Frontier Bag Size Limits and Rules
Frontier Airlines has specified requirements for carry-on size, checked luggage weight, and baggage fees. Much of Frontier Airlines' baggage policy is familiar to regular travelers, but even a frequent flier can be caught unawares by some of the airline’s less well-known policies. Here we’ll explore the intricacies of Frontier Airlines baggage fees and size dimensions so you won’t be caught unawares by obscure rules at the airport.
Are you flying on an airline other than Frontier? Check out our Airline Luggage Guidesfor the information you need.
Frontier Baggage Fees
Frontier Airlines charges for all baggage except for a small personal item.
Frontier Airlines’ baggage fees vary depending on your flight route, bag weight, and when you pay for your baggage allowance. While paying baggage fees during online check-in costs less than paying for baggage at the airport, purchasing your baggage allowance online is your most affordable option.
These variables make it difficult to predict your exact baggage fees until you book your flight, but in general, you can expect to pay the following:
Frontier Airlines Baggage Fee Schedule
| Baggage Type | Airlines Baggage Fees | Weight Allowances | Size Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carry-on Bag |
$54 - $99 | 35 lbs | 10 x 16 x 24 in |
|
1st Checked Bag |
$49 - $99 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
|
2nd Checked Bag |
$69 - $89 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
|
3rd Checked Bag |
$89 - $95 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
|
Overweight Bags |
+$75 | 51 - 99 lbs | 62 linear inches |
|
Oversized Bags |
+$75 | 50 lbs | 63 - 110 linear inches |
You’ll note that the cost of a single standard-sized checked bag is less than a carry-on bag. Frontier Airlines is one of the few airlines where a checked bag is cheaper than traveling with only carry-on luggage. Use Frontier’s >bag price checker for the exact cost of your baggage.
Frontier's Bag Policy
Frontier Airlines’ baggage weight allowance for standard checked luggage is 50 lbs or less. Bags weighing 51-99 lbs are subject to overweight charges, and bags weighing more than 100 lbs are not accepted.
Frontier Airlines’ bag policy limits luggage size. The standard bag size is 62 linear inches, including handles, wheels, and straps. Any luggage larger than 62 linear inches incurs an oversized fee. Bags exceeding 100 linear inches are prohibited. You can check a bicycle for $75, and antlers for $100.
Frontier Airlines Military Bag Policy
The Frontier Airlines’ military bag policy offers the following baggage waivers to active members of the U.S. military:
- One free personal item
- One free carry-on bag
- Two free checked bags
Frontier Airlines’ military bag waivers only apply to people with active duty status and does not include family members or traveling companions. Frontier also waives oversize and overweight baggage fees for the first two checked bags of military passengers.
To qualify for Frontier Airlines' military bag policy, active duty passengers must present a Common Access Card at check-in. Frontier Airlines’ military bag policy extends to all active duty armed forces members, reserves, and the National Guard.
Carry-on Bags
As noted above, Frontier charges enough for carry-on bags to make checking a larger bag less expensive. If you choose to bring a carry-on, keep the following restrictions in mind:
Frontier Carry-on Size
Frontier carry-on size is restricted to 10 x 16 x 24 inches, including bag handles, wheels, and straps. If carry-on bags exceed this limit, you may have to check them at the boarding gate, which comes with an additional charge.
Frontier Carry-On Weight Limit
The maximum weight for Frontier carry-on is 35 lbs. Bags that exceed this weight limit should be checked in advance to prevent paying additional check-in fees at the departure gate.
Personal Items and Frontier
Passengers may board a Frontier flight with one small personal item, such as a purse, tote bag, computer bag, or small backpack. The maximum size for a personal item is 8 x 18 x 14 inches, including handles, straps, and wheels. Frontier checks the size of personal items before boarding, and larger items are subject to additional charges. All personal items should be small enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you, examples could include small weekender bags or backpacks for air travel could be fit for these dimensions as well.
Infants and Frontier' Carry-On Policy
Frontier allows infants to fly free on an adult’s lap as long as the child is between seven days and two years old. Passengers with infants can travel with a second free personal item, such as a small diaper bag, as long as the bag meets the airline's 8 x 18 x 14 inches size restriction.
Passengers with infants can bring a stroller to the Frontier boarding gate, which Frontier will check in for free. Upon arrival at your destination, ramp agents will return the stroller for you for use in the airport. Car seats can also be checked at the gate for free.
Medical Assistive Devices and Service Animals
Frontier Airlines allows medical assistive devices in carry-on and checked bags. If packed as a carry-on, assistive devices cannot exceed Frontier carry-on size restrictions. Be aware of this, as unlike some airlines, Frontier does not allow you to transport medical assistive devices in an additional carry-on bag.
Wheelchairs and mobility devices such as walkers, canes, and crutches will be gate-checked at no charge and returned to passengers at their destination by gate staff. Frontier also has priority space in the passenger cabin of its Airbus aircraft for one wheelchair or mobility device. Onboard wheelchair storage is on a first-come, first-served basis at the airport—you cannot book it in advance.
Frontier uses the U.S. Department of Transportation rules for all service animals. Only dogs trained to assist qualified individuals with physical or psychiatric disabilities count as service animals. Before traveling with a service animal, passengers must submit a completed Department of Transportation Service and Animal Air Transportation form 48 hours before their flight. If you cannot complete the form in less than 48 hours, submit it to a Frontier customer service agent at the airport.
Frontier does not recognize the following as service animals:
- Comfort animals
- Companionship animals
- Service animals in training
- Service animals under the age of four months.
- Non-task-trained animals
Choosing a Carry-On Bag for Frontier
While Frontier charges more for carry-on than for checked luggage, it’s not always convenient to travel with large bags. If you choose to travel with a carry-on, make sure you choose a bag that meets Frontier Airlines’ baggage policy. Below are six carry-on options if you’re flying with Frontier:
The Travelpro® Platinum® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner
The Travelpro® Platinum® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner has 23.5 x 14.5 x 9-inch outer dimensions, with a two-inch expansion option if you need extra room (note that when fully expanded the spinner exceeds Frontier Airlines’ carry-on size restrictions). A drop-in, fold-out suiter accommodates hanging clothes and prevents wrinkling, making the spinner perfect for short business trips or weekend getaways.
The Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner
The Maxlite® 5 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinneris a lightweight spinner featuring a two-position adjustable PowerScope Lite handle and four-wheel 360° rotating spinners for effortless gliding. The spinner measures 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches, including handles, straps, and wheels. A fully-expanded spinner may exceed Frontier Airlines’ carry-on size requirements.
The Crew™ VersaPack™ Max Carry-On Expandable Spinner
The Crew™ VersaPack™ Max Carry-On Expandable Spinner has 23 x 15.5 x 10-inch outer dimensions. The bag comes with a removable garment organizer, and can be customized with Travelpro® exclusive Zip-In Organizers, including our Laundry Organizer, Packing Cubes Organizer, Suiter Organizer and All-In-One Organizer. Note the bag may exceed Frontier’s carry-on size requirement when fully expanded.
If you prefer to avoid Frontier’s carry-on baggage fees, consider one of these roomy personal items instead:
The Maxlite® 5 Soft Tote
With outer dimensions of 11 x 18 x 8 inches, the Maxlite® 5 Soft Tote is the perfect under-seat carry-on for Frontier flights when you need your essentials in one small bag for short trips. A quick access front flap, roomy interior, and built-in pockets help keep items organized.
The Travelpro® Essentials™ SparePack™ Foldable Backpack
The Travelpro® Essentials™ SparePack™ Foldable Backpack weighs a mere 0.7 lbs and folds into a built-in zippered pouch when not in use. Ideal for day trips, this versatile little backpack fits easily under a Frontier Airbus seat.
The Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Slim Laptop Backpack
The Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Slim Laptop Backpack has 17.25 x 12 x 6.75-inch outer dimensions, with separate padded tablet and laptop sleeves, an exterior sunglass pocket, and a Travelpro® ID TheftBlock™ pocket to keep credit cards and passports protected against loss and identity theft.
You can reduce your Frontier Airlines’ baggage fees by purchasing your baggage allowance early into the booking process, checking bags instead of using a carry-on, and ensuring your personal item meets the airline's size restrictions. For help choosing the right luggage, take the Travelpro Luggage Finder Quiz.
Looking for more information on airline policies? Check out our informative airline guides!
