You can bring one free personal item on Frontier Airlines, including small backpacks measuring up to 14"H x 18"W x 8"D that fits under the seat in front of you.
Does Frontier allow free personal item?
Yes, Frontier includes one free personal item per passenger in all fare types. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 14"H x 18"W x 8"D.
Carry-on bags aren't free—you'll pay $30 online or $40 at the gate. Your personal item can be a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or tote. According to Frontier’s official baggage policy, this item is always free no matter how you book.
Is a backpack considered a carry-on frontier?
A backpack is considered a carry-on only if it exceeds 14"H x 18"W x 8"D and up to 24"H x 16"W x 10"D. Otherwise, it qualifies as a free personal item.
Think of it this way: a 12" x 16" x 8" backpack fits as a personal item. But a 20" x 15" x 10" backpack? That's a carry-on with a fee. The airline measures bags at the gate, handles and wheels included.
Can you bring a personal item on Frontier?
Yes, you can bring one personal item on Frontier at no charge as long as it fits under the seat in front of you and does not exceed 14" x 18" x 8".
That means purses, laptop bags, briefcases, and small backpacks are all fair game. This applies to everyone, even Basic Economy flyers. No sneaky fees here—your personal item is always free.
Does a backpack count as a personal item?
A backpack counts as a personal item if it fits under the seat and measures no more than 14"H x 18"W x 8"D.
Daypacks, hydration packs, and small school backpacks usually make the cut. Bigger ones? They'll be treated as carry-ons or checked bags. Measure your bag before heading to the airport—Frontier doesn't mess around with size restrictions.
Can I bring a purse and a backpack on Frontier Airlines?
Yes, you can bring both a purse and a backpack, provided each fits within the personal item size limit of 14"H x 18"W x 8"D and fits under the seat.
Just don't try to game the system with oversized combos. A small purse (12" x 8" x 4") plus a daypack (14" x 10" x 6") should work if both tuck neatly under the seat. Push it too far, and you might get flagged for an extra bag.
Is a backpack a carry-on?
Technically, any bag you carry onto the plane is a carry-on, but Frontier classifies bags under 14"H x 18"W x 8" as personal items. Larger bags are treated as carry-ons.
In airline speak, a “carry-on” goes in the overhead bin. Frontier gives you one free personal item and charges for carry-ons. Always peek at your aircraft's overhead bin size—space isn't the same on every plane.
What size bag can you carry-on Frontier for free?
Frontier does not allow any carry-on bags for free. All carry-ons cost $30 if purchased online up to 24 hours before departure.
The max carry-on size is 24"H x 16"W x 10"D and must fit in the overhead bin. Wait until the last minute? That fee jumps to $40 at the gate. Buy it on flyfrontier.com to save a few bucks.
What does Frontier charge for carry-on bags?
Frontier charges $30 online (up to 24 hours before departure) or $40 at the gate for a carry-on bag.
This fee is per flight segment. Your bag can't exceed 24"H x 16"W x 10"D or 35 lbs. Prices are set in stone—no refunds if you change your mind. Double-check your receipt to make sure you weren't overcharged.
How do I pack for Frontier Airlines?
Keep your valuables and daily essentials in your free personal item. If you've paid for a carry-on, stash the heavier stuff there. Packing cubes are a lifesaver for fitting more in less space. Don't forget—your ID and boarding pass should be easy to grab for security.
How strict is Frontier with personal items?
Frontier is strict about personal item size and placement — bags must fit fully under the seat and not exceed 14"H x 18"W x 8"D.
Agents measure bags at the gate, and oversized items get hit with fees or reclassification as carry-ons. Pack smart to avoid delays. A soft-sided bag can squish to fit if needed—rigid ones? Not so much.
How many bags can you take on a plane for free?
Frontier allows one free personal item per passenger. No free carry-on bags are included in any fare.
Even Basic Economy gets one free personal item as of 2026. Everything else—carry-ons, checked bags—comes with a fee. Your personal item must fit under the seat, period.
How big of a backpack can I bring on a plane?
Most airlines, including Frontier, allow personal item backpacks up to 14"H x 18"W x 8"D. Larger backpacks are carry-ons.
Measure your backpack before you leave. Don't forget to include pockets and zippers in your dimensions. A well-packed 14" x 18" x 8" backpack should slide under most seats without a fight.
Will a backpack fit under a plane seat?
Yes, a backpack up to 18" long, 14" wide, and 8" high will fit under most airplane seats.
Seat space isn't uniform, though. Exit rows and bulkhead seats often have less room underneath. Test your backpack's fit at home by sliding it under a chair. Soft backpacks bend and squeeze better than hard cases.
What size backpack is allowed on a plane?
The maximum personal item backpack size on most airlines is 9" x 10" x 17" (or 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
That's for personal items like small backpacks and laptop bags. Bigger? That's a carry-on with fees attached. Always double-check your airline's policy—rules aren't always the same.
How strict is Frontier with checked baggage size?
Frontier is strict: checked bags cannot exceed 62” in total linear dimensions (length + width + height) or weigh more than 50 lbs.
Go over? You'll pay a $75 fee. The airline checks sizes and weight at check-in, so measure and weigh at home first. A luggage scale and measuring tape are worth their weight in gold here.
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.
