Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Frontier is an ultra-low-cost carrier: the base fare is cheap, but almost everything else costs extra. You get one free personal item, while carry-on and checked bags both carry fees that are cheapest when added at booking and most expensive at the gate. Standard checked bags must stay under 40 lbs — heavier or larger bags trigger overweight and oversize surcharges on top of the bag fee.
The bottom line on Frontier Airlines baggage
Frontier is a classic a-la-carte ultra-low-cost carrier: the base fare is cheap, but only the personal item is free, and both carry-on and checked bags cost extra. The trap is the low 40 lb checked limit, since anything from 41 lbs adds a $75 overweight surcharge on top of the bag fee, each way, and bags added at the gate can hit $99.
The surest way to come out ahead is to travel with just the free personal item, or to add any bags at booking, where they are cheapest. If you need a bag, seat, and changes, compare a bundle like The Works against paying a la carte, and weigh checked bags at home to stay under 40 lbs.
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Our own 1–5 rating of Frontier Airlines's baggage policy, scored from the verified data on this page. See airline rankings → · How we score →
Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Only the personal item is free — both carry-on and checked bags cost extra, and prices are cheapest at booking, higher later, and highest at the gate (checked bags often $99).
- The 40 lb checked limit is low: anything from 41 lbs adds a $75 overweight surcharge on top of the bag fee, each way, and oversize (63+ linear in) stacks another $75.
- Bags over 100 lbs or 110 linear inches are not accepted at all, so truly heavy or bulky items must be shipped separately.
Frontier Airlinesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One free personal item up to 14 x 18 x 8 in (35 x 45 x 20 cm) and up to 35 lbs that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | Carry-on bags are NOT free on Frontier. The fee varies by route and when you add it (cheapest at booking, far higher at the gate). Max carry-on size is 24 x 16 x 10 in (including handles/wheels) and up to 35 lbs. A 'Board First' add-on guarantees overhead-bin space and earlier boarding. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | Up to 40 lbs and 62 linear in |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | ~$40–$75 (varies by route) |
Frontier Airlines checked bag fees
| Standard checked bag limit (no surcharge) | Up to 40 lbs and 62 linear in |
| 1st checked bag (added at booking) | ~$40–$75 (varies by route) |
| Added later / at the airport | higher than booking price |
| Added at the gate | highest (often $99) |
| Overweight (41–50 lb) | +$75 per bag, each way |
| Overweight (51–99.99 lb) | +$129 per bag (bookings on/after Apr 4, 2026; $100 before) |
| Oversized (63–110 linear in) | +$75 per bag, each way |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Frontier Airlines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$50
You'd save $32 by flying Allegiant Air for this baggage.
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Frontier Airlines vs Allegiant Air vs Breeze Airways: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Frontier Airlines | Allegiant Air | Breeze Airways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | — | $10 | $32 |
| 1st checked bag | $50 | $18 | $40 |
| 2nd checked bag | — | — | — |
| Overweight surcharge | $75 | $50 | — |
| Weight limit | 18 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Frontier Airlines abroad?
Frontier Airlines is a ultra-low-cost carrier based in US — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure. After that, standard fares are generally non-refundable; changes/cancellations may incur fees unless you bought a bundle (e.g. 'The Works') that includes free changes.
Frontier Airlines flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a US-departing Frontier Airlines flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| Seat selection | $5–$80+ (random seat is free) |
| Carry-on bag | varies (cheapest at booking) |
| Board First (guaranteed bin space + early boarding) | add-on, varies by route |
| Overweight over 100 lb / oversize over 110 linear in | not accepted |
What stops you paying these fees on Frontier Airlines
- An overweight bag costs +$75 here over 18 kg, each way. A scale costs about $10 — the maths on that →
- A full-size cabin bag is not free on the cheapest Frontier Airlines fare, so the bag that fits under the seat matters — what size actually fits →
How to avoid extra fees
- Add bags during booking — gate prices can be more than double.
- If you only bring the free personal item, you can fly at the lowest price.
- Compare a bundle (bag + seat + changes) vs. paying à la carte.
- Weigh checked bags at home and stay under 40 lbs — the overweight surcharge (+$75 from 41 lbs) is charged on top of the bag fee, each way.
- Bags over 100 lbs or 110 linear inches are not accepted at all, so ship truly heavy or bulky items separately.
Frontier Airlines baggage — FAQ
＋ − Is the carry-on free on Frontier?
No. Only the personal item is free. A carry-on bag costs extra, and it's cheapest when added at booking.
＋ − How do I avoid Frontier's gate bag fees?
Add and pay for any carry-on or checked bags when you book (or before you reach the airport). Gate fees are the most expensive.
＋ − Can I get a refund from Frontier?
Yes within 24 hours of booking (if booked 7+ days out). After that, most fares are non-refundable unless you bought a refundable bundle.
＋ − What are Frontier's bag size and weight limits?
The free personal item is up to 14 x 18 x 8 in and 35 lbs; a carry-on is up to 24 x 16 x 10 in and 35 lbs. Standard checked bags must be under 40 lbs and 62 linear inches, with overweight fees from 41 lbs and oversize fees from 63 linear inches.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Frontier Airlines. Figures here reflect Frontier Airlines's published US fares as of 2026-07-12.