preloadRear view of friends moving towards airplane at terminal.

Here’s what you need to know about Frontier’s carry-on size policy so your next trip goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll also find expert hacks and tips on how to maximize the airline’s baggage allowance.

What is Frontier’s carry-on size policy?

Frontier’s carry-on size policy allows passengers to bring one personal item for free. However, carry-on baggage is not included in your fare. Below we’ll outline their luggage guidelines for those who opt to pay for a carry-on bag.

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  • Note that if your personal item is larger than the prescribed dimensions, you’ll have to pay an additional charge.
  • All luggage size dimensions includes the bag’s handles, straps, and wheels.
  • The fee you’ll pay for your carry-on bag depends on several factors, such as the route you’re flying and when you paid the carry-on baggage fee. Adding a carry-on bag during the booking process is always the cheapest option.

What extra items can you bring on board?

Child, Airplane.

In addition to your personal item and/or carry-on, you can bring onboard other items such as diaper bags (when traveling with an infant), canes, crutches, coats, and portable oxygen tanks for free. Note that these items should not exceed the prescribed carry-on dimensions.

You may also bring a stroller to the gate, but it must be checked from there. You won’t be charged a fee for checking a stroller or car seat.

Always be sure to review which items are not allowed in your carry-on to avoid having your things confiscated at the airport. If you’re unsure, this handy guide will help.

Frontier’s carry-on size policy FAQs

A shot of two young friends boarding a plane on the runway at the airport in Toulouse, France. One young woman is looking over her shoulder and smiling at the camera while carrying a backpack and boarding pass.

If the backpack does not exceed 14 x 18 x 8 inches and fits under the seat, it is considered a personal item.

Yes, but keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for the carry-on bag. As long as your backpack fits the size and weight requirements, it’s counted as your (one) free personal item.

Frontier’s carry-on size policy is not especially strict. Still, it’s always best to familiarize yourself with their bag allowance regulations before you fly in order to avoid unnecessary hassles and fees.

Top three Frontier carry-on luggage tips

from travel expert Lily Cichanowicz

lily-ciechanowicz-travel-expert

Tip #1: Always book your extra baggage ahead of time if you can.

Like most airlines, if you wait till you get to the airport to buy carry-on luggage allowance, you’ll wind up paying more than if you purchase online. There are a lot of different factors that go into determining how much your added carry-on bag will cost, but you can use their baggage allowance calculator to find out the costs associated with your particular flight reservation.

If you know you’re not a light packer and are trying to maximize space while staying within your baggage allowance, check out these expert tips.

Tip #2: Look into Frontier’s bundles that come with extra perks, rather than just paying for an added baggage fee.

You might find it useful to opt into Frontier packages that let you bring a carry-on item and give you other perks. For instance, the Works Bundle includes one carry-on bag, one checked bag, seat selection, flight flexibility, and priority boarding options. It is also 100 percent refundable. Meanwhile, Frontier’s Perks Bundle includes one carry-on bag, one checked bag, and seat selection options.

Tip #3: Do a luggage size check when you first arrive to the airport.

Avoid extra fees at the check-in counter or at your gate by doing a luggage size check. You can check both your personal item and carry-on using the carry-on checker, which is usually located near the check-in counter. This will help you avoid any surprise penalties or fees. It’ll also give you a chance to reorganize to make sure everything meets Frontier’s carry-on size policy guidelines.

If you want to do a check-in, measure your luggage, or check a bag at the airport, it’s worth planning ahead. This guide will help you determine how early you should get to the airport.

⏰ Last update: March 5, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.

About the author

Fie KornumFie is Head of Content at KAYAK. Her ideal holiday would be sitting by the fireplace in a quiet cabin somewhere off the grid, watching the snow fall while relaxing with a glass of wine. Reality, however, is messier – and a lot noisier. Because when you’re travelling with two kids, there’s always something happening (usually involving pools or ice cream.) Follow Fie on Linkedin for more travel inspiration.
Lily CichanowiczLily is a freelance writer, digital nomad, and jet setter. Currently based in Berlin, she dreams of someday moving back to Latin America. She prefers slow travel and befriending locals in order to understand cultures deeply. On a trip, you can find her seeking out authentic cuisine and connecting with the political history of a destination.

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