How Strict Is Frontier With Their Personal Item?

AvatarEric Chapman Hours Updated on

With a Basic Economy ticket, Frontier offers one personal item free per person. And the maximum size for a personal item on Frontier Airlines is 14 x 18 x 8 inches, which is rather large. 

But, Frontier tends to be strict about ensuring customers do not bring oversized luggage on the plane. 

Although Frontier is rather careful about making sure passengers do not bring items that go over the maximum dimensions, they are still relatively lenient about the size of personal items.

Basically, as long as your item can fit under the seat in front of you, you won’t have a problem. 

How Strict are Frontier Airline’s Personal Item Policies?

The short answer is that Frontier’s personal item policies are rather strict compared to other airlines. 

The main reason for these rigid rules is that Frontier is a budget airline. Thus, their tickets are cheap compared to many other airlines like United or American Airlines. 

And, since their tickets are cheaper, Frontier makes up their lost revenue by charging additional fees for oversized baggage. So, overall, when you fly with budget airlines, you get less freedom, but you pay less. 

This trade-off is the main reason for the debate between budget and more expensive airlines. 

Frontier Airlines Baggage Policies

Below are Frontier’s baggage policies, which let you know what you can bring on their planes. 

Frontier Personal Item 

Frontier Airlines personal items can not be larger than 14 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. Thus, your personal item must fit in the bag sizer, which is the same size as the dimensions above. 

Your bag must also fit under the seat in front of you, or you can’t bring it. So, following the size limit is important with Frontier. 

To properly adhere to the luggage limits, Frontier recommends using items such as a purse, a laptop bag, or a diaper bag as your personal item.

Plus, keep in mind that your personal item is part of your free luggage allowance, meaning that Frontier allows one personal item per passenger fee-free. 

Frontier Carry-On Bags

Frontier carry-on bags should be no larger than 24 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 16 inches long. But, remember that these measurements include the handles, wheels, and any pockets or attachments on your carry-on. 

Also, your full-size carry-on bag can not weigh more than 35 pounds. And the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead compartment inside the cabin. 

Overall, Frontier recommends bringing carry-on baggage such as large backpacks, small duffel bags, suitcases, and wheeled bags to fit the size requirements. 

Lastly, unlike personal items, you do not get a free carry-on bag with Frontier Airlines. Instead, the price for carry-on baggage depends on when you purchased the carry-on luggage option, which you usually do upon check-in. 

But, although prices vary, one bag at Frontier costs about $30 to bring with you as long as it doesn’t go over the maximum dimensions. 

Frontier Checked Bags 

Finally, your checked bag can not be more than 62 linear inches, which is the sum of its dimensions (height, weight, and depth). The bag also can not be more than 40 pounds. 

However, you can bring items larger than these measurements, but you will have to pay an extra baggage fee. Also, Frontier will not accept any checked bag larger than 100 pounds or 110 linear inches, no matter how much you are willing to pay. 

How Does Frontier’s Personal Item Size Compare to Other Airlines?

So, how strict is Frontier compared to other airlines? Well, Frontier’s personal item size actually tends to be the same or a bit bigger than the personal items allowed on other airlines. 

The Frontier personal item size is 40 linear inches. For comparison, here are the personal item sizes for other popular US airlines:

Flying With Only a Personal Item

Since Frontier’s free baggage allowance only includes a personal item, you may want to forego the carry-on bag. And while this method of travel may not work for everyone, many people can fly with only a personal item. 

What Type of Luggage Should I Use for My Personal Item on Frontier?

First of all, since Frontier is strict about its personal item limit, you need to ensure that your bag does not exceed Frontier Airline’s personal item dimensions. However, since the Frontier personal item size limit is rather large, you have quite a range of options. 

Some of the most popular items for use as a personal item include: 

  • Diaper bags – This type of luggage can work great even if you’re not bringing a baby
  • Small backpacks – Many people wonder, is a backpack considered a personal item? Yes, just as long as it fits in the overhead bin. 
  • A small duffel bag 
  • Purses

What Should I Bring in My Personal Item if it’s My Only Luggage?

If you forego the carry-on and checked baggage, you need to be careful to only pack essentials. Luckily, though, Frontier flights do not impose a weight limit, so you can carry quite a bit. 

Items you should put in your personal item: 

  • One change of clothes 
  • A small day pack for easy carrying on your trip 
  • Phone and other device chargers 
  • A refillable water bottle 
  • An extra pair of shoes 
  • Toiletries you can’t get at your hotel

However, just remember to follow the TSA’s rules about prohibited items. The most important to keep in mind is that all liquids must fit in a one quart-sized bag. 

You also can not bring anything that might inflict bodily harm on another person. 

Finally, since a coat does not count as your personal item, you can bring one with deep pockets to make more room. But you will have to take all of these things out when you go through security. 

Are Assistive Devices Considered a Personal Item?

No, items such as respiratory devices, like portable oxygen concentrators, and other assistive devices are not personal belongings. Most airlines follow this rule so that those who need medical devices do not incur extra fees. 

So, Is Frontier Airlines Strict About Baggage?

Frontier is more observant about luggage size than other airlines because they rely on baggage fees to make up for their cheap airfare. But, when it comes to size, you get plenty of room in your luggage, so you can pack what you need.

Avatar

Eric has been a travel addict since he finished college and a writer since he could hold a pen.

A native of Florida, he loves traveling and visiting unique places all over the world and has an ever-growing collection of travel tips and experiences.

Eric is a digital nomad, a fan of slow travel. He has been traveling for the last 7 years, and has visited over 40 countries.