Frontier Airlines Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw

Founded in 1994, Frontier Airlines (F9), is a North American ultra low-cost carrier from the United States. They operate primarily domestic routes across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, offering flights to 100+ destinations.

Frontier Airlines' baggage policy is primarily determined by the specific fare bundle purchased and the passenger's status within the Frontier Miles program. Additionally, specific allowances are influenced by the traveler's affiliation with the U.S. military or their status as a co-branded credit card holder.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Frontier Airlines, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 61 x 41 x 25 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Frontier Airlines carry-on allowance

Class / Fare TypeCarry-on Bag Included?
Basic FareNo (Must be purchased)
Economy/Premium BundleYes
Business BundleYes
Frontier Elite StatusVaries (Elite 20K+ gets free carry-on)

The max carry on size must be no larger than **24 x 16 x 10 inches **with a maximum weight of no heavier than 35lbs. In addition to the cabin bag, one personal item is included free for all passengers and must be no larger than 14 x 18 x 8 inches (including handles, wheels, and straps).

Frontier Airlines checked baggage allowance

Frontier Airlines primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Class / Fare TypeCheck-In Bag Free Allowance
Basic/Economy/Premium Fares0 Pieces (Must be purchased)
Business Bundle2 Pieces
Elite 100K Status2 Pieces
Active U.S. Military2 Pieces

The standard checked bag allowance for most tiers has a strict 40 lbs weight limit; however, this increases to 50 lbs for Business and 70 lbs for active U.S. Military.

Frontier Airlines extra baggage fees

Frontier Airlines charges separate, non-refundable fees for bags that exceed their weight or size limits. These charges are added on top of your standard checked bag fee and apply per direction.

Overweight Fees

The standard weight limit is 40 lbs. If your bag exceeds this, you will be charged an additional fee:

  • 41–50 lbs: $75.
  • 51–100 lbs: $100,
  • Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.

Oversized Fees

The standard size limit is 62 linear inches (158 cm).

  • 63–110 linear inches: $75 additional fee.
  • Bags exceeding 110 linear inches are not accepted.

Frontier Airlines special baggage policy

  • Infants and Children: One stroller and one car seat can be checked on top of the standard baggage allowance for free. These items can be gate-checked or checked at the counter. Adults traveling with a lap infant are also permitted to bring one additional personal item, such as a diaper bag, free of charge.
  • Sporting Equipment: Sporting gear such as ski equipment, golf bags, and fishing rods are allowed as checked baggage. These items are generally counted as one standard checked bag and are subject to the standard checked bag fee, plus any applicable overweight or oversized fees. Golf and ski gear are exempt from oversize fees.
  • Musical Instruments: Musical instruments are accepted as carry-on or checked baggage, provided they meet the size and weight limits. If checked, they are subject to standard baggage fees and any applicable oversize/overweight fees. Passengers may also purchase a seat for large, fragile instruments.
  • Military Baggage: Active-duty U.S. Military personnel (must present valid, unexpired Common Access Card or other approved ID) receive a waiver for: one free personal item, one free carry-on bag, and two free checked bags. The allowance for these two checked bags is increased to 70 lbs (32 kg) each, and the standard overweight and oversized fees are waived for these two bags.

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