Are Carry On Bags Free Frontier? | Smart Packing

No, a standard carry-on bag is generally not free on Frontier Airlines; only a personal item that fits under the seat is included in your basic fare.

Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when planning a trip with budget airlines. Understanding what’s included and what costs extra is key to avoiding surprises at the airport. Let’s clarify Frontier’s approach to carry-on bags so you can pack wisely and travel smoothly.

What’s Included: Personal Item vs. Carry-On

Frontier Airlines operates on an “unbundled” fare model, meaning you only pay for the services you choose. This approach significantly impacts baggage.

• Personal Item: Every passenger receives one personal item free of charge. This bag must be small enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you. Common examples include small backpacks, purses, briefcases, or laptop bags.
• Carry-On Bag: A carry-on bag is larger and designed to be stowed in the overhead bin. Unlike the personal item, a carry-on bag always incurs a fee with Frontier Airlines, regardless of your fare type.

The distinction between these two bag types is fundamental to understanding Frontier’s baggage policy and managing your travel budget effectively. Misidentifying your bag type at the airport can lead to unexpected costs.

Understanding Frontier’s Carry-On Fees

Frontier’s carry-on bag fees are not fixed; they are dynamic and vary based on several factors. These include your specific route, when you purchase the bag allowance, and where you make the purchase.

Fee Structure Variations

• During Booking: Purchasing your carry-on allowance when you first book your flight online typically offers the lowest price.
• Pre-Departure Online: If you decide to add a carry-on after booking but before check-in, you can still do so online via “Manage My Booking” on Frontier’s website. This option is usually more expensive than during initial booking but less costly than at the airport.
• Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter: Fees increase significantly if you wait to purchase your carry-on allowance at an airport kiosk or the ticket counter.
• At the Gate: The most expensive option is purchasing a carry-on bag at the boarding gate. Gate agents are strict about bag sizing and will charge the highest fee for bags exceeding personal item dimensions that have not been pre-paid.

These escalating fees highlight the financial benefit of planning your baggage needs ahead of time. Waiting until the last minute can add substantial, avoidable costs to your trip.

Measuring Up: Frontier’s Size and Weight Limits

Adhering to Frontier’s specific size and weight limits for both personal items and carry-on bags is essential to avoid extra charges. These dimensions include any handles, wheels, or external pockets.

Personal Item Dimensions

Your free personal item must fit within the following maximum dimensions:

• 18 inches (45.72 cm) in length
• 14 inches (35.56 cm) in width
• 8 inches (20.32 cm) in height

There is no stated weight limit for personal items, provided they can be safely stowed under the seat.

Carry-On Bag Dimensions and Weight

For a paid carry-on bag, the maximum dimensions are:

• 24 inches (60.96 cm) in length
• 16 inches (40.64 cm) in width
• 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height

A carry-on bag also has a weight limit:

• 35 pounds (16 kg)

Frontier provides bag sizers at check-in counters and gates. If your bag does not fit into the sizer or exceeds the weight limit, you will be required to pay the applicable fee, often at the highest gate rate.

Frontier Airlines Bag Fee Comparison (Typical Ranges)

Bag Type	Purchase Time	Typical Cost Range
Personal Item	Always	Free
Carry-On	Online (Booking)	$40 – $70
Carry-On	Online (Pre-Departure)	$50 – $80
Carry-On	Airport Kiosk/Counter	$60 – $90
Carry-On	At the Gate	$99 – $100+

Smart Strategies for Packing Your Personal Item

Since your personal item is free, maximizing its utility can significantly reduce your travel costs. Thoughtful packing allows you to carry more without paying extra fees.

• Roll or Fold Strategically: Rolling clothes tightly can save space compared to traditional folding. Consider using compression packing cubes designed for small bags.
• Wear Bulky Items: If you are traveling with a jacket, sweater, or heavy shoes, wear them onto the plane instead of packing them. This frees up valuable space in your bag.
• Prioritize Essentials: Pack items you cannot afford to lose or need immediate access to. This includes medications, travel documents, electronics, chargers, and any valuables. A change of clothes for unexpected delays is also a wise inclusion.
• Multi-Functional Items: Choose items that serve multiple purposes. A scarf can be a blanket, pillow, or fashion accessory. Travel-sized toiletries are a must.
• Utilize Pockets: The exterior pockets of your personal item can hold smaller items like boarding passes, passports, or snacks, keeping the main compartment organized.

Selecting a personal item bag that is soft-sided and slightly compressible can also help it conform to the sizer if it’s close to the maximum dimensions.

Purchasing Carry-On Allowance: When and How

If a personal item alone is not sufficient for your trip, purchasing a carry-on allowance well in advance is the most economical approach.

Best Time to Purchase

1. During Initial Booking: This is consistently the cheapest option. As you select your flight, you will be prompted to add bags.
2. Pre-Departure Online: If your plans change or you realize you need more space, you can add a carry-on bag to your existing reservation through the “Manage My Booking” section on Frontier’s website. Do this before you head to the airport.

Bundled Options

Frontier sometimes offers fare bundles like “The Works” or “The Perks.” These bundles typically include a carry-on bag, a checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding. For some travelers, the convenience and inclusions of these bundles might offset the individual bag fees, especially if you plan to use multiple add-ons.

Frontier Bag Type Specifications

Feature	Personal Item	Carry-On Bag
Max Dimensions (L x W x H)	18 x 14 x 8 inches	24 x 16 x 10 inches
Max Weight	N/A (must fit under seat)	35 lbs (16 kg)
Stored Location	Under seat in front of you	Overhead bin
Fee	Included (free)	Always incurs a fee

TSA Guidelines and Carry-On Essentials

Beyond airline-specific rules, federal security regulations dictate what you can bring in your carry-on bags. These guidelines apply to all flights departing from US airports.

Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs)

The TSA has specific rules for liquids in carry-on bags. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item and must fit in one quart-sized bag. This “3-1-1 rule” helps streamline security screening. Any larger containers of liquids must be placed in checked luggage.

Electronics and Batteries

• Laptops, Tablets, E-readers: These devices can typically remain in your carry-on, though you may need to remove them from your bag for separate screening at security checkpoints.
• Power Banks and Spare Lithium Batteries: These items are strictly prohibited in checked luggage due to fire risk. They must be transported in your carry-on bag.
• Medical Devices: Many medical devices, such as CPAP machines, are allowed in addition to your personal item and carry-on without charge. Always check with Frontier directly or the TSA for specific guidance on your particular device.

Familiarizing yourself with these security regulations before arriving at the airport helps ensure a smooth experience through the checkpoint.

Special Items and Exceptions

Certain items are often treated differently from standard baggage, sometimes allowing for additional items beyond the usual personal item or carry-on limits.

• Assistive Devices: Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes are generally transported free of charge and do not count towards your baggage allowance.
• Medical Equipment: Necessary medical devices, like oxygen concentrators or portable dialysis machines, can often be carried on without a fee. It is wise to contact Frontier customer service in advance to confirm their policy for your specific equipment.
• Diaper Bags: For passengers traveling with infants, a diaper bag is typically allowed as an additional free item. This bag should contain only items necessary for the infant during the flight.
• Small Musical Instruments: Instruments that fit within the personal item dimensions can be carried on for free. Larger instruments may require the purchase of a carry-on allowance or even an extra seat if they exceed carry-on size limits.
• Car Seats and Strollers: A car seat and stroller for a child are usually allowed free of charge as checked items. If you wish to bring a car seat into the cabin, you must purchase a seat for the child (or lap infant) and ensure the car seat is FAA-approved and fits the aircraft seat.

Always verify the current policy for any special items directly with Frontier Airlines, as rules can vary and are subject to change.

Final Bag Check: Avoiding Airport Surprises

A few simple steps before you leave for the airport can save you time, stress, and money when flying with Frontier.

1. Measure and Weigh at Home: Use a tape measure and a luggage scale to confirm your bags meet Frontier’s exact dimensions and weight limits. This is the most effective way to prevent gate fees.
2. Consolidate and Minimize: If you are traveling with multiple small bags, try to consolidate them into one personal item if possible. Every item beyond the free personal item will incur a cost unless it’s a specific exception.
3. Print or Download Boarding Pass: Having your boarding pass ready on your phone or as a printout streamlines the check-in process and helps you proceed directly to security if you have no checked bags.
4. Arrive Early: Budget airlines operate on tight schedules. Arriving with ample time allows you to address any unexpected baggage issues at the ticket counter, where fees are typically lower than at the gate.

Being prepared and informed about Frontier’s baggage rules transforms potential travel headaches into a smooth journey.