Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy

Frontier Airlines is a ultra-low-cost carrier based in Denver, Colorado. The airline operates flights within the United States, and to Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The airline has a baggage policy that’s different from most traditional carriers, and it can be confusing for travelers who are not familiar with it.

In this post, we’ll cover Frontier Airlines’ carry-on and checked baggage allowances and fees. We’ll also explain how much the airline will charge you for excess fees. There aren’t many opportunities to save on baggage fees, but we’ll go over items that don’t attract bag fees.

If you’re planning to travel with special items such as sports equipment or musical instruments, we have you covered. We’ll explain the specific rules and fees when flying with these items.

Finally, we’ll end the post by explaining what to do if your bags don’t make it to your destination when you do, or they get damaged in transit.

Baggage Allowance and Fees Summary

Carry-on Baggage Summary

Personal Item Allowance and Fee

• Size limit: 18 in x 14 in x 8 in (45.7 cm x 35.6 cm x 20.3 cm)
• Weight limit: no weight limit
• Fee: $0

Carry-on Bag Allowance and Fee

• Size limit: 18 in x 14 in x 8 in (45.7 cm x 35.6 cm x 20.3 cm)
• Weight limit: 35 lbs. (15.9 kg)
• Fee: $60 to $89 (pay for your bag earlier for a lower fee)

Checked Baggage Summary

• Size: 62 linear inches
• Weight: 40 pounds
• First checked bag: $55 – $64
• Second checked bag: $65 – $76
• Third+ checked bags: $75 – $87 each.
• Oversized bags (63 – 110 in.): +$75
• Overweight bags
  • 41 – 50 lbs.: +$50
  • 51 – 100 lbs.: +$100

Carry On Baggage Policy

Frontier’s carry-on policy includes the customary personal item and carry-on bag.

Personal Item

Let’s begin with the good news: Your personal item is included in your fare – there is no charge. I’ll wait a minute while you savour that morsel of charity because it goes downhill from here.

Personal Item Size Limit

Your personal item must be no larger than 18 in x 14 in x 8 in (45.7 cm x 35.6 cm x 20.3 cm). When you measure your personal item, make sure that you take its outside measurements. Also, include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.

You need to be quite careful when measuring your bag as Frontier is known to use their bag sizers at check-in. Your bag needs to completely fit within the sizer without force.

If Frontier staff consider that your personal item is oversized, a fee will be applied, and you may have to check the item into the plane’s cargo hold.

Typical examples of a personal item include:

• Briefcase
• Diaper bag
• Laptop bag
• Purse
• Small backpack
• Tote

Your personal item is stored on the plane under the seat in front of you.

Personal Item Weight Limit

There is no weight limit applied to your personal item.

Carry On Bag

You have the option to travel with a carry-on bag in addition to your personal item, but you’ll have to pay for the privilege.

Carry On Bag Size Limit

Your carry-on must be no larger than 24 in x 16 in x 10 in (61 cm x 41 cm x 25 cm). When you measure your carry-on bag, make sure that you take its outside measurements. Also, include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.

What I said earlier about taking extra care when measuring your personal item applies equally here.

Typical examples of a carry-on bag include:

• Large backpacks
• Small duffel bags
• Small suitcases

Your carry-on bag is stored on the plane in the overhead compartments.

Carry On Bag Weight Limit

Yes, when flying Frontier, you need to contend with a carry-on bag weight limit. This is an unusual requirement, even for low-cost carriers. Your carry-on bag can weigh up to 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). If your carry-on bag exceeds this weight, be sure that you’ll be charged an overweight fee, and probably have to check your bag in the plane’s hold.

Carry On Bag Fee

Frontier Airlines applies dynamic pricing to its baggage fees. What this means is that your baggage fee is dependent on your itinerary and when you make your reservation. The fee is further affected by when you purchase your bag. The earlier you pay for it, the cheaper the fee. The fee is highest at the airport.

You can expect to pay $60 to $89 to travel with a carry-on bag.

Checked Bag Allowance

Each bag that you check will be subject to a fee. Before we discuss those fees, let’s first look at the rules Frontier applies to checked bags.

Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits

Checked Bag Size Limit

Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring checked baggage with a maximum linear size of 62 inches (157 centimeters). This is calculated by measuring your bag’s outside length, width, and height and adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps with your measurements.

Any baggage that exceeds this size limit will be subject to oversize fees.

Checked Bag Weight Limit

Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring checked baggage with a maximum weight of 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms).

Any baggage that exceeds this weight limit will be subject to overweight fees.

Oversized and Overweight Checked Bags

When you arrive at the airport to check your bags, oversize and/or overweight bags will be subject to extra fees. To avoid these fees, it’s best to measure your baggage and ensure that it meets the size and weight restrictions before you travel.

Oversized Checked Bags

If your bag is larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) but no greater than 110 linear inches (279 centimeters), it will be subject to an oversize fee of $75. This fee is in addition to any other fees that apply to the bag.

Bags larger than 110 linear inches will not be accepted (assistive devices and musical instruments excepted).

If, after your initial booking, you wish to increase your size allowance, you can do so either from Frontier’s website or their app.

Overweight Checked Bags

Your checked bags will be subject to an overweight fee, depending on how overweight your bag is. Frontier Airlines applies two overweight ranges:

• 41 – 50 pounds: A fee of $50 applies
• 51 – 100 pounds: A fee of $100 applies

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds will not be accepted (assistive devices and musical instruments excepted).

If, after your initial booking, you wish to increase your weight allowance, you can do so either from Frontier’s website or their app.

Checked Bag Fees

Baggage fees apply to each checked bag, per passenger, per direction and are non-refundable.

One of the defining characteristics of Frontier Airlines is it’s a la carte pricing model, which means that you will have to pay for extra services like checked baggage and seat selection. The airline has a baggage fee structure that depends on the time of booking, the type of fare bought, and the route of travel.

The airline has a tool that shows what fees you will need to pay. The general rule is that the closer to your departure that you pay for your bags, the more expensive it will be.

These are the stages where checked bag fees will differ:

• During your initial booking (online / app) – cheapest option
• Before check-in (online / app)
• At check-in (online / app)
• At airport kiosk or ticket counter
• At airport boarding gate – most expensive option

Let’s have a look at a couple of examples:

Example 1: Las Vegas (LAS) to LaGuardia, New York City (LGA)

Our first example is a domestic flight from Las Vegas to New York City. As you can see, when buying checked bags online, it is significantly cheaper – in fact, only a few dollars separate the three stages where you can buy bags. Once a bag purchase involves a Frontier customer service representative, either at the airport or with a call center, the cost increases significantly. This is because Frontier applies a service fee of up to $25 for transactions with a Frontier representative.

Example 2: Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) to Hollywood Burbank, California (BUR)

Our next example is an international flight from Guadalajara, Mexico to Hollywood Burbank, California. The fees follow the same trend as the domestic flight but are slightly more expensive by $10-$15.

Items Exempt from Bag Fees

Mobility Equipment and Assistive Devices

You can check the following items free and without counting towards your checked baggage allowance:

Mobility Equipment: This includes items such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and braces used by the passenger. There is no limit to the number of assistive items that can be checked.

Assistive Devices for Infants or Children: this includes items such as strollers, car seats and child restraint devices.

Military Baggage Allowance

Active-duty U.S. military personnel receive two free checked bags. Overweight and oversized fees are exempt on these free bags. Extra bags, after the first two, follow standard checked bag rules. U.S. military passengers also receive a complimentary carry-on bag.

Baggage Allowance for Frontier Miles Elite Members

Passengers who have joined Frontier Airlines’ frequent flyer program, Frontier Miles, will receive extra baggage allowances based on their elite status:

• Elite 20k status: 1 free carry-on bag
• Elite 50k status: 1 free carry-on bag
• Elite 100k status: receive the WORKS bundle, which includes 1 free carry-on bag and 1 checked. This benefit is extended to up to 7 extra travel companions traveling on the same reservation.

Sports Equipment

If you are an avid sports enthusiast and planning to travel with your sports equipment, you will be happy to know that Frontier Airlines allows you to include your sports equipment in your checked baggage. However, there are certain restrictions and guidelines that you need to follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Types of Sports Equipment Allowed

Frontier Airlines allows a wide range of sports equipment, including:

• Bicycles (non-motorized)
• Fishing gear
• Golf clubs
• Skis, snowboards, and related equipment
• Scuba gear
• Surfboards
• Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
• Hockey, lacrosse, and other sports equipment

Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, and Frontier may allow other types of sports equipment on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure whether your sports equipment is allowed, you can contact Frontier’s customer service team for assistance.

Allowances and Fees for Sports Equipment

The size and weight limits of sports equipment vary depending on the type of equipment and the destination. In general, each piece of checked baggage must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and must not weigh more than 40 pounds. For oversized sports equipment, the size and weight limits may differ, and you may have to pay extra fees.

Sports Equipment Fees

In most cases, Frontier Airlines charges the standard checked bag fee for sports equipment. As with checked baggage, the fee varies depending on the route, the time of booking, and the size and weight of the equipment. If you are traveling with oversized sports equipment, you may have to pay extra fees.

Some sports equipment, such as antlers and bicycles, don’t adhere to the standard checked bag fee structure. These items are subject to a special item fee.

Antlers

• Fee: $100
• Maximum size: under 110 linear inches
• Maximum weight: under 100 pounds

Archery Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Bicycles (non-motorized)

• Fee: $75
• Not subject to any other fees
• Not allowed on itineraries starting or ending in Cuba

Bike, Ball Pumps

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Boogie Boards and Wake boards

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Bowling Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Camping Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• Flammable equipment, such as lanterns and propane tanks, not allowed.

Fencing Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Fishing Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Golf Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Overweight fees apply if equipment weighs 50 pounds or more.
• Oversize fees do not apply.
• Allow an extra 30 minutes to check in.

Hang Gliding Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• Frontier won’t accept hang gliding equipment weighing 100 pounds or more.
• Items longer than 15 feet aren’t allowed.

Hockey Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• You can check hockey sticks (up to 2 if bound together) separately from the equipment bag. Frontier will check and charge them as one item.

Javelins

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Kayaks and Canoes

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• Frontier won’t accept kayaks or canoes weighing 100 pounds or more.
• Frontier will not check in kayaks or canoes longer than 15 feet.

Lacrosse Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Scuba Gear

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Skates

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Skateboards

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable

Snow Ski and Water Ski Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Overweight fees apply for equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Oversized fees do not apply.
• You can check a pair of ski boots in a separate bag from the equipment bag. Frontier will check and charge them as one item.
  • However, If the boot bag weighs over 25 pounds, Frontier will apply a second bag charge.

Snowboards

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Overweight fees apply for equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Oversized fees do not apply.
• You can check a pair of boots in a separate bag from the equipment bag. Frontier will check and charge them as one item.
  • However, If the boot bag weighs over 25 pounds, Frontier will apply a second bag charge.

Surfboards, Wave Skis, and Kite Boards

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• Frontier will not accept boards weighing 100 pounds or more.
• Frontier won’t accept boards longer than 15 feet.

Windsurfing Equipment

• Standard checked bag fees apply.
• Standard overweight and oversize fees, if applicable
• Frontier won’t accept windsurfing equipment weighing 100 pounds or more.
• Frontier will not check windsurfing equipment longer than 15 feet.

Packing and Labeling Your Sports Equipment

To ensure the safe transportation of your sports equipment, it is important to pack it properly. You should pack the equipment in a hard-shell case or a padded bag to prevent any damage during transit. It’s also wise to label the bag using a luggage tag. Include your name and contact information.

If Frontier assesses that your equipment bag will not provide adequate protection to your equipment or other baggage, they will require you to sign a release of liability form, absolving the airline of any responsibility or liability to the loss or damage of your equipment. So, do make sure that you have packed your sports equipment appropriately.

Bicycles

Remove the pedals and handlebars, deflate the tires, and pack the bike in a bicycle case or box.

Fishing Gear

Pack your fishing rods in a hard-shell rod case, and make sure all hooks and lures are securely fastened.

Golf Clubs

Pack your clubs in a golf club travel case, and make sure the clubs are securely fastened.

Skis and Snowboards

Pack your skis or snowboards in a ski or snowboard bag, and make sure the bindings are securely fastened.

Scuba Gear

Pack your scuba gear in a dive bag, and make sure all hoses and regulators are secured.

Surfboards

Pack your surfboard in a surfboard bag, and make sure the fins are removed and securely fastened.

Kayaks, Canoes, and Paddleboards

Pack your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in a protective case, and make sure it is securely fastened.

Hockey, Lacrosse, and Other Sports Equipment

Pack your equipment in a hard-shell case, and make sure all sharp edges and protruding parts are securely fastened.

Checking In Your Sports Equipment

When checking in your sports equipment, make sure to allow enough time to process your gear. Frontier recommends that you arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time.

At the airport, inform the Frontier representative that you are traveling with sports equipment, and they will help you with the check-in process.

Check In Options

You have two ways to check in for your flight:

Online Check In

You can check-in online 24 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure. You have two options when checking in: visiting Frontier’s website or using Frontier’s mobile app.

Airport Check In

The earliest that you can check-in at the airport is 2 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure.

The latest that you can check your bags for your flight depends on the type of itinerary:

• Domestic Flights: 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
• International Flights: 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Baggage to be checked must be presented at the airport within the minimum check-in time. If you arrive at the check-in counter after the deadline, your bags may be not be accepted. At certain airports, the counter may close at the cut-off time – you and your bags will be unable to check in. If baggage is accepted after the cut-off time, you will be liable for any costs and fees for the bag to be delivered if it’s not transported on the same flight.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

Delayed Baggage

If you arrive at your destination and your checked bag does not appear at baggage claim, you should inform Frontier as soon as possible. You are required to contact the airline within 4 hours of your flight arrival.

If you are still at the airport, find a Frontier customer agent to report your missing bag.

If you have left the airport, you can contact Frontier by using their online chat service. Alternatively, you can complete the airline’s online Delayed Baggage form. You are no longer able to call Frontier to speak to one of their customer service representatives.

Damaged Baggage

If you arrive at your destination and discover that your checked bag has been damaged in transit, you should inform Frontier as soon as possible. You are required to contact the airline within 4 hours of your flight arrival.

If you are still at the airport, find a Frontier customer agent to report your damaged bag. The agent will then assess the damage to your bag to determine the airline’s liability. If the agent deems Frontier to be liable, they will assist you with the claim process.

If you have already left the airport, you can submit a claim online by completing Frontier’s Damage Baggage form.

Final Thoughts

Frontier Airlines doesn’t have too much to offer travelers who wish to travel with checked bags. Firstly, the airline applies a weight limit of 35 pounds on your carry-on bag, which is unusual in the industry. You also have to pay a significant fee to travel with it. We haven’t even considered paying for checked luggage yet. These bag fees will quickly add up.

I will say that Frontier’s sports equipment policy is competitive (no pun intended). The airline doesn’t apply oversized fees on many types of items, which is a positive.

The airline does offer cheap airfares though – if you’re happy to travel with only a personal item, you’re most likely going to have a very inexpensive trip.

I’ll end this post by mentioning again to make sure that your personal item and carry-on bag (if you decide to travel with one) is within Frontier’s bag size limits. Frontier (and Spirit) strictly enforce its size and weight limits.

Remember to always check Frontier Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Sources:

• Frontier Airlines