An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publicat...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
86 comments
Megan
June 05, 2018
Also, to clarify Active Duty Military bags, if the active duty spouse is traveling WITHOUT the active duty person, their bags are NOT free. For any spouse that plans to use Frontier while their spouse is deployed, you’ll pay. Your military ID is worthless.
Steven B
June 26, 2018
So are the bags free when you do travel with the Active Duty military member? Also, how many Bags are authorized for free for the Active Duty Military member? The site doesn’t clarify. It merely states “free checked baggage for Active duty”. So does that mean unlimited? Please clarify. Thank you
Erin Miller
June 27, 2018
Hi Steven, I’ve edited this response as Amy alerted me below that I accidentally got my wires crossed and gave you info for Spirit – sorry about that!
I was having trouble finding the information as well so I called Frontier and questioned their Customer Relations Department. Over the phone, they told me the following:
– All baggage types are free for active duty military; this includes carry-on bags AND checked bags.
– There is no limit to the number of bags an active duty military individual can check.
– There is no weight limit, nor size limit for active duty military bags (no overage charges will be applied).
– Baggage must be addressed at the airport check-in counter where all fees will be waived (there is no online option).
– This complimentary baggage policy does NOT extend to spouse/family members*
*If a spouse/family member is traveling WITH the active duty military individual, this person may utilize Frontier’s policy of unlimited complimentary bags in order to check in all of the bags under their booking (therefore extending the policy to the spouse/family member by proxy). Megan was correct above when she mentioned Frontier does not extend this policy when the spouse/family is traveling without the active duty military individual for instance if that individual is deployed.
Hope this helps!
Mad Scientist Amy
July 03, 2018
Erin,
The article is about Frontier Airlines and you gave baggage info for Spirit. Any insight as to the Frontier policy for added baggage for active duty military? Their website isn’t exactly clear. Thanks!
Erin Miller
July 10, 2018
Hey Amy, sorry about that – I don’t know where I got my wires crossed! I edited my response above so that information should be correct. Thanks for the heads up!!!
KTHOMAS
July 24, 2018
On Frontier the bags are free for the spouse & all dependants when traveling with the Active Duty military member, however all of the baggage must be under the Active Duty person’s name. Frontier told us that there is no limit to # of bags as long as they collectively weigh under 1000 lbs.
mai
September 24, 2019
I have a shopping bag to take with me. It will contain some medicines, a bp machine, and a small amount of clothing. Will they charge me for this if it fits under the seat? My ticket is basic and I have not purchased any additional baggage.
Andrew Kunesh
September 25, 2019
Hello! So long as the bag fits under the seat in front of you, you won’t have any issues with being charged. However, you may want to call the airline to confirm this. Thanks!
Kay Erickson
June 25, 2018
If you book through a different party you are not allowed to add a bag until you get to the airport. The other party won’t help. I was on hold for over 45 min and no response on a week day and it’s the same fee if calling. The web site will not let you add a bag either. Very frustrating.
emily
July 18, 2018
How many bags can military person bring?
Christine Krzyszton
July 18, 2018
Frontier does not publish a limit on free bags for active Military. If you have more than 3 bags, I would contact them in advance since you cannot add the bags online. You can call them at 801-401-9000 or contact their customer service via their customer help form. Here is the link: https://flyfrontier.custhelp.com/app/frontierairlines .
Erin Miller
July 24, 2018
Hi Emily,
Please see the response to Steven B above… I called their customer relations department, so you can read over what they had to say.
As always, if it’s a special circumstance (and as Christine said, if you have quite a few bags) I’d call them and check just to be sure!
eMILY
July 27, 2018
Erin! Thanks so much for your help! I’ve been needing to call them, this is great info!
Gary Harris
July 23, 2018
Recommend not booking through different party. Wife and I recently used one and they charged our card six or seven different times for partial amounts and then credited parts back. When I called to straighten it out, as the total was about $100 more than what we were shown at checkout, I was told Frontier can change the fares any time they want and that was in the information when I booked. So they upped the price between the time I submitted my card when I booked and the 7 milliseconds it took to process? Was too tired to argue as we were traveling for a funeral so I let it go. In any event, might be wiser to go straight to their site to book. At least you know upfront who is screwing you. And bring a drink, lol. Water is not free either. Travel safe.
Kim Hall
April 14, 2022
It doesn’t help to argue. We tried and were told we had to file a formal complaint
Mom of 5
July 25, 2018
What if you pay for a checked bag at booking, but end up not needing it? Any chance for reimbursement?
Alex Miller
July 30, 2018
Unfortunately not!
Patricia Amaral
August 17, 2018
Does Frontier measure the wheels and handle? For a checked bag?
Erin Miller
August 18, 2018
Hi Patricia, the general rule for all airlines is that the max size DOES include all wheels/handles.
Chris Mirando
April 11, 2019
I dont understand why the wheels and handles are included for measurements. That seems unfair.
Catherine Luther
April 12, 2019
Hi Chris, this can be frustrating if you measure just over, but this is typical of most airlines to ensure baggage can fit in the overhead compartments.
jeff
June 06, 2022
It has partly to do with what will fit in the overhead bins. If wheels and handles stick out, they could stop the bin door from closing.
Linda
September 18, 2018
Does military spouse get a discount on baggage fees. If I a, traveling with my husband will they waive my carry on fee as well
Stephen Au
September 18, 2018
Hi Linda,
Frontier Airlines will waive your baggage fees if you are traveling with your Active Duty husband. The only thing to remember is that the checked bags must all be under your husband’s name. There is no weight limit (up to 1,000 pounds).
Cheryl Daniel
September 24, 2018
How do I pay for my carry on suitcase with my credit card?
Christine Krzyszton
September 24, 2018
Hi Cheryl. You can pay for your carry-on baggage with your credit card in advance when purchasing your ticket or when you check in for your flight. You can enter your credit card information once you select the number of bags you have. You can also pay by credit card at the airport check-in counter, the airport self-service kiosk, or at the departure gate. The departure gate is the most expensive. Here are the carry-on baggage rules and a list of charges: https://www.flyfrontier.com/travel/travel-info/bag-options/
Mary C Peters
August 07, 2021
So you can have your purse and a small suite case for under the seat?
Jarrod West
August 09, 2021
Hi Mary,
You can only bring 1 personal item on Frontier flights that must fit underneath the seat. You cannot bring 2 items, even if both fit under the seat. Safe travels!
Chenoa Grove
October 01, 2018
Please clarify on your website that active duty spouses traveling without their spouse do not get free baggage. I have been to the airport 7 times in the last 9 months because my husband and I are not able to live in the same state for his training. I recently got my spouse card, and tried to check a bag on my last trip out to see him, and was surprised to learn I would not be able to check my bag complimentary because he was not with me. It’s kind of like a slap in the face that you won’t check military spouse’s luggage unless they are traveling with their spouse. The worst part of being a military spouse is the long times apart. If you are trying to say you don’t care about the sacrifices military spouses make for our country, we hear you loud and clear. At least put it on your website so we can plan accordingly. Thank you.
Erin Miller
October 01, 2018
Hi Chenoa – please be advised that we are NOT Frontier Airlines. We are Upgraded Points, a website dedicated to providing information about points and miles as well as other travel related content.
I am happy to add the clarification about active duty spouses to our article here, but please understand you have not contacted Frontier, so changing things here will not notify them or act in any way to change their policies. I can see how this is extremely upsetting – we totally agree with you that this is a very unhelpful policy.
We suggest you contact Frontier directly at 1 (801) 401-9000, or fill out their feedback form here: https://flyfrontier.custhelp.com/app/frontierairlines to voice your complaints.
Elena P Velez-Reyes
October 15, 2018
Does an active duty soldier have to pay for the carry on and checked bags when they purchase their ticket? or should they purchase the ticket and then check bags when they check in? Basically do they pay first and get a refund or do they simply check bags once they are at the airport to save them from having to pay in the first place?
Erin Miller
October 16, 2018
Hi Elena, Frontier requires an active duty ID and/or that you are in uniform at the airport and you cannot add your baggage online when purchasing your ticket. You must check your baggage at the airport in order for the fees to be waived.
Hope this helps!
Seidah
October 28, 2018
Does Frontier check boxes? If so is it the same requirements for checked luggage?
Stephen Au
October 29, 2018
Hey Seidah,
It is the same requirements.
Audra Beers
November 04, 2018
I booked a vacation through Cheap Caribbean. I am trying to find out about costs for a carry on bag and/or a checked bag. The website in not very clear. I’ve been reading that if you book through a third party, you cannot purchase your baggage until you check in at the airport. Is this true and if so why?
Erin Miller
November 05, 2018
Hi Audra, I assume you’re implying your vacation booked through Cheap Caribbean included a flight with Frontier Airlines. In part, whether or not you will have to pay for your baggage (and how much) will depend on the fare type for the ticket you’ve purchased. If your fare type is considered The WORKS℠ or The PERKS℠ it will include one carry-on and one checked bag. If not, then yes, you will have to pay for your baggage.
In terms of booking through third parties, I called Frontier customer relations and they reported that you should be able to add bags to your itinerary online. They stated somewhere in your confirmation from your third-party agency, you should have a 6 character confirmation code for Frontier (a combo of letters and numbers). If you cannot find that in your confirmation paperwork, I suggest calling the third party directly to get it.
Once you have the code, follow the instructions here to add baggage to your trip. Hope this helps!
Audrey
November 08, 2018
Does the military policy regarding bags apply to only active duty or is retired military included?
Erin Miller
November 08, 2018
Hi Audrey, as noted in the piece above: “Frontier Airlines offers free checked baggage to Active Duty Military.*** They require an active duty ID and/or that you are in uniform at the airport.”
Johnathon Swetish
December 06, 2018
Just to update, I don’t know if this is a new change, but on their website Frontier says this under the Military Personnel section of their Bag Options page.
“ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL BAGS
Active military passengers only (not family members or traveling companions) receive one free carry-on bag, one free checked bag (including oversize and overweight) and a personal item.”
So it seems that the “no limit” on the military member’s bags may not be true anymore…
Erin Miller
January 03, 2019
Hi Jonathon – thanks so much for this info! This is definitely a fairly new change in their policy and we’ve now updated our information on the page accordingly.
Really appreciate the heads up here! 🙂
Kyle
January 25, 2019
I’m not sure where John got his information. The frontier website still says “bags”, not bag.
Here’s the excerpt from the frontier website for military.
“Active military passengers only (not family members or traveling companions) receive one free carry-on bag, free checked bags (including oversize and overweight) and a personal item”
Erin Miller
January 27, 2019
You’re right Kyle, this appears to have changed again. When we moderated John’s comment recently, we did, in fact, verify his information was correct and adjusted our piece accordingly.
We’ll be calling Frontier’s Customer Service number this week in an attempt to clear up this conflicting information. Thanks for the heads up!
Heidi Iverson
January 23, 2019
I booked 2 bags on your airline and realized I had accidentally canceled my flight so can I cancel my checked bags?
Thanks and let me know.
Christine Krzyszton
January 23, 2019
Hi Heidi. Please understand that we are not Frontier Airlines, we are Upgraded Points, a travel and points blog. You will want to contact Frontier directly regarding your canceled flight and checked bags. Frontier Airlines: (801) 401-9000
Debbie Thomas
March 22, 2019
If airfare is included in an all inclusive trip from Apple vacations, can I purchase baggage fees when I book my trip?
Christine Krzyszton
March 22, 2019
Hi Debbie. You will want to contact Apple Vacations to find out if baggage fees can be included when purchasing your trip. Their number is (800) 517-2000. Or, if you are purchasing the vacation from a local travel agent, they will be able to help you.
Sherry Martin
June 05, 2019
Upon my arrival at the airport at the gate…. when we were about to get on the airplane, my aunt was stopped and had to place her luggage on a sizing cart. The lady stated that the carry on was too big to go in the overhead compartment and she had to pay $60. When we got on the plane we put the small carry on up there and it fit. I stopped the flight attendant and told her the situation – she told us to stop at the desk (Frontier) when the plane landed in Vegas and tell them the situation and that they should reimburse us because the carry on was small and did fit. This is so sad and I will never fly Frontier again. This was wrong and half the ppl flying on this flight had bigger carry-ons and no one approached them. We need to be reimbursed.
Erin Miller
June 05, 2019
Hi Sherry – First, please be advised we are not Frontier Airlines and therefore cannot do anything to help in reimbursing you the cost of this bag. We are Upgraded Points, a website focusing on publishing points and miles based travel articles, in addition to other general travel posts like this baggage fee article here.
Did you go to the gate/dest when you arrived in Vegas as the flight attendant advised? If not, we suggest you call Frontier’s customer service line (1 (801) 401-9000) and inquire with them directly. 🙂
Rachel
August 20, 2019
If you received a voucher, can you put the extra amount after the tickets toward baggage and or carry ons?
Catherine Luther
August 21, 2019
Hi Rachel,
According to these flight voucher terms and conditions, vouchers have a one-time use. So if your extras are included in your initial booking using the voucher then this should be possible, but not afterwards as no balance remains on a used voucher.
Sue F
July 02, 2019
Do you know if airlines will allow an exception to the 1-bag carry-on rule for medical equipment? I would like to take a carry-on bag plus a small bag that contains my CPAP device.
Christy Rodriguez
July 02, 2019
Hi Sue, yes. Frontier must abide by the American’s with Disabilities Act. This act states that necessary medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine, doesn’t count toward your carry-on limit. It’s always a good idea to carry proof that it’s necessary in the form of a medical device/notification card though!
Hope this helps and thanks for reading!
Gage Maguire
July 10, 2019
I paid for my tickets through a third party and already paid a crap load for luggage, why do I have to pay twice if I booked a round trip? I think paying the same amount for a carry on is a little outrageous. If it is true that I have to pay another 200 dollars for luggage I will never fly Frontier again.
Jeffery
November 18, 2019
It’s a bait and switch scam. I booked a flight with a layover and they charge for a small backpack 4 times. When a small carry-on becomes more expensive than the flight itself you know this company is garbage.
Josephine Racioppi
August 29, 2019
What size purse is allowed as a carry on for free?
Jarrod West
August 29, 2019
Hi Josephine,
As long as your purse will fit underneath the seat in front of you, you can bring it as a carry-on.
Thanks for reading!
Deb Kolander
September 09, 2019
I prepaid for 1 checked bag and 1 carry on. I also need to bring my CPAP. It has it’s own case. Can I bring it on the plane along with my carry on?
Christy Rodriguez
September 09, 2019
Hi Deb, a CPAP machine is considered a medical device and doesn’t count towards your baggage limits. You will be allowed your carry on, checked bag, and your machine. Thanks for reading!
Jeniffer
September 13, 2019
I really feel like this a fake airline! I traveled on an 8 a.m. flight from Philadelphia to Orlando then Ontario California. I have a serious deal at 10 pm the same day. My flight is set to land in Ontario at 8 pm. Just close to 8 AM when the flight should leave comes an announcement that we have an hour delay. No issues because I have a 6-hour layover in Orlando! Close to 9 AM comes an announcement that the flight is canceled! Reasons not explained but we should proceed to their counter for rebooking! At the counter the next flight leaves at 2 PM but they cannot get me a connecting flight from Orlando because the flight is already full! So what happened to my earlier flight as I had a booking on the same flight? They are all rude and all I can do is leave the following day at 8 a.m. again to arrive at 8 pm! What about my business deal? No one cares how much I lose on the deal! Ok! Can I get the manager, or can I get you guys to put me on a flight with a different airline? They told me “No mam! You only have 2 options, either a refund that comes in next 5/7 working days or rebook to tomorrow’s flight.” But I have a bossiness deal? “ We are sorry that’s all we can do”. Well, I am visiting the country and I just got dropped here so how do I manage to wait till tomorrow at the airport? No one cares!! So, at last, I claim my refund and then I am given a $10 voucher and promised a $100 voucher to use on my next booking to be sent to my email immediately. Well, I have not seen the voucher nor my refund, and not even a slight communication from the airline!
I managed to book a direct flight with Spirit! Got there late! Missed my deal! Who do I blame and how do I recover! Frontier Airlines never cared at all! Give them your money, once they hold it, treat you like a beggar!!!! The worst experience by far!
Cindy Mendenhall
October 15, 2019
I will have a personal item AND a CPAP machine. Are both those items allowed at no cost or fees to me?
Your response will be greatly appreciated.
Jarrod West
October 16, 2019
Hi Cindy,
Frontier Airlines may allow you to bring your CPAP machine in addition to a personal item at no extra free. But be advised that we are not Frontier Airlines so you should reach out to their customer service team directly to verify.
Thanks for reading!
Rachel
March 05, 2020
If you put a blanket and a pillow in a bag for easy carry they will make you take them out. No additional bags of any kind or you will have to pay. Also when I went to book a flight the baggage price came up as $75 right away. Have their prices changed?
Catherine Luther
March 06, 2020
Hi Rachel,
The price of a checked bag should depend on the route, how many bags you check, and how and when you purchase the bag. Frontier directs passengers to check their baggage calculator for fees.
stephanie
July 19, 2023
I was going to say the same thing!!! I always get charged $79 right away. Not a deal at all.
Rob
March 26, 2020
I booked a flight with prepaid check baggage in Feb for flight in April. Frontier is offering travel credit applicable to a future Frontier flight for the full amount of your unused ticket without having to pay any cancellation fee. Will this travel credit include the amount that was prepaid for the baggage on the original flight? Or will I lose the fee I paid for baggage and have to repay for the checking the baggage on the flight I book using the travel credit ?
Jarrod West
March 27, 2020
Hi Rob,
The amount you paid for your baggage should be included in the travel credit.
Thanks for reading!
Francis Ibekwe
April 12, 2021
I have a carry-on bag and a personal backpack. My flight is tomorrow. Will I be charged for the carry-on and personal bag?
Jarrod West
April 13, 2021
Hi Francis,
Yes, you would be charged for the carry-on. Frontier only allows for passengers to bring a personal item for free, any additional baggage is at an extra cost.
Christina
July 25, 2021
Hello!! I am traveling soon and use a C-PAP device, is there a charge to carry on board or would it be considered my personal item? Thank you.
Jarrod West
July 26, 2021
Hi Christina,
There should not be a charge to carry your C-PAP device on board. Safe travels!
Sharon
April 28, 2023
Good morning. We are flying Frontier for the first time next week. We purchased the annual Go Wild Pass. We also applied for a Frontier credit card and reached the first level Elite status which gives us the free carry-on. The online baggage options only include purchasing bags. Do we confirm the free bag at the airport?
Jarrod West
May 05, 2023
Hi Sharon,
Yes, you’ll get your checked bag for free at the airport.
Alexis T
December 02, 2021
I’m confused on purchasing carry on bags. I tried purchasing through the frontier app ahead of time. It was showing each carry on bag to be $58. I’m purchasing 3 bags total, so it comes out to around $174. The final total is showing over 400 dollars once fees are added. Does this seem right? I’m not sure if I need to call and ask because that price is ridiculous for carry on bags.
Jarrod West
December 02, 2021
Hi Alexis,
That does seem extremely high for 3 carry-on bags. Where are you flying to and from?
Dot Dot Dot
December 12, 2021
This is a discount carrier. They start out with the lowest price ticket in the industry. They make money off the extras: baggage fees, seating fees, etc….. Maybe this why people are having a hard time understanding their fee tiers and active military policies. They are here to make a profit, not to help you out.
Shanta
January 12, 2022
Do you have to pay for luggage traveling both ways if it’s a round-trip flight?
Jarrod West
January 12, 2022
Hi Shanta,
Yes, you have to pay for your luggage in both directions. Safe travels!
Zohreh
April 13, 2022
Can I check in my carry-on luggage on the counter? I will have my perfume in it and I do not want to have it with me on the plane.
Katie Seemann
April 18, 2022
Hi Zohreh,
You can check bags at the main ticket counter before security, but not at the counter by the gate.
Annette
October 17, 2022
Do I have to pay the check-in fee for connecting flights?
Jarrod West
October 19, 2022
Hi Annette,
No, you should not need to pay for that.
Jane R Nickerson
November 07, 2022
What is the size limit for a checked bag?
Katie Seemann
November 08, 2022
Hi Jane,
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 40 pounds (18 kg) and max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
A. Davis
November 14, 2022
I will never fly Frontier again because it’s stressful enough to travel, then you have to worry about baggage size and weight on top of everything else. If I can I will be finding a different airline to fly back home. To me it’s just another way to pimp the consumer out of more money!!!
Shelley
April 01, 2023
So for the past 2 months I have been traveling with the same personal bag and it was within the size dimensions. However this morning I traveled with the same bag and same stuff within the bag and it fit in the personal sizer, but because I had to push it in and it didn’t slide in they made me pay $99. This cost was more than my plane ticket.
Alex Joellen
April 12, 2023
They charged me two $99 fees for my husbands and I’s personal bag but here’s the thing, our first flight they didn’t charge us but the flight back they did but never pulled us to the side to be charged nor did we charge ourselves through the app. I didn’t know we were charged until I checked my bank account when we got home. They charged us without notifying us and has been a nightmare fighting with them. Who knew they can charge whenever they want without telling you. Has anyone else experienced this?
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