Flying with an infant on Frontier Airlines is surprisingly straightforward, especially for a budget carrier that usually charges for every extra. If your baby is between seven days and two years old, they can fly as a lap infant for free on domestic flights, which is a huge relief for the travel budget. While Frontier is famous for its strict bag sizes, they give parents a pass here: you’re allowed to bring a diaper bag for free in addition to your own personal item. You can also gate-check a stroller and car seat without paying a dime. It’s a no-frills experience, but they definitely make sure the “essential” baby gear doesn’t break the bank.
What Are Frontier Airlines Infant Policy Rules?
Frontier infant policy is surprisingly flexible for a budget airline, especially when it comes to the “hidden” costs of parenting. As long as your baby is at least 7 days old, they can fly as a lap infant for free on domestic flights until their second birthday. The best part is the baggage loophole: Frontier allows you to bring one additional diaper bag for free, which is a rare win on an airline that usually charges for every square inch of carry-on space.
2026 Frontier Infant Rules & Perks
- The Diaper Bag Bonus: While regular passengers are limited to one small personal item, parents with a lap infant are allowed to bring one extra diaper bag into the cabin at no additional cost.
- Free Gate-Checked Gear: You can check one stroller and one car seat per child completely free of charge. This can be done at the ticket counter or at the gate right before you board.
- Lap Infant Boarding Pass: Even if they aren’t paying for a seat, your infant must have a boarding pass. You’ll need to add them to your reservation by chatting with an agent, as this often can’t be done solo online.
- Seating Restrictions: For safety, lap infants are prohibited from Row 1 (due to airbag seatbelts) and any exit rows. If you’re traveling with two infants alone, one must have a purchased seat and an FAA-approved car seat.
- Age Verification: Always carry a copy of your baby’s birth certificate. Frontier agents may ask for it to verify that your “lap infant” hasn’t secretly hit their second birthday.
Read more: What Is Frontier Airlines Baggage Policy? Carry-On, Checked Bags & Fees
What Is Frontier Infant Baggage Allowance?
Frontier baggage rules for babies are actually a rare bright spot on an airline that otherwise charges for everything. If you’re traveling with a lap infant, you’re entitled to bring a diaper bag for free, which doesn’t count against your own small personal item. It’s a huge relief because it means you aren’t forced to shove diapers and bottles into your own tiny backpack just to avoid those famous Frontier fees.
2026 Frontier Infant Baggage Breakdown
- The Diaper Bag Bonus: Adults traveling with a lap infant can bring one extra diaper bag into the cabin at no charge. This is a dedicated exemption from the “one personal item only” rule.
- Free Gate-Checked Gear: You can check one stroller and one car seat per child for $0. You can do this at the ticket counter or right at the gate if you need the stroller to get through the airport.
- Formula & Milk: Breast pumps, breast milk, and formula are considered medical necessities. They do not count toward your baggage limit and can exceed the usual 3.4 oz liquid restriction.
- Checked Bag Tip: If you decide to check a bag for baby clothes, be aware that Frontier standard weight limit is 40 lbs (lower than the typical 50 lbs on other airlines), so watch those heavy packs of wipes.
What Is The Frontier Infant Seat Policy?
Choosing to buy a dedicated seat for your infant on Frontier is the ultimate move for parent sanity and safety, especially since it allows you to bring an FAA-approved car seat right into the cabin. While lap-sitting is the budget-friendly classic, having that extra space means your little one is securely harnessed during those unpredictable bumps of turbulence. Just keep in mind that Frontier has a few logical “no-go” zones for these seats; you can’t set them up in Row 1 or any exit rows because they could block the path in an emergency. You’ll want to aim for a window seat to stay out of the way of the drink cart and other passengers. It’s also worth double-checking that your car seat has that essential red FAA sticker, as the gate agents are pretty diligent about verifying it before you board. If the seat is certified, it’s a smooth way to give everyone their own zone for the flight.
Read more: What Is United Airlines Infant Policy? | Lap Child Fees, Rules & Age Limit
2026 Frontier Seat Quick-Check
- Certification: Look for the label with red lettering stating the seat is approved for “motor vehicle and aircraft use.”
- Dimensions: Frontier seat widths in 2026 are approximately 16.5″ to 17.4″, so slim car seats work best to avoid fighting with the armrests.
- CARES Harness: This FAA-approved belt system is a great alternative for kids 22–44 lbs who have their own seat but don’t need a bulky plastic chair.
- Booster Rules: You can bring a booster for the rental car, but it cannot be used during takeoff or landing because it requires a shoulder belt to be safe.
- Family Seating: Frontier guarantees that children 13 and under sit next to an adult on the same reservation at no extra charge, even if you don’t pay for seat selection.
What Are Amenities Provided By Frontier Airlines?
Frontier is the ultimate “bring your own” airline, where the low fares mean you aren’t paying for extras you might not actually use. Unlike full-service carriers, you won’t find seat-back screens, power outlets, or free Wi-Fi here, though they are currently in the process of rolling out “Frontier Sync” high-speed internet across the fleet in early 2026. Everything from a can of soda to a snack box is available for purchase only, so most savvy travelers pack their own headphones and pre-downloaded movies. While the seats are famously “pre-reclined” to save space, the airline does offer “UpFront Plus” seating for those who want a guaranteed empty middle seat and a bit more elbow room. It’s a bare-bones setup that works perfectly as long as you come prepared with your own entertainment and a full water bottle.
2026 Onboard Service & Perks
- The Buy-on-Board Menu: Expect to pay around $3.50 for sodas and $7–$10 for snack packs like “Griz’s Snack Pack.” They also serve beer, wine, and spirits for those looking to relax at 30,000 feet.
- New for 2026: Wi-Fi Rollout: Frontier is actively installing Wi-Fi across its Airbus fleet. Look for the “Frontier Sync” logo on your aircraft to see if your flight is one of the lucky ones with streaming-quality internet.
- UpFront Plus & First Seats: Frontier has introduced a “First Class” feel with First Seats in the front rows, offering a 2×2 layout, extra legroom, and a much more spacious experience compared to the standard 29-inch pitch in the back.
- Trading Cards for Kids: One of the most charming freebies is the collectible animal trading cards. Each plane has a specific animal on its tail, and kids can ask the flight attendants for the matching card to start a collection.
- Digital Check-In: To avoid extra fees at the airport, use the Frontier mobile app for your boarding pass. In 2026, the app also allows you to track your bags and pre-order snacks on select routes.
Read more: What Is Copa Airlines Infant Policy? Lap Infant Rules, Baggage & Stroller Guidelines
Conclusion
Ultimately, navigating the Frontier with an infant is a masterclass in “budget travel done right” as long as you know the specific loopholes. While the airline is famous for its strict a la carte pricing, the exemptions for parents like the free extra diaper bag and complimentary gate-checking for strollers and car seats provide a much-needed financial break. Whether you choose the free lap-infant route for a quick domestic hop or invest in a separate seat for better safety and comfort, the key is preparation. By packing your own snacks, downloading entertainment, and bringing a copy of that birth certificate, you can bypass the usual budget-travel stress and focus on the adventure ahead.
FAQ
Q.1 Does A Diaper Bag Count As A Carry-on Frontier?
Ans: Yes there are limits on how many bags you can bring, and they vary by type: Carry-On Bags: You’re allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item
Q.2 Do I Need My Baby’s Birth Certificate To Fly Frontier?
Ans: For domestic flights on Fronteir Airlines, minors under 18 generally don’t need ID, but a birth certificate (or school ID) can be useful for age verification, especially for lap infants or if they look older.
Q.3 Does A Diaper Bag Count As A Carry-on?
Ans: These don’t count as your personal item or carry-on: Diaper bags (1 per child) Breast pump. Small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk.
Q.4 Does A Stroller Count As A Checked Bag?
Ans: Children’s strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free.
