Are Carry Ons Free On Frontier? | Know Before You Go

No, standard carry-on bags are generally not free on Frontier Airlines; only a personal item is included with your basic fare.

Navigating baggage policies on budget airlines can feel like deciphering a secret code, and Frontier Airlines is no exception. Understanding what you get for your base fare, especially concerning your carry-on, is key to a smooth and cost-effective journey.

Understanding Frontier’s Baggage Policy Basics

Frontier Airlines operates on an “a la carte” model, meaning the base ticket price covers your seat and a small personal item. Nearly everything else, including standard carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, and even beverages on board, comes with an additional fee. This model allows them to offer very competitive base fares, but it places the responsibility on the traveler to understand and account for potential extra costs.

Personal Item vs. Carry-On Bag

The distinction between a personal item and a carry-on bag is crucial on Frontier. A personal item is typically a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you. This is the only bag included free with your ticket. A standard carry-on bag, on the other hand, is larger and designed to be stowed in the overhead bin. This type of bag always incurs a fee on Frontier.

The size difference is significant. Personal items are generally restricted to dimensions around 18 x 14 x 8 inches (length x width x height), including handles and wheels. Carry-on bags are larger, typically up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. Always measure your bags before heading to the airport to avoid surprises.

The “Works” and “Perks” Bundles

Frontier offers fare bundles that can sometimes include a carry-on bag, along with other amenities like seat selection and priority boarding. The “Works” bundle, for example, often includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag, along with refundability and flexibility. The “Perks” bundle might offer a carry-on and seat selection. While these bundles cost more upfront, they can be more economical than adding each service individually, especially if you know you’ll need a carry-on and other extras. Evaluate your needs to determine if a bundle offers better value for your specific trip.

What Counts as a Free Personal Item?

A personal item on Frontier Airlines is designed to fit completely under the seat in front of you. Common examples include small backpacks, purses, briefcases, and laptop bags. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high, including any handles, wheels, or pockets. It’s important that your personal item adheres strictly to these measurements, as gate agents do check.

Maximizing the space within your personal item is a skill. Consider using travel-sized containers for liquids, rolling clothes tightly, and utilizing compressible packing cubes designed for small bags. Items like a jacket, a small pillow, or a book can often be carried separately without counting as an additional item, provided they are reasonable in size and can be stowed with your personal item. However, this varies by gate agent discretion, so it’s always safer to consolidate.

The Cost of a Carry-On Bag on Frontier

The fee for a carry-on bag on Frontier Airlines is variable and depends on several factors. These include when you purchase the bag allowance, your specific route, and whether you are part of their frequent flyer program. The general rule is: the earlier you pay for your bag, the less expensive it will be.

Pricing tiers typically include:

• Online during booking: This is usually the cheapest option. When you buy your ticket, you’ll have the opportunity to add bags at a lower rate.
• Online after booking (Manage My Booking): Fees are slightly higher than during the initial booking, but still more affordable than at the airport.
• At check-in (kiosk or counter): The cost increases significantly at this stage.
• At the gate: This is the most expensive option. If your bag is identified as a carry-on at the gate and you haven’t paid for it, you will be charged the highest fee, which can be substantial.

For example, a carry-on fee might range from $40-$60 when purchased online during booking, but jump to $60-$80 at the check-in counter, and potentially over $100 if paid at the gate. Always check the current fees for your specific flight on Frontier’s website before you travel.

Note: All fees are approximate and subject to change based on route, time of purchase, and other factors. Always verify current pricing on the airline’s official website.

Navigating Checked Bags with Frontier

While this article focuses on carry-ons, understanding checked bag options on Frontier can offer a different perspective on baggage strategy. Checked bags also come with a fee, and like carry-ons, the cost is lowest when purchased online during booking and increases significantly closer to departure or at the airport.

Frontier’s standard checked bag allowance is typically up to 62 linear inches (sum of length, width, and height) and a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Exceeding these limits will incur additional oversized or overweight fees, which can be quite steep. For instance, a bag over 40 pounds but under 50 pounds might cost an extra $50, and over 50 pounds could be $100 or more.

Comparing costs, sometimes a checked bag can be similarly priced or even slightly cheaper than a carry-on, especially if you’re traveling with a larger bag that would exceed carry-on dimensions anyway. For longer trips or when traveling with specialized gear, a checked bag might be a more practical and cost-effective solution than trying to squeeze everything into a paid carry-on. Always weigh the options based on your specific needs and the current fee structure for your flight.

Smart Packing Strategies for Frontier Flyers

Mastering the art of packing is essential for flying Frontier without breaking the bank. The goal is to maximize space within your free personal item or to efficiently pack a paid carry-on to avoid checked bag fees.

1. Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes tightly can save significant space compared to folding. This method also helps reduce wrinkles for many fabric types.
2. Utilize Compression Bags/Cubes: These can dramatically reduce the volume of soft items like clothing. Just be mindful that while they compress volume, they don’t reduce weight, which is important for checked bags.
3. Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you’re traveling with a heavy coat, boots, or multiple layers, wear them on the plane. This keeps them out of your bag and reduces your bag’s overall weight and volume.
4. Travel-Sized Toiletries: According to the TSA, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These must fit in a single quart-sized bag. Purchase travel-sized versions or use reusable containers to comply with these rules and save space.
5. Digitalize Documents: Store boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and other important documents on your phone or tablet to avoid carrying physical copies that take up space.
6. Pack Versatile Clothing: Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, reducing the total number of garments you need to pack.

Avoiding Unexpected Fees at the Airport

The best way to avoid surprise fees with Frontier is through careful preparation. Airlines like Frontier are strict about bag dimensions and weight, especially at the gate, where fees are highest.

First, always measure your bags at home. Use a tape measure to check length, width, and height, including wheels and handles. Many travelers underestimate these dimensions. If you’re close to the limit, consider a soft-sided bag that can be squeezed into the sizer. Second, if you plan to bring a carry-on or checked bag, purchase the allowance online during booking or through the “Manage My Booking” section well before your travel date. This is consistently the cheapest option.

Third, double-check your reservation details before heading to the airport. Confirm that any pre-paid bag allowances are correctly reflected. If you’re unsure, contact Frontier’s customer service. Finally, be prepared for gate agents to check your personal item as well. If it’s too large or looks like a carry-on, they may require you to pay the gate fee. Being prepared means having your payment method ready, though ideally, you’ve avoided this scenario entirely.

Special Items and Exceptions

Certain items are generally exempt from standard baggage fees, even on Frontier Airlines. These typically include medical devices, assistive aids, and items for infants or young children. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers are usually carried free of charge. Similarly, car seats and strollers for children are often allowed free of charge, though they may need to be checked at the gate.

Duty-free purchases made at the airport after security screening usually do not count towards your personal item or carry-on limit, provided they are reasonable in size and can be stowed safely. However, it’s always wise to confirm this directly with the airline or at the duty-free shop, as policies can sometimes vary. Personal breast pumps and their associated accessories are also typically allowed as an additional item without charge. Always verify the most current policies for special items on Frontier’s official website or by contacting their customer service.