Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees 2026 — Complete Guide
Frontier Airlines is one of America's largest ultra-low-cost carriers, known for its low base fares and à la carte pricing model. Baggage fees on Frontier can significantly increase the total cost of your trip if you are not careful. In fact, it is common for a Frontier ticket to double in price once you add a carry-on and a checked bag. Here is your complete guide to Frontier baggage fees in 2026.
Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees at a Glance
| Item | Online (Booking) | At Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | $35–$55 | $60 |
| 1st Checked Bag | $30–$50 | $55 |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45–$65 | $70 |
| Oversized/Overweight | $50–$100 | $50–$100 |
* Online prices are quoted during initial booking. Discount Den members save an additional 20–30% on baggage fees.
First Checked Bag: $30–$55
Frontier's first checked bag fee ranges from $30 to $50 when purchased online during the initial booking. The price varies by route and demand — popular routes like Denver to Orlando tend to be on the lower end, while less competitive routes are higher. If you wait until the airport, the fee jumps to$55.
Frontier's checked bag weight limit is 40 lbs (18 kg) — the same as Spirit and 10 lbs less than legacy carriers. This is one of the most common sources of surprise fees. If your bag weighs 45 lbs on Frontier, you will pay the standard checked bag fee plus an overweight fee.
Second Checked Bag: $45–$70
If you need a second checked bag, Frontier charges $45–$65 online and $70 at the airport. Checking two bags on a round trip could cost you $150–$230 in baggage fees alone — which may exceed the cost of your base fare.
Before booking two checked bags on Frontier, run the numbers through our Baggage Fee Calculator to see if a standard Economy ticket on a legacy airline might be a better deal.
Carry-On Bag Fees
Like Spirit, Frontier charges for carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin. The fee ranges from $35 to $55 when purchased online during booking and jumps to $60 at the gate. Carry-on dimensions are24″ × 16″ × 10″ — slightly larger than Spirit's allowance.
Frontier is known for strict enforcement at the gate with its carry-on sizers. If your bag does not fit, you will be charged the carry-on fee plus a $25 gate handling fee. Always measure your bag before heading to the airport.
✈️ Checked vs. Carry-On: Which Is Cheaper on Frontier?
On Frontier, checked bags are often cheaper than carry-ons. A first checked bag starts at $30, while a carry-on starts at $35. If you need more than a personal item, comparing the two costs is essential — especially since a carry-on is more likely to incur a gate surcharge if you are forced to check it at the last minute.
Personal Item Policy
Frontier allows one free personal item per passenger. The maximum dimensions are18″ × 14″ × 8″ — standard for most US airlines. Personal items include backpacks, purses, laptop bags, and small duffels that fit under the seat.
Frontier uses personal item sizers at the gate, and enforcement is strict. If your personal item is oversized, you will be charged the carry-on fee ($60 at the gate) plus a $25 handling fee. Soft-sided bags that can be compressed are more likely to fit in the sizer than rigid-frame backpacks.
For weekend trips, a well-packed personal item is all you need. Many travelers successfully travel 3–4 days with only a personal item on Frontier, avoiding baggage fees entirely.
Oversized & Overweight Fees
Frontier's fees for bags outside standard limits:
- Overweight (41–50 lbs): $50 additional
- Overweight (51–100 lbs): $75–$100 additional
- Oversized (63–110 linear inches): $75–$100 additional
- Bags over 100 lbs or 110 inches: Not accepted as checked baggage
Because Frontier's weight limit is only 40 lbs (compared to 50 lbs on legacy carriers), overweight fees are more common. A 45-lb checked bag would cost you the $30–$50 standard fee plus $50 overweight fee = $80–$100 each way.
How to Save on Frontier Baggage Fees
Best Ways to Save on Frontier
- 1. Join Discount Den. Frontier's $59.95/year membership gives members 20–30% off baggage fees and exclusive access to member-only fares. If you fly Frontier 2+ times per year, it pays for itself.
- 2. Get the Frontier Mastercard. Cardholders get a free carry-on on every flight and preferred boarding. The $0 annual fee first year (then $79) is a solid deal for frequent Frontier travelers.
- 3. Bundle at booking. Adding bags during the initial booking is always cheaper than adding later or paying at the airport.
- 4. Travel with only a personal item. A backpack that fits within 18″ × 14″ × 8″ is always free. For short trips, this is all you need.
- 5. Pack a luggage scale. Frontier's 40-lb weight limit catches many travelers off guard. A $10 digital scale can save you $50+ in overweight fees.
- 6. Compare total costs. Frontier's base fare + baggage may be more than a Main Cabin fare on a legacy airline. Use our Baggage Fee Calculator to compare.
Frontier vs. Spirit vs. Legacy Carriers
How does Frontier compare to its main competitor, Spirit, and to legacy carriers?
| Airline | 1st Checked | Carry-On | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | $30–$55 | $35–$60 | 40 lbs |
| Spirit | $33–$55 | $38–$65 | 40 lbs |
| Delta | $35 | Free | 50 lbs |
Frontier and Spirit have nearly identical baggage fee structures. Frontier's checked bags start slightly cheaper ($30 vs. $33), but both charge for carry-ons and have 40-lb weight limits. The key difference is Frontier's Discount Den program, which can save regular flyers 20–30% on fees. Compare all airlines side by side →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a checked bag cost on Frontier Airlines?
A first checked bag on Frontier costs $30–$50 online or $55 at the airport. A second checked bag costs $45–$65 online or $70 at the airport. Prices vary by route.
Does Frontier have free carry-on bags?
No, Frontier charges for carry-on bags. The fee is $35–$55 online and $60 at the gate. The only free bag on Frontier is a personal item (backpack, purse, laptop bag).
Does Discount Den save on baggage fees?
Yes. Discount Den members save 20–30% on all baggage fees (carry-on and checked) and get access to exclusive member-only fares. Membership costs $59.95 per year and pays for itself in one or two trips.
What is Frontier's personal item size limit?
Frontier's personal item size limit is 18″ × 14″ × 8″ (45 × 35 × 20 cm). A standard backpack or small duffel bag usually fits. Frontier uses sizers at the gate, so make sure your bag is within these dimensions.
The Bottom Line
Frontier Airlines baggage fees are typical for an ultra-low-cost carrier — expect to pay $30–$55 for a first checked bag and $35–$60 for a carry-on. The best strategy is to travel with only a personal item, or join Discount Den if you fly Frontier regularly. Always add bags during the initial booking to lock in the lowest rate, and never wait until the gate. See Frontier's latest baggage fees →