Frontier's Carry-On and Checked Bag Costs

Frontier charges for both carry-on bags and checked luggage on most fares. A standard carry-on bag costs $35 if you buy it when you book your flight, or $45 at the airport. A first checked bag runs $30 when purchased in advance, or $40 at the airport. A second checked bag costs $45 in advance or $55 at the airport. These prices explore to most of Frontier's base fares.

The catch is that Frontier's cheapest ticket tier—called the "Bare Fare"—includes no bags at all. If you book a Bare Fare and show up with a carry-on, you will be charged. The next tier up, called "Standard," includes one free carry-on bag but still charges for checked luggage. Only Frontier's higher-tier fares include a free carry-on and first checked bag.

Prices vary slightly by route and season, and Frontier occasionally runs promotions where bag fees are waived for certain bookings. The best way to know the exact cost for your specific flight is to enter your route and travel dates on Frontier's website—the bag fees appear during checkout before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Frontier's cheapest fares include no luggage allowance, so you pay $35 to $45 for a carry-on depending on when you purchase it.
  • A first checked bag costs $30 in advance or $40 at the airport; a second checked bag costs $45 or $55.
  • Higher-priced ticket tiers include one free carry-on and sometimes a free checked bag, so comparing the full ticket price—not just the base fare—matters.
  • Bag fees are shown during checkout on Frontier's website, so you can see the total cost before you book.

How Frontier's Fare Tiers Affect Luggage

Frontier sells four main ticket types, and each includes different luggage allowances. The Bare Fare is the lowest price but includes zero bags. The Standard fare includes one free carry-on bag. The Classic fare includes one free carry-on and one free checked bag. The Plus fare includes one free carry-on, one free checked bag, and priority boarding.

When you search for a flight on Frontier's website, you see the Bare Fare price first, which can look very cheap. But if you need to bring luggage, you have to either pay per bag or buy a higher ticket tier. Sometimes buying a Classic or Plus ticket costs less than buying a Bare Fare and then paying for bags separately. Always check the total price, including any bags you plan to bring, before deciding which fare to purchase.

Carry-On Bag Size and Weight Limits

Frontier allows one free carry-on bag (if your ticket tier includes it) with a maximum size of 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. The bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Frontier does not officially list a weight limit for carry-on bags, but the bag must be light enough for you to lift it yourself.

Personal items like a purse, backpack, or laptop bag do not count as your carry-on allowance and are free on all fares. You can bring one personal item in addition to your carry-on bag. If your carry-on is oversized or does not fit in the overhead bin, gate agents may ask you to check it, and you will be charged the checked bag fee if your ticket does not include a free checked bag.

Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits

Frontier allows checked bags up to 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and 50 pounds. Bags larger than 62 inches or heavier than 50 pounds are considered oversized or overweight and cost extra. An oversized bag (63 to 80 inches) costs $100. An overweight bag (51 to 100 pounds) costs $100. A bag that is both oversized and overweight costs $200.

Measure your bag before you pack it. The 62-inch limit is the sum of all three dimensions—so a bag that is 25 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 18 inches tall adds up to 63 inches and would be charged as oversized. Weigh your bag at home if possible, especially if you are packing heavy items like shoes or books. Paying $100 at the airport for an overweight bag is much more expensive than paying $30 or $45 in advance for a second checked bag.

When You Do Not Pay Bag Fees

Frontier does not charge bag fees for active military members, which includes members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. You must show a valid military ID at check-in. Frontier also does not charge for bags on certain promotional fares—these are advertised on Frontier's website and usually run for a limited time on specific routes.

Infants who do not occupy a seat can bring one free car seat or stroller. Children who occupy a seat are treated like adult passengers and must pay for bags according to their ticket tier. Frontier also does not charge for bags that are part of a group booking of 10 or more passengers, though you must book through Frontier's group sales team rather than the regular website.

How to Avoid Surprise Bag Fees

The easiest way to avoid surprise fees is to buy your bag allowance when you book your flight, not at the airport. Prices are lower in advance, and you will not be caught off guard at check-in. If you are unsure whether your ticket includes bags, log into your Frontier account and view your booking confirmation—it will list what is included.

If you are flying with a checked bag, buy the checked bag fee ($30) at the same time you book your ticket. If you are flying with only a carry-on, check your ticket tier first. If you have a Bare Fare, buy the carry-on fee ($35) during checkout. If you have Standard or higher, your carry-on is free and you do not need to do anything.

Pack light and measure your bags before you leave home. A carry-on that is slightly oversized might fit in the overhead bin, but a checked bag that is 65 inches will definitely be charged as oversized. Weighing your checked bag at home takes two minutes and can save you $100 at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a personal item for free on Frontier?

Yes. A personal item like a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag is free on all Frontier fares and does not count toward your carry-on allowance. You can bring one personal item plus one carry-on bag (if your ticket includes it) without extra charge.

What happens if my bag is one inch too big?

If your carry-on is oversized, a gate agent may ask you to check it at the gate. If your ticket does not include a free checked bag, you will be charged $40 at the airport. If your checked bag is oversized (over 62 inches), you will be charged $100. Measure before you pack to avoid this.

Do I have to pay for a bag if I book a refundable ticket?

No. Bag fees are separate from ticket refundability. A refundable Bare Fare still does not include bags, so you still pay for luggage. A refundable Classic fare still includes one free checked bag. The refund policy and bag policy are independent.

Can I buy a bag fee after I book my flight?

Yes. You can add a bag fee to your booking through your Frontier account up to 24 hours before departure. Prices are higher closer to your flight date, so buying in advance saves money. You can also buy a bag fee at the airport, but airport prices are the highest.

What if I have a connecting flight on Frontier?

Checked bags are checked through to your final destination, so you pay one checked bag fee for the entire trip, not per flight. Carry-on and personal item rules are the same on each flight segment.