Are Carry On Bags Free On Frontier? | Smart Packing

No, Frontier Airlines charges for carry-on bags that fit in the overhead bin; only one small personal item is free.

Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like solving a puzzle, especially with ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier. Understanding what’s included in your ticket and what incurs an extra fee is essential for a smooth and budget-friendly trip.

The Frontier Airlines Baggage Model: A Closer Look

Frontier Airlines operates on an “unbundled” fare system, designed to offer some of the lowest base ticket prices available. This means your initial fare covers your seat and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Everything else, including seat selection, checked bags, and carry-on bags for the overhead bin, is an add-on service.

This à la carte approach allows travelers to customize their journey, paying only for the services they intend to use. However, it places the responsibility on the passenger to clearly understand these distinctions and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected costs at the airport.

Personal Item vs. Carry-On Bag: The Critical Distinction

The core of Frontier’s baggage policy lies in differentiating between a personal item and a carry-on bag. Knowing the exact dimensions for each is paramount.

• Personal Item: This is the one free bag you can bring. It must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Frontier’s maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 8 inches high (18″ L x 14″ W x 8″ H), including handles, wheels, and any attached pockets. Common examples include small backpacks, purses, briefcases, or laptop bags.
• Carry-On Bag: This bag is stored in the overhead bin and always incurs a fee. Frontier’s maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 24 inches long x 16 inches wide x 10 inches high (24″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H), including handles and wheels. This is typically a standard rolling suitcase or a larger backpack.

Gate agents rigorously enforce these size limits using bag sizers. If your bag exceeds the personal item dimensions, it will be considered a carry-on, and you will be charged the higher gate-side fee.

Understanding Carry-On Bag Fees on Frontier

Frontier’s carry-on bag fees are dynamic, varying based on several factors, including your specific route, the time of year, and most significantly, when and where you purchase the bag allowance. The golden rule is always to purchase your bag allowance as early as possible.

When to Pay for Your Carry-On

The cost escalates dramatically the closer you get to your departure time and the airport. The cheapest option is always to purchase your carry-on bag allowance online during your initial flight booking. The price will increase if you add it later through the “Manage My Booking” section online or via the Frontier app. It becomes even more expensive if purchased at the airport kiosk or ticket counter, and the highest fees are applied if you wait until the boarding gate.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Beyond the purchase point, the specific route and demand for that flight can also influence the carry-on fee. Shorter, less popular routes might have slightly lower fees compared to longer, high-demand routes. Always check the exact pricing for your specific itinerary on Frontier’s website before you travel.

Purchase Point	Personal Item	Carry-On Bag (Overhead)
Online (Initial Booking)	Free	Lowest Fee
Online (Post-Booking)	Free	Medium Fee
Call Center/Airport Kiosk	Free	Higher Fee
At the Gate	Free (if compliant)	Highest Fee

Maximizing Your Free Personal Item Allowance

Since only the personal item is free, strategic packing can save you significant money. Focus on efficient use of space within the 18″x14″x8″ limit.

• Wear Bulky Items: If you need to bring a heavy jacket or bulky shoes, wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
• Compression Packing Cubes: These can significantly reduce the volume of clothing, allowing more to fit into your personal item.
• Consolidate Electronics: A laptop, tablet, and chargers often take up considerable space. Plan to carry only essentials.
• Utilize Pockets: Your jacket pockets, if worn, can hold small items like passports, boarding passes, or a phone, freeing up space in your bag.

Remember that the personal item must fit completely under the seat without impeding the space of the passenger in front or behind you. Overstuffing can lead to it not fitting the sizer, resulting in a gate charge.

Checked Bags vs. Carry-Ons: A Cost Comparison

When faced with paying for a bag, it’s worth comparing the cost of a carry-on versus a checked bag. Sometimes, especially for longer trips or if you need to bring more items, a checked bag might be a more economical or practical choice.

Checked bags typically have larger size and weight allowances (up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches L+W+H) compared to carry-ons. While they also incur a fee, the price difference between a carry-on and a first checked bag purchased online is often minimal, and sometimes a checked bag can even be cheaper depending on the route and timing.

Weighing the Options

Consider the trade-offs. A carry-on offers convenience; you have immediate access to your belongings and avoid waiting at baggage claim. However, it comes with strict size limits and a fee on Frontier. A checked bag provides more space and less to manage through the airport but means waiting at your destination and the potential for delays or loss, though rare. For many, the peace of mind of having all essentials on hand outweighs the cost of a carry-on, provided it fits the dimensions.

Bag Type	Max Dimensions (L x W x H)	Max Weight	Storage Location
Personal Item	18″ x 14″ x 8″	No specific weight limit, must fit sizer	Under seat
Carry-On Bag	24″ x 16″ x 10″	No specific weight limit, must fit sizer	Overhead bin
Checked Bag (Standard)	62 linear inches (L+W+H)	50 lbs	Cargo hold

Essential Packing Tips for Frontier Travelers

Beyond bag fees, general packing guidelines remain crucial for air travel. These rules apply regardless of whether your bag is free or paid.

• Liquids Rule: According to the TSA, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes carried onto planes must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule, meaning containers are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, fitting in one quart-sized bag, with one bag allowed per passenger.
• Valuables and Medications: Always keep essential medications, important documents, money, jewelry, and other irreplaceable items in your personal item. This ensures they are always with you.
• Prohibited Items: Be aware of items not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags, such as certain flammable materials, explosives, or large sharp objects. Check TSA guidelines for a comprehensive list.
• Battery Safety: Spare lithium batteries and power banks must always be in your personal item or carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, due to fire hazard risks.

Thoughtful packing not only makes your journey smoother but also helps you stay compliant with airline and security regulations.

Special Cases and Exceptions

While the general rule is that carry-on bags are not free, there are specific scenarios where this policy might be altered or waived.

• Bundles: Frontier offers various bundle options, such as “The WORKS℠” or “The PERKS℠,” which often include a carry-on bag, a checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding. If you plan on adding multiple services, purchasing a bundle can sometimes be more cost-effective than buying each item individually.
• Frontier Miles Elite Status: Members of Frontier’s loyalty program who achieve Elite status (Gold, Platinum, or Diamond) receive benefits that include free carry-on bags and/or checked bags. The specific allowance depends on your Elite tier.
• Active Duty Military Personnel: Active duty military personnel may receive certain baggage waivers. It is always best to verify the current policy directly with Frontier Airlines or on their official website, as policies can be subject to change.

The Boarding Process and Bag Enforcement

Frontier gate agents are diligent in checking bag sizes and ensuring compliance with policies before boarding. They use metal sizers to verify that personal items and carry-on bags meet the specified dimensions. If your personal item does not fit the sizer, you will be required to pay the gate-side carry-on fee. If your carry-on bag exceeds the dimensions, it will be checked at the gate, incurring the highest possible checked bag fee.

Being prepared and ensuring your bags comply with the stated dimensions and weight limits will prevent delays and unexpected charges at the boarding gate. It ensures a smooth and stress-free start to your flight.