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.
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. Basic Economy tickets don’t include any carry-on space—only a personal item is allowed. Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders are exempt from all baggage fees when presenting proper ID.
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”). Anything larger must be paid for as a carry-on or checked bag. If you need to bring a larger backpack, purchase the carry-on option at booking or later 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.
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"
Second checked bag
$45
62"
Third checked bag
$150+
62"
Fourth+ checked bag
$200+
62"
Overweight 41–50 lbs
$50
N/A
Overweight 51–100 lbs
$100
N/A
Prices jump dramatically at the airport. Save money by adding bags at booking or via the Frontier app before you arrive. If you gate-check a carry-on, expect to pay $60.
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 or 50 pounds. Overweight bags (41–50 lbs) cost $50 and bags 51–100 lbs run $100. Bags over 100 lbs aren’t accepted. Fees are per passenger, per direction. Pre-purchase online to lock in the lowest rate.
How do I sneak a carry-on on Frontier Airlines?
How much do bags cost?
For a first bag over 62 inches, Frontier charges $30–$50 online; Alaska, American, Delta, and JetBlue also charge between $30 and $200 depending on fare and elite status.
Carrier
First Bag Fee
Overweight Fee (50 lbs)
Alaska
$30
$100
American
$30
$200
Delta
$30
$200
JetBlue
$30
$150
Frontier
$30–$50
$50–$100
Prices vary by airline, route, and purchase method. Booking early online usually gives the best rate. Overweight fees can double or triple the base cost.
How much should baggage cost?
In 2026, most U.S. airlines charge $30–$35 for the first checked bag; Southwest charges nothing; JetBlue charges $35; Alaska charges $30; and United charges $35.
Airline
Checked Bag Size
1st Checked Bag Fee
United Airlines
62 in
$35
Southwest Airlines
62 in
Free
JetBlue Airways
62 in
$35
Alaska Airlines
62 in
$30
Frontier Airlines
62 in
$30–$50
Consider airline credit cards that include free checked bags or elite status if you fly frequently. Honestly, this is the best way to avoid baggage fees if you travel often. Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline with truly free checked bags.
Do you have to pay for carry-on bags?
No—Frontier doesn’t include carry-on bags for free; only one personal item is free.
Most travelers may bring one full-size carry-on and one personal item, but Frontier’s Basic Economy fares only allow a personal item. If you need a carry-on, pay during booking to avoid gate fees. Always check your fare rules before packing—Frontier’s policies are stricter than most.
What airlines allow 2 free checked bags?
Only elite-status travelers on Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United may get two free checked bags; Southwest allows all passengers two free checked bags.
Alaska Airlines: Gold status and higher get 2 free checked bags.
American Airlines: AAdvantage Gold gets 1 free; Platinum/Executive Platinum get 2 free.
Delta: Silver Medallion and above get 2 free checked bags.
JetBlue: Mosaic members get 2 free checked bags.
United Airlines: Silver status and above get 2 free checked bags.
Southwest Airlines: All passengers get 2 free checked bags.
If you don’t have elite status, consider an airline credit card that includes free checked bags. That said, Frontier isn’t one of them—every bag beyond your personal item will cost you.
Are personal bags free on Frontier?
Yes—Frontier includes one free personal item per passenger.
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (≤ 18” x 14” x 8”). It can be a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Carry-on bags are never included for free and must be paid for separately.
How does Frontier baggage work?
Frontier allows one free personal item; carry-on and checked bags are paid options with fees that increase if purchased later or at the airport.
Personal items go under the seat; carry-ons go in the overhead bin and cost $30–$55 online. Checked bags cost $30–$50 online for the first bag. Fees rise if you add bags after booking or at check-in. Overweight and oversize fees apply beyond standard limits. The longer you wait to pay, the more you’ll spend.
What airline does not charge for bags?
Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that doesn’t charge for bags—all passengers get two free checked bags.
Southwest’s “Bags Fly Free” policy applies to all fare types and destinations. No elite status or credit card is required. This policy has been in place since 2018 and remains active as of 2026. Compare this to Frontier, which charges for every carry-on and checked bag beyond the personal item. If free bags matter to you, Southwest is the clear winner.
Can I pay for extra baggage at the airport?
Yes—you can pay for extra baggage at the airport, but expect the highest fees and possible weight restrictions.
Frontier allows you to add bags at the airport, but fees are highest there. Adding a bag at the airport can cost $50–$100 more than pre-booking online. Availability isn’t guaranteed, and overweight fees still apply. Pre-purchase and print your baggage receipt before you leave for the airport to avoid surprises.
Which airlines free checked bags?
As of 2026, only Southwest Airlines gives every passenger free checked bags; other airlines require elite status or credit card perks.
Southwest’s “Bags Fly Free” policy applies to all fare types and destinations. No other major U.S. airline offers completely free checked bags to all customers. Most airlines charge $30–$35 for the first checked bag, with fees rising for additional or overweight bags. If free checked bags are important to you, Southwest is your best option.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
