Frontier Baggage Fees, How Much Does Frontier Charge For Baggage?

What are the Baggage Fees?

Baggage fees when flying can vary depending on several factors, and it's important to be aware of these fees before you travel. Typically, airlines charge fees for checked bags, carry-on bags that need to be placed in the overhead bin, and sometimes even for extra items beyond a small personal item. The cost of these fees can vary significantly depending on the airline you choose, your destination, and the type of ticket you purchase.

Additionally, some airlines may have weight and size restrictions for checked bags, and if your luggage exceeds these limits, you may incur additional charges. It's also worth noting that fees for services like transporting sports equipment or traveling with pets can add to your overall travel expenses. To avoid unexpected costs, it's advisable to check the baggage fee policies of your chosen airline before booking your ticket and consider any loyalty program benefits that might offset these fees.

Frontier Baggage Fees

When flying with Frontier Airlines, it's important to know that they operate differently from traditional carriers. Frontier follows an unbundled business model, which means they separate the cost of baggage and other optional services from their ticket prices. This approach allows them to offer seemingly low fares while generating additional revenue through optional extras.

Baggage fees with Frontier can vary depending on when you pay for them. Generally, the earlier you secure your baggage allowance, the lower the cost will be. For instance, if you're flying from Seattle to Denver, a carry-on bag will cost you $57 if you pay during the booking process and $68 before or at check-in. However, if you decide to pay at the airport desk, the same carry-on bag will cost you $79, or even $99 if you wait until the boarding process.

Frontier provides a useful online tool on their website to calculate baggage fees before you make your booking. On a positive note, Frontier allows a personal item to be brought on board at no extra charge. This personal item can be a purse, tote, briefcase, computer bag, children's backpack, diaper bag, or similar items. However, it's essential to ensure that the dimensions of your personal item do not exceed 14 inches by 18 inches by 8 inches to avoid carry-on fees.

If you plan to bring a carry-on bag into the cabin, be prepared to pay fees, which can vary based on your departure and destination cities. Additionally, the size of your carry-on bag must not exceed 10 inches by 16 inches by 24 inches, and it should not weigh more than 35 pounds. Understanding these baggage fee details can help you save on your Frontier Airlines flight.

How Much Does Frontier Charge For Baggage?

Frontier Airlines charges baggage fees based on different categories and factors. 

How Does Frontier Baggage Fees Work?

Frontier Airlines offers a way to save on baggage fees by purchasing their bundles, known as "the Works" and "the Perks." Both bundles include a carry-on bag, a checked bag, and the option to select your seat.

"The Works" bundle goes a step further, offering additional perks like zone 1 boarding, flight flexibility, 100% refundability, and the ability to purchase premium stretch seating. Prices for these bundles can vary depending on your flight route and travel dates, but generally, you can expect to pay around $60 to $120 per person for each leg of your journey.

So, if you opt for one of these bundles, you not only get baggage allowances but also some extra benefits to enhance your travel experience with Frontier Airlines. Keep in mind that the exact cost may vary, so it's a good idea to check the specific pricing for your flight when considering these bundles.

How Do I Avoid Baggage Fees on Frontier Airlines?

Avoiding baggage fees on Frontier Airlines can be a bit challenging because their business model relies on ancillary fees. However, there are a few strategies to save money or even avoid these fees:

Bundles: If you know in advance that you'll need to travel with a carry-on or checked bag, consider booking your ticket as a bundle. Frontier offers two bundles - the Works and the Perks. Both include carry-on and checked bag fee benefits, along with other perks that can enhance your travel experience and potentially save you money.

Elite Status: To completely eliminate baggage fees, aim for elite status with Frontier. When you fly 20,000 miles or complete 20 segments, you'll reach the entry-level Elite 20K status, which waives the cost of a carry-on bag on every flight. For more frequent travelers who can achieve Elite 100K status by flying 100,000 miles or completing 100 segments, checking a bag becomes free.

Premium Credit Cards: While not a direct fee waiver, you can use premium travel credit cards with travel credit benefits to offset your baggage fees. Many premium cards offer annual travel credits that can cover baggage fees.

For instance, using a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can result in a fee adjustment on your statement, effectively crediting you back the fees, up to a certain yearly limit. Other cards with similar benefits include The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, among others.

What Things Are Exempt From Baggage Fees on the Frontier?

Frontier Airlines, like many airlines, exempts certain items from baggage fees because they are considered essential or necessary under specific circumstances. Here's a breakdown of what's exempted:

Essential Baby Items: Items like strollers and baby car seats are exempt from checked bag fees. Additionally, carry-on items like diaper bags are not charged as carry-on items. Frontier understands the importance of these items for traveling with infants.

Mobility Devices: Mobility devices such as wheelchairs are also exempt from checked bag fees. Frontier recognizes that passengers with mobility needs must have these devices with them.

Active-Duty Military Personnel: Active-duty military personnel with a Common Access Card are eligible for baggage fee waivers. This benefit allows them to travel with a free personal item, a free carry-on bag, and up to two free checked pieces of luggage. However, these benefits typically do not extend to the travel companion of the military personnel, even if they are family members.

How to Reduce High Frontier Baggage Fees?

Avoiding high baggage fees on Frontier Airlines is crucial to keeping your travel costs down. Here are four strategies to minimize what you pay at the airport:

Fit Under the Seat: Frontier charges for carry-on bags, but they are free if they can fit under the seat in front of you. Opt for a backpack, large purse, or a small rolling suitcase designed to fit under the seat to avoid carry-on fees.

Weigh Your Bags: If your belongings can't fit under the seat, consider checking a bag. Pay for it in advance to save money compared to paying for an overhead carry-on. Use a handheld digital luggage scale to ensure your bag is below 50 pounds to avoid expensive oversize fees.

Get Creative: If you're willing to get a bit creative, consider using a 26-pocket vest designed to hold all your gear, including an iPad. While this may look unconventional, it can help you avoid baggage fees, especially for personal items.

Ship Bags Ahead: To bypass baggage fees altogether, consider shipping your luggage to your destination in advance. This option can be more convenient and cost-effective, particularly given Frontier's higher-than-average baggage fees. Services like Lugless offer competitive rates starting as low as $15, potentially saving you both money and time.