Frontier Airlines is a favorite for budget travelers looking to save big on flights. But when it comes to baggage, how strict are they? If you're curious about their carry-on, personal item, or checked luggage policies, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you fly.
All airlines vary some on size or eight restrictions. with some major airlines offering a free carry-on bag. Even domestic flights are different from international flights by most airlines, plus baggage policy changes can happen anytime with any airline. Various airlines will shock you with their changes, for example, I just realized United Airlines, a major airline in the United States, is charging for a carry-on item, making an ultra-low-cost carrier more appealing for some.
Understanding How Strict Frontier Airlines is on Carry-On Size.
Frontier Airlines is well-known for its ultra-low fares, but a key trade-off is their strict baggage rules. They charge for nearly every piece of luggage, from carry-ons to checked bags, to keep ticket prices low. If you're not prepared, you might be hit with unexpected fees at the gate.
Key details about carry-on baggage:
Dimensions must not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches (including handles and wheels).
Fees range from $35 to $75 per carry-on, depending on when you pay (buying ahead online is the cheapest option). Still Frontier charges differ for each flight.
Every carry-on purchase puts you in boarding zone 1, meaning you'll have early access to overhead bins.
Frontier provides size check bins at the gate, so make sure your bag fits to avoid extra charges. I love the luggage size check displays at the gate. These can be helpful if you are unsure. Personally, I rely on a large backpack or small hard-shell suitcase with wheels.
I double-check the dimensions before purchasing to meet their exact carry-on specs. Diaper Bags, large back packs, and other larger items will be considered Carry-On size. But if you are planning on something more than a small suitcase, check it at the main counter.
Personal Item Policy
Frontier Airlines allows every passenger to bring one personal item for free, but their size restrictions are strict. Items must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you. That purse or sleek laptop bag? Perfect. A crammed backpack bursting at the seams? You'll likely be charged for a carry-on.
To keep things simple (and cost-effective), I often stick to a small, lightweight backpack as my free personal item. Bonus tip? Travel vacuum sealers are a travel hack and lifesavers if you want to neatly compress your clothes to fit everything in that free bag.
Just remember Personal Items are not allowed to be stored in the overhead bin during flight. These bags have to be stored under the seat in front of you, so that in itself means the bag needs to be small. A small backpack, tote bags, or computer bags can work for this. Small suitcases will not work as a personal item. Of course, many women just use this are for their purses and call it a personal item, which works for most purses. There are some really large purses out there though.
When you purchase your airplane ticket, unless you upgrade, you will be in basic economy. This means personal item only and a different loading zone than those with a carry-on bag. This helps to force you to put the luggage under the seat in front of you, as the overhead bins fill up first, and personal items are not to be placed in the overhead bin. If you are a light packer, personal bags are the best way to travel on a budget airline.
Checked Luggage Rules
Planning a long trip? Here's the scoop on Frontier's checked luggage rules:
Size limits: Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
Weight limits: Bags must weigh no more than 40 pounds (yes, this is stricter than most other airlines).
Overweight bags incur extra fees up to $50, so pack carefully.
I learned my lesson about Frontier’s weight limits the hard way. On a trip from Charlotte to Orlando, my bag was two pounds over. I found myself frantically transferring items into my carry-on at the counter, alongside other travelers facing similar situations.
How Strict Are They, Really?
So how strict is Frontier Airlines on carry on bags. From my experience and what I’ve witnessed at gates, Frontier strictly enforces their bag policies. If your carry-on or personal item looks too big, gate agents may ask you to pay extra fees. While they might not always measure every single bag, don’t take chances. It’s not worth the stress of being caught off guard.
Other budget airlines like Spirit are sometimes even stricter, but Frontier still holds firm to its rules. If you look at TikTok or any other social media site you will see videos where Frontier has been extremely strict, but I have seen more videos on how Spirit Airlines has enforced these bag sizes and upset customers. Personally, I do not rely on these videos as much, they tend to be one sided and that the customer is always right. Working in retail most of my life, I have seen customers are not always right and will act out to get their way. I do understand this feeling, but when you are booking with the budget airlines you should still obey their rules.
Personal Experiences
I have never had an issue using a backpack as a small personal item for a Frontier flight. I also have not had an issue when I needed to purchase a carry on and use my small hardcase roller luggage. I have not seen any issues where gate attendants' fuss and fight with customers on the size or weight of their bags, for personal or carry on at the actual gate, but I did not see an oversized duffel bag. (I was looking because I knew I would be writing a blog on it soon)
What I have seen is gate attendants for Spirit Airlines argue with customers over their bags sizes, and force them to pay for a carry on instead of calling it a personal item. I have seen tensions high, so high that the Spirit attendant called security to remove a customer from the area, so he was not complying with the same luggage guidelines that Frontier uses. He had a larger bag than what was allowed to be called a personal item, and I agreed with the airlines for calling him out. But the escalation by both the customer and the airlines was sad to see. If you are ever in one of these situations, do not stand up the airlines, you will lose. Just get out your credit card and go online and pay the higher price for the carry-on luggage.
When packing a backpack, it was always for a 4 day or less trip, I tend to pack light anyways which is perfect for using the lowest price airlines. Sometimes the bag fees will cost you so much for a round-trip flight, it would be cheaper to book on American Airlines. For example, my 10-day trip to Tampa last year. I did a personal item for free and a carry- on (using my small hard case). I did not pack a checked bag, as I hate waiting at the airport for the bag to pop out at luggage pick up. My flight was $69, and my return flight was $69, but my carry-on bag was $50 going and $70 coming back. This made my total round-trip cost $259. American Airlines was $258, not much difference in price is it.
My advice during the booking process, make sure the carry-on bag fees do not make the budget flight more than a major airline that flies to the same airport. I have flown to Orlando, Denver, Las Vegas, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale with Frontier, but each time I knew ahead of time what size luggage I would be taking before booking the trip. If doing checked, carry on and personal items, major airlines could be cheaper than budget airlines.
Practical Tips for Flying Frontier Airlines
Measure and weigh your bags in advance. Invest in a luggage scale to avoid surprises at check-in.
Pre-purchase your baggage online. This can save you money, as fees are often much higher at the gate. The airline's website is a great tool to use before your flight.
Pack light and use a free personal item. Master the art of minimalist packing to avoid paying for a carry-on.
Bundle perks for savings. Frontier offers bundles where you can combine seat upgrades and baggage fees at a discounted rate.
Carry your medicines or smaller medical devices in Carry on or Personal item. You do not want to risk it being broken or lost with being placed in a checked bag. This is for any airline. The budget or major airlines will agree.
Ask questions at the check-in counter. My checked bag was over the weight limit once at the check in counter, so I was glad for their help. Let me unpack some stuff and put it in my carry on for this 21-day trip I was taking.
Pack a Compliant Personal Item. When flying Frontier, sticking to the 18 x 14 x 8-inch limit for personal items is non-negotiable if you want to dodge surprise fees. Trust me, those dimensions matter—big time. There are countless online videos of Frontier gate agents rigorously checking bag sizes, and while I haven’t witnessed it myself, you don’t want to be the one stuffing, pushing, or wrestling your bag into the size checker. If it doesn’t fit easily and comfortably, you’ll likely have to pay to upgrade your bag from a personal item to a carry-on, or worse, from a carry-on to checked luggage. It’s better to double-check sizing at home and save yourself the hassle (and expense).
Arrive Early. Arriving early is a golden rule for peace of mind, especially when flying with strict baggage policies. Having extra time means you can handle any potential issues long before boarding starts. If you’re unsure about your bag’s size or have any concerns, ask a Frontier staff member for clarification before heading to the security check area. It’s always better to be prepared than rushed!
Use the Mobile App. It is convenient, and a great way to pay for carry-on or checked luggage.
Flying with Frontier is a great way to save money, but their strict baggage policies mean preparation is key. By understanding the rules and packing smart, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Conclusion
Navigating Frontier Airlines’ baggage policies can feel like solving a puzzle, but with a bit of preparation and know-how, you can avoid unnecessary stress and costs. Familiarize yourself with their size and weight rules for personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage to stay ahead of the game. Packing smartly and arriving early not only saves money but ensures a smooth travel experience. Low-cost airlines can be your best travel buddy for your next trip, if you play by their rules—so pack wisely and enjoy your adventure. Happy flying!
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