Understanding Frontier Airlines baggage fees is essential to saving money on your next flight. Frontier operates on a business model that separates baggage and optional service costs from ticket fares, allowing them to offer seemingly cheap flights while increasing profits through add-ons. Here's what you need to know:
Baggage Fee Variations:
- Paying for baggage early is cheaper. For instance, on a Seattle to Albuquerque flight, a carry-on bag costs $59 during booking, $61 before check-in, and $69 at check-in. Waiting until the airport desk increases the cost to $79 or even $99 during boarding.
- Frontier's website has a tool to calculate fees before booking.
Personal Item and Carry-on:
- Personal items (e.g., purses, totes) are free and must fit within 14"x18"x8" dimensions.
- Carry-ons incur fees and should not exceed 10"x16"x24" dimensions and 35 pounds.
Checked Luggage:
- Checked bags are slightly cheaper than carry-ons, but waiting for them takes time.
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + depth).
- Maximum weight: 40 pounds.
Oversized/Overweight Bags:
- Bags larger than 62 linear inches cost $75. Bags over 110 linear inches are not accepted.
- Weights between 41-50 pounds: $50 per bag.
- Weights between 51-100 pounds: $100 per bag.
- Bags over 100 pounds (except assistive devices and instruments) are not allowed.
Special Items:
- Bikes: $75 per segment, certain dimensions.
- Firearms: Allowed in checked bags with conditions.
- Pets: Allowed in-cabin for $99 (domestic flights) but not as checked baggage.
- Sports equipment: Follows standard checked bag fees.
- Musical instruments: Allowed in carry-on or checked bags with fees.
Avoiding Baggage Fees:
- Bundles: Consider booking a bundle with carry-on or checked bags for cost efficiency.
- Elite Status: After flying 20,000 miles or 20 segments, Elite 20K status waives carry-on fees; 100,000 miles/100 segments grant Elite 100K status for free checked bags.
- Co-branded Cardholders: Frontier Airlines World Mastercard holders earn qualifying miles, potentially leading to elite status.
- Premium Credit Cards: Some premium credit cards offer travel credit reimbursement that covers baggage fees.
- Active-Duty Military: Active-duty military personnel with a Common Access Card get baggage fee waivers.
- Exempted Items: Essential baby items, mobility devices, and certain carry-on items are exempt from fees.
Understanding these details empowers you to make informed choices about baggage fees and possibly save money on your Frontier Airlines flights. For more assistance or to get your questions answered, you can contact us at 1-888-875-0388.
