Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
As the eighth-largest passenger airline in the United States, Frontier Airlines is known for its low-cost flights to more than 100 destinations—including several international ones. If you’re looking to save money on your next flight, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about booking with Frontier.
While flying with Frontier Airlines can be one of the best ways to save money on your travel, you’ll want to make yourself aware of this airline’s specific baggage policies and fees before you book. Unlike most other airlines, Frontier charges for every checked bag and has a lot of limitations when it comes to carry-on allowances. As a result, you’ll almost always need to budget for extra baggage fees when you fly with Frontier.
Still, with a bit of foresight and planning, you can maximize your savings and book a budget-friendly trip with Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines Checked and Carry-On Allowances
Unlike many airlines that include checked baggage with most fares, Frontier Airlines is able to offer such cheap fares because they charge for each checked bag unlike like other airline baggage fees such as Avianca Airlines baggage fees. They also charge for carry-on bags beyond your initial free personal item, so you’ll want to plan accordingly as you pack if you want to avoid hefty baggage fees with Frontier Airlines.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
No matter which type of fare you book with Frontier, you’ll need to pay if you plan on checking any bags. The specific amount you’ll pay can vary greatly depending on when you pay and how many bags you’re checking. For example, if you’re checking just one bag, you should expect to pay a minimum of $30. Second bags start at $45, and all bags beyond that will cost you at least $85 apiece. Be aware that this pricing is for a one-way flight, so if you’ve booked a round-trip fare, you may need to double those costs.
With Frontier Airlines, pricing for checked bags also increases based on when and how you pay for your luggage. You’ll pay the least for your checked bags if you pay at the time of your booking or online (which can be done up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure). On the other hand, fees for checked baggage are at their highest when you pay at the airport ticket counter or at the gate.
Be aware that if you plan on checking two or more bags, this will need to be done at the ticket counter; you cannot check this many bags at the gate.
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
Frontier Airlines allows all ticketed passengers to bring one personal item aboard the flight at no charge. This item should measure no greater than 18″ x 14″ x 8″, which is roughly the size of a purse, laptop bag, or briefcase. If you need to bring an additional carry-on bag beyond your permitted personal item, you will need to pay.
Standard carry-on items can measure no greater than 24″ x 16″ x 10″ and should weigh no more than 35 pounds. Pricing for a standard carry-on can vary from $35 to $60, depending on when you pay for it. You’ll pay the least if you pay for it at the same time you book your flight, and the highest cost will apply if you wait to pay at the gate or miss a flight.
If your standard carry-on weighs more than 35 pounds or measures greater than 24″ x 16″ x 10″, you will be required to check your bag and pay any applicable fees along with it.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’ll be traveling with a lap infant who does not require his or her own ticket, you will be permitted to bring a diaper bag (but not a garment bag) aboard at no additional charge. This does not have to count as your personal item, either. If you’re bringing a stroller along with you, you may also check this at the gate free of charge and it will be returned to you when you arrive at your destination.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
All checked bags on Frontier Airlines must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no greater than 62 linear inches. Carry-on bag sizes can vary depending on whether it’s a personal item or a standard-sized carry-on that you’ve paid for. Personal items should measure no greater than 18″ x 14″ x 8″, whereas standard bags can measure up to 24″ x 16″ x 10″.
There is no posted weight limit for personal items on Frontier Airlines, but standard carry-ons may not weigh greater than 35 pounds.
If you check an oversized or overweight bag, be prepared to pay additional fees. Specifically, overweight bags on Frontier Airlines are subject to a $75 fee, whereas oversized bags will be assessed an additional $75. Keep in mind that if your bag is larger than 110 linear inches or weighs more than 100 pounds, it will not be accepted.
Saving On Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
While Frontier Airlines has some of the heftiest baggage fees in the industry, there are plenty of ways to go about saving on these costs or avoiding them altogether.
Seek Reimbursement From Your Credit Card Company
Some credit card companies, such as Capital One, offer travel cards with baggage fee reimbursement perks. Check with your credit card company to see if this is offered to you and, if so, follow instructions for having your baggage fees reimbursed or credited back to your account after your trip.
Pay for Your Baggage Ahead of Time
Baggage fees on Frontier Airlines increase significantly the longer you wait to pay them. You’ll save up to 50% on your baggage fees if you simply pay for them at the time of your booking or online prior to 24 hours before your flight. On the flip side, you’ll pay the most for your baggage fees if you wait until you arrive at the airport check-in counter or the gate the pay.
Become an EarlyReturns Elite Member
If you do a lot of flying with Frontier Airlines, consider becoming an EarlyReturns member; this frequent-flyer program comes with a number of perks, including a complimentary carry-on bag for every flight.
Consider a Bundle Option
For many routes, Frontier Airlines offers “bundle” options that include some checked baggage and/or carry-on luggage at a discounted price than if you were to pay for them individually. These are known as “The Works” and “The Perks” bundles. If you see one available for your selected flight, it may be worth pricing it out to see if purchasing one would save you money.
Explore Exclusions and Waivers
Active members of the military are permitted one free carry-on bag and one free checked bag per flight. If this applies to you, just be sure to show proof of active military ID at the time of check-in.
Frontier Airlines Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about baggage fees and policies with Frontier Airlines/
Does Frontier Airlines include any checked bags with my fare?
No, Frontier Airlines requires passengers to pay for all checked bags. Some routes have the option to purchase a “bundle” that includes a carry-on bag and/or one checked bag, but otherwise, passengers should expect to pay for each checked bag and even standard carry-on bags.
How much will I pay to bring a carry-on bag with Frontier Airlines?
Fees or a carry-on bag will vary depending on when you pay for it. If you pay at the time of your booking, you can pay as little as $35 for a carry-on. If you wait until you arrive at the airport ticket counter or at the gate to pay for your carry-on, however, you can expect to pay between $50 and $60.
How do I pre-pay for baggage with Frontier Airlines?
Pre-paying for your baggage is one of the easiest ways to save money when flying with Frontier Airlines. In fact, pre-paying can save you as much as 50% on your baggage fees. You can do this by logging into the Frontier website with your flight information or using the Frontier app, which is free on both Android and Apple devices.
What if I need to travel with special equipment?
Frontier Airlines has specific policies and fees for special equipment, such as sports equipment and media gear. If you’ll be flying with any special equipment, check out their guidelines and TSA rules prior to your flight. You may be assessed additional fees, especially for oversized items. On the other hand, some equipment (such as medical items) may be eligible for waived or discounted fees. If you have any specific questions about traveling with special gear, your best bet is to contact the airline directly prior to your flight.
