Frontier is the king of the la carte model, and their baggage policy is where that really hits home. Unless you’re a high-tier elite member or booked a specific bundle, your ticket only covers one small personal item, think a school-sized backpack that can slide entirely under the seat. If you need the overhead bin or want to check a suitcase, you’ll have to pay, and those prices jump significantly the longer you wait. It’s a policy designed for the light traveler; if you show up at the gate with an unrecorded bag, the “gate fee” can sometimes cost more than the flight itself.
What is Frontier Airlines Baggage Policy?
When it comes to Frontier, you really have to think of your ticket as just a seat; everything else is an “extra.” Their baggage policy is basically designed to reward people who can pack light and punish anyone who waits until the last minute. You get one small personal item for free, but it has to be small enough to slide under the seat in front of you. If you need a “real” carry-on or a checked bag, you’re going to pay for it, and the price jumps significantly if you wait until you’re at the airport or, heaven forbid, the boarding gate.
The “Must-Know” Limits
- Free Personal Item: One bag (purse, small backpack) is free. It must be 14″ x 18″ x 8″ or smaller. They will check this in a sizer at the gate.
- Paid Carry-on: Max size is 24″ x 16″ x 10″ and it cannot weigh more than 35 lbs.
- Checked Bags: These are limited to 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) and a strict 40 lbs weight limit. Most other airlines give you 50 lbs, so watch out for that 10-lb difference.
Pro-Tips to Save Money
- Book Early: Bag prices are cheapest when you first buy your ticket. If you wait until check-in or the airport, the price can nearly double.
- The Weight Trap: If your checked bag is even a pound over 40 lbs, they’ll hit you with a heavy fee (usually around $75+).
- Bundle Up: If you know you need a bag and a seat assignment, look at their “Economy” or “Business” bundles; sometimes the math works out cheaper than adding things individually.
- Military Perk: Active duty military (with ID) usually get a free carry-on and two free checked bags.
Read more: What Is The Carry-On Baggage Policy For Copa Airlines?
What is the Frontier Airlines Carry On Bag Size Requirement?
When you’re dealing with Frontier, it’s best to view their carry-on rules as a strict “pay-to-play” system. Unlike your free personal item, a full-sized carry-on bag will cost you extra, and it has to stay within 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D that includes every bit of the wheels, handles, and side pockets. They are also one of the few airlines that care about weight for overhead bags, capping you at 35 lbs. Because they use those metal sizing bins at the gate, a bulging suitcase is a recipe for a massive last-minute fee.
What is the Frontier Airlines Carry On Weight Limit?
When you’re packing for a Frontier flight, you really have to keep an eye on the scale, even for your overhead bag. Most airlines don’t bother weighing carry-ons, but Frontier is a different story with their strict 35-pound limit. If you’re used to stuffing a heavy suitcase into the bin, you might get a rude awakening at the gate. It’s a bit of a balancing act since you’re already paying extra just to bring the bag, the last thing you want is a surprise fee because you packed a few too many heavy books or shoes.
What is the Frontier Airlines Carry On Baggage Policy in 2026?
In 2026, Frontier’s policy is still all about the “unbundled” experience meaning you only pay for what you actually use. Every passenger gets one small personal item for free, but anything that goes in the overhead bin is going to cost you. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they get to the airport to pay for a bag, where prices can skyrocket to over $100. If you know you need a carry-on, pay for it the second you book your flight to get the lowest rate. Also, be mindful that they’ve become very strict about using the sizing bins at the gate to catch oversized bags.
Here are the Specific Numbers You Need to Know For Your 2026 Trip:
- Free Personal Item: Must be 14″ x 18″ x 8″ or smaller (think a small backpack or purse). It has to fit entirely under the seat in front of you.
- Paid Carry-on Size: Maximum dimensions are 24″ x 16″ x 10″. This includes handles and wheels, so don’t ignore those extra inches.
- Carry-on Weight: You are capped at 35 lbs. They can and will weigh your bag if it looks heavy.
- Gate Fees: If your “personal item” doesn’t fit in the sizer, or you bring an unpaid carry-on to the gate, expect a fee of $99 or more on the spot.
- Military Exception: Active-duty U.S. military still get one free carry-on and two free checked bags (just bring your common access card).
Read more: What is the Carry-on Baggage Policy for Jetblue Airways?
What is the Frontier Airlines Checked Baggage Policy?
Checking a bag with Frontier in 2026 requires a bit more strategy than other airlines because of their lower weight limits. Most carriers give you 50 pounds, but Frontier caps standard checked bags at just 40 lbs. If you go even a pound over, you’ll get hit with a heavy fee, usually around $75. The size limit is the standard 62 linear inches. To save the most money, you must pay for your bags online when you first book your flight; otherwise, the price jumps significantly at the airport.
What is the Maximum Frontier Checked Bag Weight Allowed on Flights?
In 2026, the absolute maximum weight Frontier will allow for any checked bag is 100 pounds, but that isn’t the number you want to aim for. Their standard weight limit is surprisingly low at just 40 lbs. If you’re even a pound over that, you’ll face a heavy “overweight” fee of $75. If you push past 50 lbs, that fee jumps to $100. Basically, once your bag hits that 100-pound mark, they won’t even let it on the plane. Unless you’re flying Business Class which gives you a 50-lb limit you really need to pack light to avoid these steep penalties.
What is the Frontier Checked Bag Size Limit?
When you’re checking a bag on Frontier in 2026, the main number to keep in your head is 62 linear inches. To figure this out, you just add up the length, width, and height of your suitcase. If your bag is a standard large spinner, you’re usually fine, but definitely double-check because anything over that limit triggers a hefty $75 oversized fee.
- The 62-Inch Rule: Your bag’s total dimensions (L + W + H), including the wheels and handles, must not exceed 62 inches.
- Hard Stop at 110: They will flat-out refuse to fly any bag that measures more than 110 linear inches, so don’t try checking massive crates.
- Measure Twice: Use a tape measure at home; Frontier’s agents are trained to be very strict with their measurements to ensure everything fits their cargo specs.
How Much is Carried On For Frontier Airlines?
In 2026, the cost of a carry-on with Frontier is entirely dependent on how early you’re willing to commit. If you pay while booking your flight, you’re looking at roughly $30 to $69. However, if you wait until you’re standing at the boarding gate, that price can skyrocket to $99 or even $115. It’s a steep jump, so the golden rule is to buy your bag the moment you buy your ticket. Remember, your small personal item remains free, but anything for the overhead bin requires opening your wallet.
Read more: What is Allegiant Air Baggage Policy?
How Much is an Extra Checked Bag On Frontier Airlines?
Adding an extra checked bag on Frontier in 2026 is significantly more expensive than the first one. While your first bag might cost around $50–$60, a second bag typically jumps to roughly $75–$95 if you book it online. If you wait until you’re at the airport ticket counter, you could be looking at $100 or more. Because Frontier is a budget airline, they scale the price of every additional bag upward, so packing everything into one larger suitcase is almost always cheaper.
What are Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees?
In 2026, Frontier’s baggage fees are all about timing the longer you wait to pay, the more you’re going to get hit. While one personal item is free, carry-on and checked bags are paid “add-ons” that fluctuate based on your route and dates. Basically, you’re looking at around $50–$60 if you pay at booking, but that can easily surge to $99 if you’re forced to pay at the gate.
- At Booking: This is your best bet, with fees usually ranging from $53 to $62 for a first bag.
- Post-Booking/Check-in: If you add a bag after your initial purchase, expect to pay $69 to $74.
- The “Gate Trap”: If you wait until you’re at the boarding gate, the price jumps to a flat $99 or more.
- Overweight Penalty: If your checked bag is between 41–50 lbs, you’ll pay an extra $75; if it’s 51–100 lbs, that fee jumps to $100.
- Oversized Penalty: Any bag over 62 linear inches (but under 110) costs an additional $75.
What are the Frontier Airlines Baggage Restrictions?
In 2026, Frontier baggage restrictions are strictly focused on keeping the aircraft light and the turnaround times fast. You are limited to one free personal item that must hide under the seat, while everything else from carry-ons to checked luggage is a paid addition with zero margin for error. The airline uses gate sizers and scales religiously, so if your bag is even slightly over the dimensions or weight, they will charge you a “gate fee” that often costs more than the flight itself.
How Much Liquid Can I Take On Frontier Airlines?
In 2026, Frontier strictly follows the standard TSA rules for liquids, which means your carry-on is restricted by the 3-1-1 rule. You can’t just toss a full bottle of shampoo in your bag; every liquid, gel, or aerosol must be in a travel-sized container. If you have larger items, you’ll have to pack them in your checked luggage, where the rules are much more relaxed.
- The 3-1-1 Rule: All carry-on liquids must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, fit into one clear, quart-sized bag, and you’re allowed one bag per person.
- Checked Bag Freedom: You can pack full-sized bottles in your checked luggage, but for alcohol, there’s usually a limit of 5 liters per person if it’s between 24% and 70% ABV.
- The “Solid” Hack: To save space in your liquids bag, try switching to solid versions of toiletries, like bar soap, solid perfume, or tooth powder, which don’t count toward your limit.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, flying Frontier in 2026 is only a bargain if you play strictly by their rules. The key takeaway is that transparency isn’t their default you have to be your own advocate by measuring and weighing everything before you leave the house. If you pack light, stick to the 40-lb checked limit, and pay for your bags the moment you book, you’ll avoid those painful gate fees that can triple your travel costs. It’s all about being prepared so your “budget” flight actually stays on budget.
FAQ
Q.1 How Many Bags Can You Take On Frontier For Free?
Ans: On Frontier Airlines, you get one free small personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) that fits under the seat with any fare, but you pay extra for carry-on bags and checked bags unless you have a special fare bundle
Q.2 How Much Does Frontier Charge For Bags?
Ans: Expect to pay roughly $50-$100+ for a carry-on and $30-$90+ for a first checked bag when purchased early, with prices rising as you get closer to departure, and additional charges for bags over 40 lbs.
Q.3 What Is Not Allowed In A Carry-On Bag At Frontier?
Ans: Sharp objects, firearms, and tools are generally not allowed in carry-ons, but may be permitted in checked bags if properly packed.
Q.4 Will Frontier Charge Me For My Backpack?
Ans: Frontier allows one personal item for free, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.