Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
American vs Frontier: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for American Airlines and Frontier Airlines, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- Frontier's carry-on limit is roomier (24 x 16 x 10 in) than American's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 35% more space.
- American: no published carry-on weight limit. Frontier: 35 lb (15.9 kg) carry-on weight limit.
- American includes a carry-on, while Frontier charges for a full-size carry-on on its cheapest fare.
- Frontier's personal item allowance (18 x 14 x 8 in) is bigger than American's (18 x 14 x 8 in).
| American | Frontier | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 24 x 16 x 10 in / about 61 x 41 x 25 cm |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | 35 lb (15.9 kg) |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Paid extra |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm | 18 x 14 x 8 in / about 46 x 36 x 20 cm |
| Checked bag size | 158 cm (62 in) in total | 62 in (157 cm) in total |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag | 18 kg (40 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | 60 min before |
| At the gate by | 15 min before | 20 min before |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules |
Carry-on that fits both
22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the American carry-on bigger than Frontier?
Frontier's carry-on limit is roomier (24 x 16 x 10 in) than American's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 35% more space.
What carry-on size fits both American and Frontier?
A bag no bigger than 22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) fits both carry-on limits, and 17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.