Does Frontier Really Measure Your Bag at the Gate? Here’s When It Happens

Policies are a big reason why understanding Frontier’s baggage rules is so important, especially when you are trying to save money on your trip. The standards are pretty high, like your personal item, which could be a purse, tote, computer bag, or a small backpack, must be no larger than 14 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 8 inches deep.

That rule includes any handles, wheels, and straps. Frontier makes it clear that the size of this item will be checked during boarding. Breaking rules means paying additional charges.

This is a common point of confusion for travelers, and it is where many people get caught off guard, because if you don’t have to follow a rule, you don’t. Some people skip baggage check unintentionally, but luckily, Frontier has a lot of information on its website.

Will my bag be measured at the gate in Frontier Airlines?

Frontier Airlines does indeed measure your bags at the gate, and it is a crucial detail you need to remember if you are flying with the airline. This happens specifically for your personal item and your carry-on bag, and if your bags are too large, you will face additional charges right before boarding.

When it comes to carry-on bags, you can bring one that is up to 24 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It also cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. These are the bags you typically put in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Just like personal items, Frontier will check the size of your carry-on bag at boarding, and oversized bags will incur an additional fee.

If you really want to make sure you have overhead bin space for your carry-on, you can also opt for the “Board First” option when you purchase your bag, which gets you into Group 1 for boarding.

For larger items, checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches when you add up their length, width, and depth, and they need to weigh 40 pounds or less. If your checked bag weighs between 41 and 50 pounds, you will pay an extra $75.

If it is between 51 and 99.99 pounds, that fee jumps to $100. Frontier will not accept any bags weighing 100 pounds or more. Similarly, if your checked bag is between 63 and 110 linear inches, an oversized fee of $75 applies. Bags over 110 linear inches are also not accepted. This highlights how important it is to weigh and measure your luggage before you even leave for the airport.

One of the biggest takeaways from Frontier’s baggage policy is that timing is everything when it comes to pricing. You will always get the lowest price for your checked or carry-on bags when you purchase them at the same time you book your flight. Make sure to use bags that are easy to see, just in case.

Prices go up as you get closer to your departure date. Buying your bags at the airport will cost you more, and buying them right at the gate will be the most expensive option. This pricing structure strongly encourages passengers to plan ahead and buy their baggage allowances early.

Frontier does offer some exceptions and special considerations for certain travelers and items. Active U.S. military personnel, along with their accompanying spouse and children, get some nice perks. When they present a valid military ID, they receive one free personal item, one free carry-on bag, and two free checked bags.

The airline also waives the oversize and overweight fees for these two free checked bags, which is a great benefit. You just need to present your military ID at the airport check-in counter or gate.