No, a standard carry-on isn't included in Frontier's base fare. You get one free personal item (max 14" x 18" x 8") that fits under your seat. Full-size carry-ons cost about $30 if you buy online 24+ hours before your flight.
That’s right—Frontier’s basic ticket only covers a small personal item. Anything bigger? You’ll pay extra. (And honestly, this pricing strategy works great for travelers who pack light.)
Geographic Context
Frontier Airlines is a U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) based in Denver, Colorado. It strips extra services like checked bags from ticket prices to offer rock-bottom fares, especially for domestic routes and leisure trips to the Caribbean and Latin America.
Most travelers flying between major U.S. cities or heading to vacation spots love Frontier’s approach. Why? Because you only pay for what you actually need. (And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want cheaper flights?)
Key Details
Here’s the breakdown of Frontier’s baggage rules
Baggage Type
Fee Status
Maximum Size
Key Restriction
Personal Item
Free
14"H x 18"W x 8"D
Must fit under the seat
Carry-On Bag
Paid (~$30+ online)
24"H x 16"W x 10"D
Must fit in overhead bin
Checked Bag
Paid
62 linear inches & under 50 lbs
Excess weight fee: $75
Interesting Background
Frontier’s fee-based baggage policy is central to its business model. You pay only for the services you use, which keeps base fares low. This strategy, borrowed from airlines like Spirit, has shaken up U.S. air travel since the 2010s.
Here’s a sweet perk: Frontier’s free "Frontier Miles" program rewards loyal flyers. Hit 20,000 miles in a year, and you’ll earn a free carry-on on every flight. It’s a clever way to blend budget-friendly and traditional airline perks.
Practical Information
Your backpack only counts as free if it fits under the seat (14x18x8 inches). Measure it at the airport sizing bins to avoid surprise fees.
Now, here’s the thing: A jacket or a neck pillow you wear won’t count against your limit. But if you’re carrying a pillow in your hands, that might be your one free item. Pro tip? Buy any needed carry-on or checked bag when you book on Frontier’s website—airport prices are way higher. (Trust me, no one wants to pay extra at the gate.)
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
Tom Bennett is a travel planning writer and former travel agent who has booked everything from weekend road trips to round-the-world itineraries. He lives in San Diego and writes practical travel guides that focus on what you actually need to know, not what looks good on Instagram.
