To get the most accurate price, always use Frontier’s official bag price checker. Here is a general overview of what you can expect.
| Baggage Type | Size & Weight Limits | Fee Range (per direction) |
| Personal Item | 14″ H x 18″ W x 8″ D | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D, max 35 lbs | $53 – $117+ |
| 1st Checked Bag | Max 62 linear inches, max 40 lbs | $53 – $117+ |
| 2nd Checked Bag | Max 62 linear inches, max 40 lbs | $73 – $110+ |
| 3rd+ Checked Bag | Max 62 linear inches, max 40 lbs | $93 – $122+ |
| Overweight Fee (41–50 lbs) | – | +$75 |
| Overweight Fee (51–100 lbs) | – | +$100 |
| Oversize Fee (63–110″) | – | +$75 |
What’s Free on the Frontier?
Every passenger is allowed one free personal item. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you. Think of items like a purse, a small backpack, or a laptop bag.
Free Items for Families
Traveling with little ones? Frontier allows you to check one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge. You can also bring a diaper bag on board in addition to your personal item without a fee.
Understanding Carry-On and Checked Baggage Fees
Frontier charges for both standard carry-on bags and checked bags. The key to saving money is to pay for your bags as early as possible.
Carry-On Bags
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D and 35 lbs.
Fees vary, but purchasing your carry-on allowance during your initial online booking is always the cheapest option. Waiting until you get to the airport gate will result in the highest fee, often over $99.
Checked Bags
Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 40 pounds.
This 40-pound limit is stricter than many other airlines, which typically allow up to 50 pounds, so be sure to weigh your bags before you leave for the airport.
Fees for checked bags also increase the closer you get to your departure time. You can pay for up to five checked bags, with the cost per bag increasing with each one you add.
Navigating Overweight and Oversize Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, you’ll face additional charges on top of the base baggage fee.
- Overweight Bags: A bag weighing between 41 and 50 pounds will incur a $75 fee. If it’s between 51 and 100 pounds, the fee increases to $100. Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted.
- Oversize Bags: A bag measuring between 63 and 110 linear inches will be charged an extra $75. Bags larger than 110 linear inches are not permitted.
These fees are charged per bag, per direction, so they can add up quickly.
Tips to Save on Frontier Baggage Fees
While the fees can seem daunting, there are several effective strategies to minimize or even avoid them entirely.
1. Pay for Bags During Initial Booking
The single most effective way to save money is to purchase your baggage allowance when you first book your flight on Frontier’s website or mobile app.
Prices are significantly lower at this stage compared to paying at the airport.
2. Consider Frontier’s Bundles
Frontier offers fare bundles like “The PERKS” and “The WORKS”.
While they add to your upfront cost, they include a carry-on and a checked bag, along with other benefits like seat selection and priority boarding.
Do the math: if you plan on bringing both a carry-on and a checked bag, a bundle is almost always cheaper than paying for them separately.
3. Pack Light and Smart
Can you fit everything into your free personal item? For a short weekend trip, a well-organized backpack or under-seat bag might be all you need.
Wear your bulkiest items, like a jacket or hiking boots, on the plane to save space in your luggage.
4. Leverage Elite Status
FRONTIER Miles℠ members with elite status receive baggage benefits:
- 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.
5. Waivers for Military Personnel
Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive a generous baggage allowance. By presenting a valid Common Access Card (CAC) at check-in, they get:
- 1 free personal item
- 1 free carry-on bag
- 2 free checked bags
Overweight and oversize fees are also waived for the two free checked bags. This benefit applies only to the service member, not their family or companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a backpack as my personal item on Frontier?
Yes, as long as your backpack is small enough to meet the personal item dimensions (14” x 18” x 8”) and can fit under the seat in front of you.
A standard school-sized backpack is often too large and will be considered a carry-on.
What if my personal item is slightly too big?
If your personal item exceeds the size limits, you will be charged for a carry-on bag. This fee is most expensive at the gate, so it’s best to measure your bag at home to ensure it complies.
How strict is Frontier with the 40-pound weight limit for checked bags?
Frontier is very strict with its weight limits. Even being one pound over can result in a hefty overweight fee. Always weigh your bags before heading to the airport.
Do I pay baggage fees for each leg of my trip?
Yes, all baggage fees are applied per person, per direction. For a round-trip flight, you will pay the fees for your departing flight and again for your return flight.
Are mobility devices like wheelchairs free?
Yes, mobility and medical assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and portable oxygen concentrators, can be checked or brought on board free of charge.
Your Final Checklist Before Flying
By packing smart, paying for bags early, and understanding the rules, you can enjoy the low fares without the stress of unexpected fees.
Always double-check the latest policies on the official Frontier Airlines website before you fly, as rules and fees can change.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
