Frontier Airlines may seem very cheap, but they only allow one personal item for free, and you will need to pay to bring a carry-on bag.
And If you are planning to fly with Frontier Airlines it is important to know how strict they are with their personal item size limits.
From my experience, Frontier is slightly strict with its personal item size. There’s a high possibility the airline will conduct an overall check of your item’s size to ensure the bag is compliant with their luggage size limits.
Let’s dig a little deeper to find out to learn more about Frontier Airlines’ personal item size limits and what to expect if your personal item goes slightly oversized.
TL;DR
- Frontier allows 1 free personal item per passenger.
- Maximum size is 8″ D x 18″ W x 14″ H (20 x 46 x 35 cm), with no weight limit.
- Examples include small backpacks, duffle bags, or laptop bags that fit under the seat.
- Frontier is stricter than many airlines, and bags are often checked in the sizer.
- Soft-sided bags can sometimes be squeezed to fit.
- Oversized items are treated as carry-ons and charged extra fees.
- Best tip: bring a compliant bag to avoid stress and surprise charges at the gate.
Frontier Personal Item Size
Frontier Airlines’ personal item size needs to stay within these dimensions:
14” height x 18” width x 8” depth with no weight limit.
Extra Items
In addition to this personal item, you can also bring the following items free of charge:
- A coat
- A diaper bag when traveling with an infant
- Canes and crutches (assistive devices in general)
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators, respiratory devices, or any other assistive devices, and foot rugs for use during prayer
For more information about Frontier’s additional items, please browse this page on the airline website.
Why Are Frontier Airlines Strict With Their Personal Items?
Frontier Airlines may apply a fee if your personal item exceeds their allowed size of 14” H x 18” W x 8” D.
In the real world, most airlines will not question a personal item if it is not too big or if it fits easily in the baggage sizer.
But if your personal item is too heavy or large and will not fit under the seat in front of you, Frontier staff will be more likely to be strict with your personal item at the gate.
On the other hand, if you get to the gate with a carry-on bag that exceeds the allowable sizes, you will have to pay additional fees and your bag will be gate checked.
Frontier Airlines are strict with their item dimensions because that is their business model, and they make money from these extra details.
For instance, if they let all the passengers take oversized bags as personal items, none of the passengers would pay for a carry-on.
I think you got the idea.
How Strict Is Frontier With Personal Item Size?
There’s a good chance that you will be asked to place the bag in the baggage sizer to ensure it has the appropriate dimensions.
If the personal item is larger than the mentioned dimensions, it will be counted as a carry-on bag, and any carry-on bag that is placed in the overhead compartment will be subject to a fixed fee.
What If My Frontier Personal Item Is a Little Larger? What Should I Do?
You can take the risk with an oversized bag if it is only a few inches bigger or if you are not sure whether it will fit under the seat.
If the airline measures your personal item in the sizer device and it fits, you are fine.
You can squeeze your bag to fit the sizer if it is a soft-sided bag or a duffle bag.
How To Take More In Your Personal Item?
There are many tips and dips to pack a whole vacation on a personal item without the risk of paying of a carry-on.
However, these tricks may not provide an in-depth way to maximize your personal item.
The better advice is to take only your essentials and what you need, and put your other items in your checked bag.
This will give you more room to pack essentials for your trip.
Jenna says that she uses a Vera Bradley duffle and gets away with it.
What Is The Best Personal Item For Frontier?
Frontier personal item size examples Includes the Vera Bradley duffles, but Amazon has a large selection of personal items that fit Frontier’s personal item size (8 x 18 x 14 inches), from foldable duffle bags that fit perfectly under the seat to small backpacks that can also be placed smoothly under the seat.
If you are looking for ladies’ bags, take a look at the stylish BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies Women Bag.
You can also use the BRINCH Laptop Backpack, a Frontier personal item backpack that will perfectly fit under the seat and at the same time carry all your belongings.
Is a Personal Item Free On Frontier?
Yep, your personal item is included in your ticket.
No matter what type of bag you bring, as long as it is with the size limits you won’t be charged.
Is a Backpack Considered a Personal Item On Frontier Airlines?
You can take a backpack if the backpack fits under the seat.
Here is an answer from FlyFrontier customer service:
GIDEON asked if he could take his Wenger SwissGear backpack on Frontier as a personal item.
This backpack size is about 6 x 11 x 16.5 inches and it is just under the allowed size by a few inches, so it will fit perfectly under the airplane seat.
Frontier recommends not filling the backpack to the brim, as it won’t fit under the seat.
Don’t Bring These Items In Your Personal Item
Don’t bring any replica weapons (or anything that could be used as a weapon or to inflict bodily harm), explosives, or incendiaries.
Review the list provided by the TSA of permitted and prohibited items that may be included in carry-on baggage, including the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Liquids must be placed in a transparent, quart-sized bag.
What Is Frontier’s Carry-On Policy?
If your personal item doesn’t fit your needs and is too small, Frontier allows a carry-on bag sized 24″H x 16″W x 10″D(including handles, wheels, and straps) and no heavier than 35 pounds, with extra charges.
Frontier’s main carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. Carry-on bag prices vary based on when you purchase and are non-refundable.
FRONTIER Miles Elite members and passengers who purchased THE WORKS℠ always receive a free carry-on bag in addition to their personal item.
Final Thoughts
Even though Frontier is strict with its personal item size, sometimes you can still get away with a backpack or a small bag that is slightly above their mentioned dimensions.
Ensure that you choose a bag that fits within the airline’s size limits and still carries all your items.
With that said, I hope this answers all your questions about “How strict is Frontier with personal item size”, and we wish you a safe and joyful journey ahead.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs on on Frontier Airlines Personal Item size
What are the fees if my personal item is oversized on Frontier?
If your personal item doesn’t fit in the sizer at the airport, it will be treated as a carry-on. Frontier carry-on fees vary but can be as high as $99 at the gate.
Do Frontier’s size limits include handles, wheels, and straps?
Yes. The 14” H x 18” W x 8” D size limit applies to the entire bag, including wheels, handles, straps, and side pockets. Always measure everything.
How many liters does a Frontier personal item allow?
The maximum capacity is about 33 liters (2016 cubic inches). This is slightly smaller than most standard carry-on suitcases, so choosing a compact bag is important.
Are personal item rules different by ticket type?
Every Frontier fare includes one free personal item. Passengers with THE WORKS℠ or FRONTIER Miles Elite status also get a free carry-on in addition to the personal item.
What happens if my personal item doesn’t fit under the seat?
If your bag won’t fit under the seat or in the sizer, it must be checked or treated as a carry-on. You’ll be charged the current carry-on fee, which is higher if paid at the gate.
Can Frontier deny boarding if my bag is too big?
Yes. If your bag is significantly oversized and you refuse to pay or check it, Frontier reserves the right to deny boarding.
What are good examples of personal items that fit Frontier’s limits?
Examples include:
• Backpacks: Brinch Laptop Backpack, Wenger SwissGear
• Duffel Bags: Vera Bradley Duffel, foldable AmazonBasics duffle
• Totes: BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies Bag
All of these fit within 18” W x 14” H x 8” D if not overstuffed.
How to measure my personal item before flying?
Use a measuring tape to check height, width, and depth. Include handles, wheels, straps, and pockets. Test if it fits into a box of 14” x 18” x 8” to make sure it passes the sizer test.
Is enforcement the same at all airports?
No. Some travelers report stricter checks at busier airports and peak times. On less crowded flights, agents may be more flexible, but there’s no guarantee.
Read also:
- What If My Carry-on Is One Inch Too Big? (Expert Tips and Advice)
- Is Frontier Airlines Safe And Reliable?
