F9 · United States · Ultra low-cost
Frontier Airlines Carry-On Rules 2026 24 x 16 x 10"
By Caden Sorenson Updated May 9, 2026 Sourced from the official Frontier Airlines policy
Exact Frontier Airlines carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.
Quick answer
Frontier Airlines carry-on bags can be up to 24 x 16 x 10" (61 x 41 x 25 cm), with a 16 kg (35 lb) weight limit, and a carry-on fee starting at $59.
- Carry-on size: up to 24 x 16 x 10" (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
- Weight limit: 16 kg (35 lb)
- Carry-on fee: from $59
- Personal item: up to 14 x 18 x 8", free on every fare
- Gate-check risk: High
- Last verified: May 9, 2026
Carry-On Bag
- Max dimensions (in)
- 24 x 16 x 10"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 61 x 41 x 25 cm
- Weight limit
- 16 kg (35 lb)
- Fee
- From $59
- Gate-check risk
- High
Carry-on costs extra on every fare class. Cheapest when added at booking, most expensive at the gate. Only the personal item is included.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 14 x 18 x 8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 35 x 46 x 20 cm
- Included
- Yes, free
Included free. Must fit fully inside the gate sizer or you will be charged as a carry-on.
See checked bag fees & moreFrontier Airlines carry-on dimensions and bag size
The maximum Frontier Airlines carry-on size is 24 x 16 x 10 inches, which works out to 61 x 41 x 25 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Frontier Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 24 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Frontier Airlines carry-on weight limit
Frontier Airlines limits carry-on bags to 16 kg (35 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.
Does Frontier Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
Yes. Frontier Airlines charges for carry-on bags on most fares, starting at around $59 when added at booking. Fees climb at every stage: online, airport kiosk, ticket counter, gate. The personal item stays free on every fare. Basic Economy fares on Frontier Airlines are the ones where carry-on fees apply most aggressively, since the fare excludes the overhead-bin bag by default.
What bags fit as a Frontier Airlines personal item
Common bag types compared against the Frontier Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Fits |
| Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Fits |
| Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Fits |
| Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
| Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
| Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Fits |
Frontier Airlines carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Economy) | Not included | Included | Personal item only. Carry-on is a paid add-on. |
| The PERKS bundle | Included | Included | Includes carry-on, checked bag, and seat selection. |
| The WORKS bundle | Included | Included | Everything in PERKS plus priority boarding, refundability, and flexibility. |
Frontier Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft
All-Airbus A320 family fleet. Carry-on must be 24 x 16 x 10 inches or smaller and under 35 lbs including handles and wheels. Personal item must be 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller. Both sizes are checked at the gate and oversized bags are charged.
Avoiding gate-check on Frontier Airlines
Buy carry-on during initial booking for the cheapest rate. Add Carry-On and Board First to guarantee overhead space and move into Group 1. Paying at the gate is the most expensive path.
What counts as a personal item on Frontier Airlines
Allowed
- Purse
- Tote
- Computer bag
- Briefcase
- Diaper bag
Counts as a second carry-on
- A second full-size backpack
- Any bag exceeding 18 x 14 x 8
Common Frontier Airlines carry-on mistakes
- Ignoring the 35 lb carry-on weight limit, which Frontier actively enforces.
- Buying a carry-on at the gate instead of during booking.
- Confusing Frontier's 24 x 16 x 10 allowance with the more common 22 x 14 x 9 standard.
What happens if your bag does not fit on Frontier Airlines
If overhead space runs out, agents offer valet gate check. If your carry-on was not pre-paid and it does not fit under the seat, Frontier charges a gate-bag fee before accepting it.
Frontier Airlines vs Spirit Airlines carry-on
Frontier and Spirit are ULCC twins. Frontier's taller, narrower carry-on box (24 x 16 x 10) fits more upright roller bags while Spirit (22 x 18 x 10) fits wider bags. Both exclude carry-on from the cheapest fare, and both charge oversized personal item fees at the gate.
See Spirit Airlines carry-on sizeFrontier Airlines checked baggage fees
Standard checked bag limit is 40 lb (reduced from the 50 lb industry standard as of 2026). Bags over 40 lb incur an overweight upgrade fee; bags 51-100 lb cost $129 extra for bookings on or after April 4, 2026. Frontier uses fully dynamic pricing. Checked bags typically cost $47-63 at booking, higher at check-in and the airport. Bundles like The WORKS or The PERKS include a free carry-on and checked bag and usually save money on round-trips.
Ways to skip the Frontier Airlines checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Frontier Airlines carry-on size.
- Use a Frontier Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Frontier Airlines special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- $99
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on (fee applies). Larger instruments can be checked at bag rates.
Sports equipment is priced as a regular checked bag plus any overweight/oversize fees. Pet-in-cabin fee is around $99 each way.
Frontier Airlines basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- No
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- Not published
- Personal item only (carry-on and checked bag cost extra unless bundled)
- Seat selection costs extra
- No changes or refunds
- All extras priced à la carte
Frequently asked questions
What is the Frontier Airlines carry-on size limit?
Frontier Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 24 x 16 x 10" (61 x 41 x 25 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 16 kg (35 lb).
What are the Frontier Airlines carry-on dimensions in cm?
The Frontier Airlines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 61 x 41 x 25 cm. In inches that converts to 24 x 16 x 10". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.
What is the Frontier Airlines carry-on weight limit?
Frontier Airlines limits carry-on bags to 16 kg (35 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.
Does Frontier Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
Yes. Frontier Airlines charges for carry-on bags on most fares, starting around $59 when added at booking. Fees climb at each stage, from online to kiosk to gate. The personal item stays free on every fare. Basic Economy is the fare where the carry-on fee applies most aggressively.
What is the Frontier Airlines personal item size?
The personal item on Frontier Airlines must fit within 14 x 18 x 8" (35 x 46 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Included free. Must fit fully inside the gate sizer or you will be charged as a carry-on.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Frontier Airlines?
Frontier Airlines currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.
Can I bring a carry-on on Frontier Airlines Economy?
No. Frontier Airlines Economy passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.
Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Frontier Airlines carry-on?
Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the Frontier Airlines carry-on limit of 24 x 16 x 10". Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on Frontier Airlines?
A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Frontier Airlines personal item limit of 14 x 18 x 8". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.
Does Frontier Airlines weigh personal items?
Frontier Airlines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.
How much does a checked bag cost on Frontier Airlines?
Frontier Airlines checked bag fees vary by route and fare class. Check the airline's website for current pricing.
What are the Frontier Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?
Frontier Airlines charges $129 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $129 for 71 to 100 lb, and $75 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.
Flying Frontier Airlines out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Frontier Airlines hubs and focus cities.
Frontier Airlines head-to-head comparisons
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Helpful guides
Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Frontier Airlines flight.
- Best carry-on bags for Frontier Airlines in 2026Eight carry-ons tested against every major airline sizer, from budget to premium.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics and three airline-card combos that save $45 to $100 per trip.
- Best AI packing list generatorsGenerate a Frontier Airlines-sized packing list in seconds with weather-aware AI tools.
- Free embeddable widgetsDrop a carry-on reference card or bag-fit checker into any travel blog with a short HTML snippet.
Compare other airlines
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Sources & verification
Last verified 2026-05-09 against the official Frontier Airlines policy at https://www.flyfrontier.com/travel/travel-info/bag-options/ . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Frontier Airlines before flying. See our research methodology.