Understanding Frontier Airlines’ Baggage Fees
Meta Description: Explore Frontier Airlines baggage fees, including what’s included, fluctuating costs, and tips to minimize expenses when traveling.
What’s Included?
On Frontier Airlines, only one personal item is included in the fare. This strategy significantly contributes to the airline’s ability to offer remarkably low fares and seasonal sales (such as quick promotions for flights to Miami and San Francisco). Since most travelers cannot fit all their belongings into a single 14″-tall backpack, purchasing a carry-on is often necessary. Moreover, employees enforce strict regulations in this regard. According to the Independent, Frontier confirmed in March 2023 that employees receive bonuses for identifying oversized personal items.
The Right Way to Put Your Luggage in the Overhead Bin
What’s the Deal?
Baggage pricing at Frontier Airlines is not static; it fluctuates based on timing—both your travel period and when you booked your flight. Consequently, to minimize costs effectively, travelers should be upfront about their luggage requirements. Typically, a carry-on bag costs around $54 if purchased through the Frontier website at least 24 hours before departure. However, as the travel date approaches, prices can rise significantly. For example, if you attempt to add a carry-on bag at the airport kiosk, the cost may increase to $79, and if you need to check the bag at the gate, the price skyrockets to $99.
To avoid unexpected charges when flying with Frontier, ensure that your carry-on adheres to the airline’s size and weight limits (specifically, 24″ high by 16″ wide by 10″ deep, weighing less than 35 pounds). Frequent travelers should consider investing in a tape measure and scale to prevent oversized or overweight baggage fees. If a carry-on exceeds the specified dimensions at the gate, you’ll incur another fee for gate-checking, which can be as much as $99.
The same applies to checked bags. Frontier Airlines incentivizes passengers who plan ahead. When you select a checked bag while making your reservation on their website, the cost is only $49 (provided the bag is under 40 pounds and no longer than 62 inches). However, once you reach the departure gate without prepaying, the charge escalates to $99. Additionally, exceeding size and weight limits incurs an extra fee of $75 for each discrepancy. Therefore, measuring and weighing your luggage before departure is a smart strategy.
What’s the Catch?
Furthermore, Frontier’s baggage fees also fluctuate seasonally. Certain times of the year are classified as “value seasons,” which may result in reduced charges. It is advisable to check the bag price checker on the Frontier website, which breaks down fees by individual flights, prior to finalizing travel plans.
If you aim to minimize baggage fees on Frontier, traveling with only a personal item is the easiest route. Booking as early as possible helps save costs, and considering the addition of one of Frontier’s airline bundles could also bring value to your trip. These bundles often include priority boarding and seat selection, with prices varying according to your destination and the time of year.
