Since we’re based in Denver, Colorado we often fly Frontier Airlines to Costa Rica and Mexico. Over the last few months, Frontier has implemented new rules regarding baggage that we thought you might like to know about. If you book your flights directly on Frontier’s website (http://www.flyfrontier.com/), you’re automatically eligible to travel with one carry-on item and one personal item. This isn’t new, but their methodology regarding how your luggage is screened prior to flying has changed.
Prior to boarding, your carry-on luggage must be measured by a Frontier representative. If it exceeds 16″ by 10″ by 24″ (see photo below), you will have to check it at the gate. And, that’ll cost you $100 to do so! It’s only $25 to do so at the check in counter before security.
This new rule will have the most impact on people checking in online and going directly to the gate without sizing their luggage. If you have plans to fly with Frontier and you’re not sure your luggage will fit in their “sizer” at the gate, stop by their check in counter before going through security. You can make sure your luggage will fit there. If it doesn’t, you’re better off paying the $25 fee there instead of the higher fee at the gate.
Rumor has it that if you book your airline ticket on any website other than Frontier’s, e.g. Travelocity or Orbitz, you’ll be charged a fee no matter what for carry-on. We don’t know this for sure, but it’s also a procedure you should be aware of prior to travel.