Here’s the headline you need to know: your fare only includes one personal item. And Frontier defines that very, very tightly. It must fit under the seat in front of you – 18” x 14” x 8” max. (Go ahead, measure your bag right now. I’ll wait.)
So what counts as a personal item? A small backpack, a purse, a briefcase, or a diaper bag. That’s it. If you show up with a rolling suitcase, a duffel bag that’s too puffy, or anything that resembles “carry-on luggage,” you’re about to pay up. And they will spot it from across the terminal – trust me, they have eagle eyes for bulky shoulder straps.
What About a Carry-On? (Spoiler: It Costs Extra)
If you want to bring a proper carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin, you have to pay for it as an add-on. Prices vary, but expect to fork over somewhere between $30 and $60 at booking. Wait until the gate, and that price could jump to $99 or more. Yes, you read that right. It’s cheaper to buy a second small backpack than it is to bring a rolling suitcase. I’m not joking – that’s the math Frontier wants you to do.
Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees & Policy | Thrifty Traveler
The irony? You’re already paying for the seat, the overhead bin space, and the fuel. But Frontier treats overhead bins like VIP lounges: exclusive and pricey. So unless you’re cool with shoving your stuff under the seat like a contortionist, that carry-on is a luxury item.
