Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
Frontier vs Southwest: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- The carry-on limits are about the same size on Frontier and Southwest.
- Frontier: 35 lb (15.9 kg) carry-on weight limit. Southwest: no published carry-on weight limit.
- Frontier charges for a full-size carry-on on its cheapest fare, while Southwest includes a carry-on.
| Frontier | Southwest | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 24 x 16 x 10 in / about 61 x 41 x 25 cm | 24 x 16 x 10 in / about 61 x 41 x 25 cm |
| Carry-on weight | 35 lb (15.9 kg) | No published limit |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Paid extra | Included |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / about 46 x 36 x 20 cm | No size published, must fit under the seat |
| Checked bag size | 62 in (157 cm) in total | 62 in (157 cm) in total |
| Checked bag weight | 18 kg (40 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag | 23 kg (50 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 | 60 min before | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) |
| At the gate by | 20 min before | 10 min before |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | 1 (up to 100 Wh); in-flight use: allowed if kept visible; no recharging it on board |
Carry-on that fits both
24 x 16.1 x 9.8 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
Under the seat
One airline doesn't publish a size
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 Frontier carry-on bigger than Southwest?
The carry-on limits are about the same size on Frontier and Southwest.
What carry-on size fits both Frontier and Southwest?
A bag no bigger than 24 x 16.1 x 9.8 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm) fits both carry-on limits. Check weight limits too.