Discover the ins and outs of Frontier Airlines baggage fees and sizers 🧳 Learn how to navigate the airline’s baggage policy for carry-on and checked bags

When you’re flying with Frontier Airlines, one of the first things you’ll notice is the strict enforcement of personal item and carry-on baggage size restrictions. That’s because Frontier, as an ultra-low-cost carrier, relies heavily on additional fees from things like checked luggage and oversized carry-ons. So being perfectly compliant with Frontier Airlines’ bag sizers is key to avoiding any unpleasant surprises at the boarding gate.

Understanding Frontier’s Baggage Policies

As a quick overview, Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring aboard one personal item free of charge. This small item – like a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag – must be no larger than 8 inches deep, 18 inches wide, 14 inches high. Additionally, passengers may bring one carry-on bag onboard for an additional fee, currently ranging from $35 to $60 each way depending on when paid. Carry-on bags can be no larger than 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 24 inches high. Both personal items and carry-ons must fit easily within Frontier Airlines’ bag sizers.

Checked bags are often a better value on Frontier, with fees typically starting around $50 per piece when paid for in advance. Checked baggage cannot exceed 62 linear inches total when adding together length, width, and height.

Why Frontier Uses Bag Sizers

Frontier Airlines is known for having some of the tightest restrictions on baggage sizes and for strictly enforcing these policies at the gate. That’s because Frontier employees reportedly receive incentives or commissions when bags don’t comply with size restrictions, earning the airline more fees.

So before every Frontier flight, airline staff member hook carry-on bags into metal sizing templates at the gate. These contraptions, called “bag sizers,” consist of a metal frame outlining the exact maximum dimensions for a standard carry-on or personal item. If your luggage fits neatly within the bag sizer, you’ll be allowed to board. But if any part of your bag sticks out – even just slightly exceeding the sizer – Frontier staff will force you to gate check the luggage for a hefty $99 fee or so.

Tips for Passing Frontier’s Bag Sizers

Since failing Frontier’s infamous bag sizers leads to steep fees, a denied boarding is every traveler’s nightmare. Here are some tips for smoothly passing inspection:

• Pack sparingly and utilize packing cubes, compression sacks, and foldable fabrics to maximize space
• Ensure all straps and handles fit snugly against the luggage
• Carry on soft-sided bags without bulky wheels or feet
• Consider sizing up your bag at home to a sizer’s metal frame
• Arrive early at the gate to repack if needed
• Ask nicely when approaching staff manning the sizers
• Weigh carry-ons at home to avoid overweight fees
• Stuff luggage firmly into sizer without forcing
• Bring valuables in a separate personal item instead

As a final tip, make sure at least one of your bags meets Frontier’s personal item size allowance, fitting neatly under the seat to accommodate your critical items if forced to check your carry-on.

What Counts as Personal Items and Carry-Ons

To avoid issues, familiarize yourself with what counts as a personal item vs carry-on with Frontier. Personal items only include small bags like purses, laptop sleeves, messenger bags, backpacks, briefcases etc. Carry-on suitcases, duffel bags, full-size roller bags, and the like count as carry-ons.

If you’re hoping to bring a backpack onboard for free, make sure it meets personal item sizing when stuffed. Backpacks often easily fit overhead but exceed underseat allowances when packed fully. Consider sizing up your backpack to Frontier’s bag sizer before departure to avoid surprises.

Parents do get some special exceptions when flying Frontier. Infants are allowed one personal item plus a diaper bag, while those traveling with children can gate check strollers and car seats for free. Otherwise, be ready to pay steep bag fees if your carry-on or personal item exceeds size restrictions. Bag sizers show no mercy!

Flying Frontier Airline Like a Pro

Size limits for personal items and carry-ons on Frontier Airlines flights are firm. And gate agents strictly enforce these policies with bag sizers before boarding every flight.

Come prepared by packing smartly and evaluating your luggage against the maximum dimensions listed. Consider sizing up your bag next to a metal frame mimicking Frontier’s sizers pre-trip. This helps avoid forced gate checking and unexpected fees that could sour an otherwise smooth journey with Frontier’s cheap fares.

Understanding exact size allowances for the personal item and carry-on you intend to fly with is key. While overhead bin space ultimately depends on the aircraft and occupancy, skirting size policies surely leads to fees. Take time to comprehend Frontier’s baggage policies in depth rather than scrambling at boarding.

With adequate preparation using Frontier’s bag sizers for guidance, you can take full advantage of the airline’s bargain-basement prices without the unpleasant surprises many travelers encounter. Fly savvy, fly smooth and fly Frontier like a pro on your next adventure!

The post Demystifying Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees and Sizers 📏 first appeared on Moonfruit.