Frontier Airlines has filed with Colombia’s civil aviation authority (Aerocivil) to fly four daily routes from Orlando (MCO) to Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier includes only a free personal item carry-ons and checked bags cost extra, so bundle math matters before you book.

Frontier Airlines wants a bigger slice of the Colombian market, and Orlando is its launchpad. The carrier filed a request with Colombia’s Air Transport and Commercial Aviation Affairs Directorate (Aerocivil) to run scheduled service to four Colombian cities from Orlando International Airport (MCO). For the roughly 826,000 Colombian Americans in Florida the largest Colombian community in the United States these routes could reshape how families fly home.

But there’s a catch that trips up first-time Frontier flyers every single day: the fare you see is rarely the fare you pay. Bags, seats, and even a can of soda cost extra. If you’re carrying gifts, coffee, or a suitcase full of goodies for family in Bogotá, understanding Frontier’s baggage rules before booking opens will save you real money.

What routes did Frontier file for between Orlando and Colombia?

Frontier filed for four direct routes from Orlando (MCO) to Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), and Cali (CLO). Each route is proposed at seven weekly frequencies daily service using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The filing seeks traffic rights up to the fourth freedom of the air.

On the Orlando–Bogotá route, Frontier would go head-to-head with Avianca (21 weekly flights) and LATAM (14 weekly). On Orlando–Medellín, it faces Avianca’s daily service. Both routes previously had Spirit Airlines flights before that carrier shut down leaving a gap Frontier is now moving to fill.

Note: These routes are still pending regulatory approval. Dates and schedules aren’t final until Aerocivil signs off and Frontier opens booking.

What is Frontier’s baggage allowance for Colombia international routes?

Frontier includes one free personal item (18″ x 14″ x 8″, up to 35 lbs) on every fare. Carry-on and checked bags cost extra unless bundled. Checked bags on Frontier max out at 40 lbs lower than the 50-lb limit on Avianca and LATAM so weight planning is critical for Colombia trips.

Here’s what each bag type looks like on Frontier:

A few things that catch travelers off guard:

• Overweight fees are steep. Bags from 41–50 lbs cost $75 per bag, per direction. Bags 51–99.99 lbs cost $129 per bag for bookings made on or after April 4, 2026.
• Oversized fees stack on top. Bags between 63–110 linear inches cost an extra $75 per direction.
• Buy early. Bag prices are cheapest during booking and climb the closer you get to the gate. Ticket counters close 60 minutes before departure.

For a Colombia trip loaded with gifts, that 40-lb checked limit is the number to watch. One heavy suitcase can flip from “included” to “$75 surcharge” faster than you’d think.

How much do bags cost on Frontier MCO–Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali?

Frontier baggage prices vary by route, travel dates, and when you pay. There’s no flat international rate the earliest online price during booking is always the lowest, and airport gate prices are the highest. Use Frontier’s Bag Price Checker for your exact dates once booking opens.

Because Frontier prices bags dynamically, no one can quote a single “Colombia bag fee.” Instead, plan around these rules of thumb:

• Personal item: Always free. A backpack or duffel that fits under the seat costs you nothing.
• Carry-on: Cheapest when added during booking, more expensive at check-in, most expensive at the gate.
• Checked bag: Same rising-price pattern. Add it during booking to lock in the lowest rate.

Real-world example: A family of four flying MCO–Bogotá round trip who each want one checked bag pays baggage fees eight times (four people x two directions). That’s where a $19 headline fare quietly becomes a few hundred dollars and where bundling starts to make sense.

Frontier bundles: Basic vs. The Works vs. UpFront Plus for a family visit

Frontier now sells four fare tiers: Basic, Economy, Premium, and Business. Older names like “The Works” have been retired, and “UpFront Plus” now refers to Frontier’s premium front-cabin seats included in the Business bundle. For families hauling checked bags to Colombia, the Business bundle is often the cheapest path.

Here’s what each current bundle includes:

Two details worth flagging:

• Business bags weigh more. The Business bundle allows two checked bags up to 50 lbs each higher than Frontier’s standard 40-lb limit. For gift-heavy Colombia trips, that extra 20 lbs of allowance can be worth the upgrade alone.
• Do the math per person. Bundle prices are per person, per direction. For a solo traveler with one bag, buying à la carte may win. For a family of four each checking a bag, a bundle almost always beats paying piecemeal.

Bundle math example: A couple visiting Medellín with two checked bags each should price out the Business bundle against Basic-plus-bags. Once you add two 50-lb bags per person plus seat selection, the bundle frequently comes out ahead and you dodge the 40-lb overweight trap entirely.

Frontier vs. Avianca vs. LATAM: Colombia baggage compared

On Colombia routes, Avianca and LATAM include a personal item on every fare and a checked bag on mid-tier fares, while Frontier includes only a personal item on its base fare. Frontier’s carry-on weight limit (35 lbs) is actually the highest of the three a rare win for the budget carrier.

Key takeaways for choosing:

• Choose Frontier if you travel light, book early, and want the lowest headline fare especially with a heavy carry-on, since 35 lbs beats both rivals.
• Choose Avianca or LATAM if you need a generous checked bag included and prefer a 50-lb allowance without upgrading to a premium bundle.
• Watch the carry-on gap. A carry-on that’s fine on Frontier (up to 35 lbs) could get flagged on Avianca (22 lbs) or LATAM (26 lbs). Pack to the strictest airline on your itinerary.

Colombian expat in Orlando? Baggage and gift tips for family visits

Colombian families visiting from Orlando often travel with gifts, coffee, and food which triggers both airline weight fees and Colombian customs rules. Colombia allows up to USD $2,000 in goods (beyond personal effects) duty-free, capped at 10 units per product type. Declare anything over that limit to avoid seizure.

A few practical rules pulled straight from Colombia’s customs regime (Decree 1165 of 2019):

• Duty-free allowance: Up to USD $2,000 in gifts and goods per person, tax-free, with no declaration required. Personal effects don’t count toward this.
• The 10-unit rule: No more than 10 units of the same product type even free giveaways count. More than that looks “commercial” and can be seized.
• Cell phones: Maximum 3 per person.
• Cash: Up to USD $10,000 needs no declaration. Above that, you must file DIAN Form 530.
• Extra allowance: Stay 5+ days and you can bring an additional USD $3,000 by paying a 15% single tax and declaring it on DIAN’s official form.

Bringing coffee, arepas, or chocolates back to the US? Most commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods roasted coffee, sealed candy, packaged snacks are allowed in carry-on and checked bags, but you must declare all food to U.S. Customs on arrival. Fresh fruit, meats, and homemade items are frequently prohibited. When in doubt, declare it; failing to declare food can trigger fines, while declaring it simply gets it inspected.

Packing tip for gift-heavy trips: Frontier’s 40-lb standard checked limit fills up fast with presents. If you’re bringing a lot, price the Business bundle for its two 50-lb bags, or split gifts across a checked bag and a paid carry-on to stay under weight caps.

Frequently asked questions

When do Frontier’s Orlando–Colombia flights start?
No launch date is confirmed yet. Frontier has filed for authorization with Colombia’s Aerocivil, but flights can’t be booked until the request is approved and schedules are published. Watch Frontier’s official route announcements for the on-sale date.

Which Colombian cities will Frontier fly to from Orlando?
Frontier filed for four cities: Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), and Cali (CLO) all direct from Orlando International (MCO), each proposed at seven weekly flights.

3. Is the carry-on bag free on Frontier to Colombia?
No. Frontier includes only a free personal item on its base fare. A carry-on bag costs extra unless it’s part of an Economy, Premium, or Business bundle. Add it during booking for the lowest price.

How much can a Frontier checked bag weigh?
A standard Frontier checked bag can weigh up to 40 lbs. The Business bundle allows two bags at 50 lbs each. Bags 41–50 lbs cost $75; bags 51–99.99 lbs cost $129 (for bookings on or after April 4, 2026).

What’s the cheapest way to add bags on Frontier?
Add bags online during booking. Prices rise at online check-in and are highest at the airport gate. Buying at the counter, which closes 60 minutes before departure, always costs the most.

Does Frontier or Avianca offer a bigger baggage allowance to Colombia?
Avianca offers a larger standard checked allowance (50 lbs vs. Frontier’s 40 lbs) and includes a carry-on on most fares. But Frontier’s carry-on weight limit of 35 lbs beats Avianca’s 22 lbs. It depends on how you pack.

How much can I bring into Colombia duty-free?
Colombia allows up to USD $2,000 in goods (beyond personal effects), tax-free, with no declaration capped at 10 units per product type. A 5-day-plus stay unlocks an extra $3,000 at a 15% tax if declared.

Can I bring Colombian coffee back to the US on Frontier?
Yes. Roasted, commercially packaged coffee is allowed in carry-on and checked bags. You must declare all food items to U.S. Customs on arrival. Sealed, shelf-stable products are generally fine; fresh produce and meats are often prohibited.

Why did Frontier target Orlando for these Colombia routes?
Florida is home to the largest Colombian American community in the US roughly 826,000 people. Spirit Airlines previously served Orlando–Bogotá and Orlando–Medellín before shutting down, leaving demand that Frontier is moving to capture.

Should a family of four book a Frontier bundle or pay for bags separately?
For a family checking multiple bags, a bundle usually wins. Because bag fees apply per person, per direction, four travelers with checked bags pay eight times. The Business bundle’s included bags often cost less than paying à la carte.