Frontier Airlines Carry-On Rules: How to Avoid Excessive Fees!

If you want to keep your Frontier flight cheap, the biggest “gotcha” is baggage. Frontier is very clear about what counts as a free personal item vs. a paid carry-on—and they also note that personal item size will be checked during boarding.

This guide walks you through Frontier’s current carry-on sizes, weight limit, fees (how pricing works), and what to do about liquids.

Carry-On Policy for Frontier Airlines

If you only read one section, make it this one—these are Frontier’s current size and weight limits (including wheels and handles) plus the one enforcement detail that trips most people up at the gate.

Frontier carry-on rules at a glance

• Free personal item (under the seat): 14″ H x 18″ W x 8″ D (about 36 x 46 x 20 cm), and Frontier notes it may be checked during boarding.
• Paid carry-on (overhead bin): 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D (about 61 x 41 x 25 cm) and under 35 lbs (about 15.9 kg).
• Important detail: Frontier’s limits include handles, wheels, and straps. Dimensions are listed as Height x Width x Depth (H x W x D).
• Fees: Bag prices vary by route and when you buy; Frontier advises that the lowest price is typically at booking and the highest price is generally at the gate—use their pricing tools to check your specific flight.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin or it will have to be checked.

Frontier personal item rules (free)

Frontier includes one personal item with your fare. Think: purse, tote, laptop bag, small backpack, diaper bag—anything that fits fully under the seat in front of you.

Frontier personal item size limit

Your personal item must be no larger than:

• 14″ H x 18″ W x 8″ D (about 36 x 46 x 20 cm)
• Frontier’s policy counts handles, wheels, and straps in those measurements.

How strict is Frontier with personal items?

Frontier explicitly notes that personal item size will be checked during boarding, so treat the limit as enforceable (especially if your bag is a fully loaded backpack).

Practical tip: A soft-sided bag gives you a little margin if you’re right on the edge. A rigid bag with bulging pockets usually doesn’t.

Frontier carry-on bag rules (paid)

Frontier’s carry-on bag is the “overhead bin” bag. Unlike many major airlines, it’s not automatically included with most Frontier fares.

Frontier carry-on size limit

Frontier’s carry-on bag can be up to:

• 24″ H x 16″ W x 10″ D (about 61 x 41 x 25 cm)
• Measurements include handles, wheels, and straps.

Frontier carry-on weight limit

Frontier also publishes a weight limit:

• Carry-on must weigh under 35 lbs (about 15.9 kg). If you’re packing heavy items (shoes, books, tools, camera gear), this is the one rule that can surprise people.

Frontier carry-on fees: how pricing works

Frontier doesn’t publish one universal “carry-on price” because it varies by itinerary and timing. Frontier’s guidance is consistent, though:

• Prices generally start lowest at booking
• Increase closer to departure
• Are typically highest at the airport / gate

To know the exact charges for your flight, go to the Frontier Bag Price Checker and enter your departure, destination, and dates of travel.

Recommended Carry-On Luggage

If you are looking for a great carry-on bag that meets Frontier’s requirements, I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. Frontier’s carry-on limit is 24″ x 16″ x 10″, and Frontier measures size including wheels and handles—so don’t assume you can overpack and “make it work” at the gate.

I have used this carry-on for years. It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for shorter trips. Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly.

Frontier Airlines liquids policy for carry-ons

Here’s the simple truth: for U.S. departures, liquids in carry-ons are governed by TSA screening rules (not a Frontier-only rule). TSA’s standard liquids rule is still the 3-1-1 rule.

TSA 3-1-1 rule (what you need to remember)

• One bag per traveler
• Containers 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
• All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag

For the full breakdown (including what counts as a “liquid”), see my plain-English guide to the TSA liquids rule and TSA’s official liquids page.

Exceptions: medication and baby/child liquids

TSA has well-defined exceptions for items like medically necessary liquids and baby formula/breast milk/juice in quantities above 3.4 oz. Still, you should expect additional screening and declare them at the checkpoint.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Frontier Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy

If you’re bringing a pet in the cabin, Frontier allows certain small domesticated animals on flights within the U.S. (and states that only service dogs are allowed on international flights, subject to requirements).

A few key points to know:

• Frontier applies a pet charge of $99 per pet, per direction.
• Frontier does not allow pets to be checked as baggage.
• In addition to your pet’s travel container, Frontier states you may bring either a personal item or a carry-on bag (a carry-on is subject to an additional fee).

Always verify the latest details on Frontier’s official family and pets information before you fly.

Concluding Thoughts…

Frontier airfare can be a great deal, but only if you pack to their exact dimensions and plan your bag purchases early. If you want the quickest way to avoid fees, build your packing around the 14 x 18 x 8 personal item and assume it can be checked at the boarding gate.

Anyone who is considering flying Frontier should carefully review Frontier’s fee schedule and policies before booking a flight to avoid unexpected costs.

Before you fly, double-check Frontier’s current baggage rules on their official bag options page (and use the Bag Price Checker for your exact route and dates).

For quick comparisons and planning:

• Carry-on size by airline
• The TSA liquids rule
• Frontier’s official bag options

More articles about flying Frontier …

1. Carry on rules for all major airlines
2. How to Fly Standby on Frontier Airlines
3. What to do if your Frontier Flight is Delayed or Cancelled