3 Ways to Avoid Frontier Carry-On Fees (And Other FAQs)
Frontier Airlines is known for a lot of things: cheap fares, extra fees that change cheap fares into expensive fares, low customer satisfaction and a low reliability score when it comes to on-time flights. All that to say, Frontier is not the worst airline. That title goes to Spirit Airlines. (Congrats?) If none of those facts sent you running, the Frontier Airlines carry-on policy and the accompanying fees might. Here’s what you need to know before booking your next flight.
What size carry-on is allowed on Frontier?
Frontier Airlines carry-on dimensions are 22 in x 16 in x 10 in, including wheels, handles and straps. (If you’re playing along at home, that’s the same carry-on size as Allegiant.)
Is there a weight limit for Frontier Airlines carry-ons?
Yes. Frontier Airlines carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds. That’s the equivalent of a cinder block or a 4 year old.
What is the Frontier Airlines personal item size?
Frontier personal items cannot exceed 18 in x 14 in x 8 in. As I mentioned above, Frontier doesn’t charge for personal items. If you’re traveling with a child between the ages of 7 days and 2 years old, passengers can bring a second personal item for free.
How strict is Frontier Airlines with personal item size?
Very strict. Frontier has this warning on their website in big, bold letters:
NOTE: The size of your personal item will be checked during boarding. Items larger than the allowed dimensions are subject to an additional charge.
If you’re looking for a personal item that will pass the Frontier luggage sizer, check out these United Airlines personal item size bags and JetBlue personal item size bags. All of the bags and backpacks featured will work for Frontier.
Are carry-ons free on Frontier Airlines?
Nope. Frontier Airlines carry-on bag fees are similar to Spirit and Allegiant. That means it all depends on where you’re flying to and when you add it to your booking.
Here’s an example of how much a carry-on bag would cost each way on a flight from Los Angeles to Nashville.
Moral of the story: If you want to pay the lowest Frontier carry-on bag fee possible, pay when you book your ticket.
Is there a way to avoid paying Frontier carry-on fees?
There are three ways to avoid paying Frontier Airlines carry-on fees.
- Only bring a personal item. A personal item is free for all passengers.
- Be an active military personnel. Frontier will extend baggage waivers for one free personal item, one free carry-on bag and two free checked bags to “current members of the military who are serving or may be called to serve.” The baggage waivers are also extended to their accompanying spouse and children. All you have to do is present your Common Access Card (CAC) or an Armed Forces of the United States Identification Card at the airport check-in counter or at the gate.
- Frontier Elite Status. Elite Gold, Elite Platinum or Elite Diamond members receive one free carry-on bag.
For the sake of research, I also looked up Frontier airlines baggage hacks and some of the suggestions are…out there. Someone suggested wearing a fisherman’s jacket and stuffing the pockets. Another said wear multiple layers of clothes a la Joey Tribbiani on “Friends.”
While wearing bulky items like a jacket or sweater or your heaviest shoes is a legitimate suggestion to increase space and reduce weight, don’t wear all your clothes on the plane. (Looking at you person on Reddit who asked if they should wear FOUR OUTFITS on their flight to avoid paying the fee.) Honestly, that’s just nuts and sounds like a great way to have a heat stroke. And I’m pretty sure a trip to the hospital is a lot more expensive than carry-on fees.
Have you flown Frontier Airlines? Share your carry-on hacks in the comments!
