Frontier Airlines typically charges between $30 and $55 for a pre-booked carry-on bag online, while a gate-checked carry-on costs $60. The first checked bag ranges from $30 to $50, with prices varying based on the specific route and when you purchase the baggage allowance.
How Much Does Frontier Airlines Charge For Bags?
As of 2026, Frontier charges $30–$55 online for a pre-booked carry-on, $60 at the gate for gate-checked carry-ons, and $30–$50 for the first checked bag, depending on route and time of purchase.
These fees are per segment, per passenger, and can significantly increase if you wait to purchase baggage at the airport or, worse, at the gate. Always check the current fees on Frontier's official website or through their app before your flight, as policies can change. Remember, only a personal item that fits under the seat is included for free with most fares.
How do I avoid paying baggage fees on Frontier Airlines?
Travel with only a free personal item; pay for baggage during booking; purchase a specialty fare; join myFRONTIER; present military ID; or use a travel rewards card with fee credits.
Frontier’s “personal item” must fit under the seat in front of you (up to 18” x 14” x 8”). If you plan to bring a larger carry-on or any checked bag, pre-pay online during booking to save up to $20 versus paying at the airport. Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders are exempt from all baggage fees when presenting proper ID, a policy confirmed by the Military.com travel section. Consider the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard, which can offer benefits like priority boarding and waived baggage fees for cardholders, as detailed by CreditCards.com.
Is a backpack free with Frontier?
No—Frontier doesn’t include a free carry-on, including backpacks; only one personal item is free.
Your backpack counts as a personal item only if it fits under the seat (≤ 18” x 14” x 8”). Make sure to measure it accurately; a tight fit into the sizer at the airport can still lead to fees if it's over. Anything larger must be paid for as a carry-on or checked bag, and these fees increase significantly if not purchased in advance online.
What size bag can you carry-on Frontier for free?
Frontier’s free personal item must be no larger than 18” x 14” x 8” and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Measure your bag before you leave for the airport—gate agents strictly enforce this limit. If your bag exceeds these dimensions, they’ll charge you the carry-on fee ($30–$55 online) or gate-check it for $60. Wheeled bags under this size are allowed as personal items, but ensure the wheels and handles are included in the overall dimensions.
How much is a bag at the airport?
At the airport, Frontier charges $30 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second, and $150+ for the third or more, plus overweight fees of $50–$100 per bag.
Baggage category
Fee at airport
Max size
First checked bag
$30
62" (linear)
Second checked bag
$45
62" (linear)
Third checked bag
$150+
62" (linear)
Fourth+ checked bag
$200+
62" (linear)
Overweight 41–50 lbs
$50
N/A
Overweight 51–100 lbs
$100
N/A
These prices jump dramatically at the airport, making pre-purchase online the most cost-effective option. If you gate-check a carry-on because it exceeds personal item dimensions, expect to pay a $60 fee, which is a steep penalty for not checking ahead.
Does Frontier charge for checked bags?
Yes—Frontier charges for all checked bags; the first checked bag is $30–$50 depending on route and purchase timing.
Bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 50 pounds. Overweight bags (41–50 lbs) incur a $50 fee, and bags 51–100 lbs run $100. Bags over 100 lbs aren’t accepted, so weigh your luggage at home to avoid surprises. Fees are per passenger, per direction, so a round trip means double the cost if you're not careful.
How do I sneak a carry-on on Frontier Airlines?
Attempting to "sneak" a carry-on onto Frontier Airlines that exceeds personal item dimensions is not recommended and will likely result in significantly higher fees or even boarding denial.
Frontier gate agents are vigilant about baggage sizing and will often make passengers place their bags in a sizer. If your bag is too large, you will be charged the gate-check fee, which is typically the highest possible fee for that bag. It's always best to be transparent and pay for the appropriate baggage size in advance to avoid stress and unexpected expenses at the airport.
How much do bags cost?
For a first bag over 62 inches, Frontier charges $30–$50 online; other major U.S. airlines like Alaska, American, Delta, and JetBlue also typically charge between $30 and $200 depending on fare, elite status, and purchase timing.
Carrier
First Bag Fee (online)
Overweight Fee (50 lbs)
Alaska Airlines
$30
$100
American Airlines
$30
$200
Delta Air Lines
$30
$200
JetBlue Airways
$30
$150
Frontier Airlines
$30–$50
$50–$100
Prices vary by airline, route, and purchase method, with online pre-booking almost always offering the best rate. Overweight fees can double or triple the base cost, so always weigh your bags at home. For specific current pricing, always check the individual airline's website.
How much should baggage cost?
In 2026, most U.S. airlines charge $30–$35 for the first checked bag when purchased online, though Southwest Airlines uniquely offers two free checked bags.
Airline
Checked Bag Size
1st Checked Bag Fee (online)
United Airlines
62 in / 50 lbs
$35
Southwest Airlines
62 in / 50 lbs
Free
JetBlue Airways
62 in / 50 lbs
$35
Alaska Airlines
62 in / 50 lbs
$30
Frontier Airlines
62 in / 50 lbs
$30–$50
Consider airline credit cards that include free checked bags or elite status if you fly frequently, as these can offset costs significantly. Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline with truly free checked bags, which is a major perk for many travelers, as noted by NerdWallet.
Do you have to pay for carry-on bags?
Yes, with Frontier Airlines, you generally have to pay for carry-on bags, as only one small personal item that fits under the seat is included for free with most basic fares.
Unlike many other airlines, Frontier's standard "Basic Economy" type fares do not include a full-size carry-on bag in the ticket price. If you need to bring a carry-on that goes in the overhead bin, you must purchase this allowance, preferably during booking to avoid higher fees. Failing to do so will result in a $60 gate-check fee if your bag is deemed too large for a personal item.
What airlines allow 2 free checked bags?
Southwest Airlines is the most prominent U.S. airline that allows two free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of fare class or elite status.
Beyond Southwest, other airlines might offer two free checked bags under specific circumstances, such as for military personnel, passengers flying in premium cabins (First Class, Business Class), or those with certain airline-branded credit cards or elite frequent flyer status. For example, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines typically include two free checked bags for international flights to many destinations, but not usually for domestic economy travel.
Are personal bags free on Frontier?
Yes, one personal bag is free on Frontier Airlines, provided it adheres to the strict size requirements of 18” x 14” x 8” (including handles and wheels) and fits completely under the seat in front of you.
This personal item is the only bag included in Frontier's standard fares without an additional charge. It's crucial to measure your bag accurately before heading to the airport. Any bag exceeding these dimensions will be subject to a carry-on fee, or a gate-check fee if discovered at the boarding gate.
How does Frontier baggage work?
Frontier Airlines operates on an "unbundled" fare model, meaning the base ticket price includes only the seat and one small personal item, with all other baggage (carry-on and checked) incurring separate fees.
You purchase baggage allowances à la carte, with prices varying based on the specific route, the size and weight of the bag, and most importantly, when you purchase the allowance. Buying baggage online during initial booking is always the cheapest option, while purchasing at the airport or gate will cost significantly more. For detailed policies, consult the official Frontier Airlines baggage page.
What airline does not charge for bags?
Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that consistently does not charge for bags, allowing every passenger two free checked bags up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inches each.
This policy is a significant differentiator for Southwest compared to other carriers, which typically charge for checked bags on domestic routes in economy class. While some full-service airlines may offer free checked bags for premium cabin passengers or elite status holders, Southwest extends this benefit to all customers, making it a popular choice for those traveling with luggage.
Can I pay for extra baggage at the airport?
Yes, you can pay for extra baggage at the airport with Frontier Airlines, but be aware that the fees will be significantly higher than if you had purchased the allowance online in advance.
Frontier's pricing structure heavily incentivizes pre-payment, so waiting until you are at the check-in counter or, even worse, at the boarding gate, will result in the highest possible charges. For example, a carry-on purchased at the gate can cost $60, whereas it might be $30-$55 online. Always aim to add any baggage during your initial booking or through the Frontier app before you arrive at the airport.
Which airlines free checked bags?
Southwest Airlines consistently offers two free checked bags for all passengers on every flight, making it the primary U.S. carrier with this benefit.
For other airlines, free checked bags are typically reserved for specific situations:
Premium Cabins: First Class or Business Class tickets often include 1-3 free checked bags.
Elite Status: Frequent flyers with loyalty program elite status usually get 1-3 free checked bags.
Airline Credit Cards: Many airline-branded credit cards offer the primary cardholder and sometimes companions 1-2 free checked bags.
International Flights: Some international itineraries, especially long-haul flights, may include 1-2 free checked bags even in economy.
Military Personnel: Active-duty U.S. military personnel often receive multiple free checked bags on most airlines.
Always verify baggage policies directly with your chosen airline, as rules can vary widely by fare type, destination, and passenger status.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
