What is the controversy with Frontier?

$100M Frontier Airlines lawsuit over bag fee A Florida woman has filed a $100 million class-action lawsuit against Frontier Airlines alleging the airline is not a budget airline, and that it uses bait-and-switch tactics when it comes to its baggage requirements and fees.



In 2025 and 2026, the primary controversy surrounding Frontier Airlines involves its aggressive "fleet optimization" strategy and its shifting customer service model. Following a reported $137 million loss in 2025, Frontier made headlines by returning 24 Airbus A320neo aircraft to their lessors and delaying the delivery of 69 more, leading to concerns about the airline's long-term financial stability and its ability to maintain its route network. This "retrenchment" has caused friction with investors and frustration for passengers in smaller markets who have seen their flight options dwindle. Additionally, Frontier remains a lightning rod for criticism regarding its "hidden fees" and its all-digital customer service model, which eliminated telephone support in favor of chat-based assistance. Many travelers have found this system difficult to navigate during flight disruptions. Most recently, there has been a public debate over their "gate agent incentive" program, where agents were allegedly rewarded for catching passengers with oversized "personal items," leading to accusations of predatory enforcement at the boarding gate.

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Frontier makes up whatever discount it purports to give consumers in fraudulent and unwarranted charges. The suit alleges that using the Frontier Airlines baggage fee system, a carry-on piece of luggage can cost up to four times as much as a checked piece of baggage.

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The lawsuit also states that although Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring one free personal item on the plane, the actual allowed size is smaller than the advertised size. This means that the device used to measure personal items at the gate is smaller than the dimensions advertised when purchasing tickets.

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Frontier serves many of it's destinations only once (or twice) daily. This is bad when your flight is delayed or canceled, since it means that they can't just put you on the next flight and get you there a few hours late.

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Frontier Airlines More than 21 percent of the airline's flights were delayed or canceled. Conversely, just under 79 percent (78.76) of Frontier's flights were on time.

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Is Frontier better than Spirit? Though Spirit is attractive to more frequent international travelers, has Wi-Fi available and offers more credit card options, there's still a clear winner according to our 2023 airline-industry analysis: Frontier.

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Frontier Services Group is partially owned by CITIC Group, a state-run investment fund owned and controlled by the People's Republic of China. CITIC is FSG's largest shareholder. FSG's current CEO is Dongyi Hua.

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While one personal item per passenger is allowed for free, Frontier charges a fee for all carry-on luggage. Carry on bags must not exceed 10" x 16" x 24" in size and 35lbs in weight. Bags exceeding this size must be checked at the gate at a cost of $60.

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Frontier is America's Greenest Airline. Our weight-saving tactics and modern, fuel-efficient fleet contribute to an average of 43% fuel savings compared to other U.S. Airlines.

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Can I bring a carry-on bag and a backpack at the same time on Frontier? Yes, but keep in mind that you'll have to pay for the carry-on bag. As long as your backpack fits the size and weight requirements, it's counted as your (one) free personal item.

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Frontier carry-on size is restricted to 10 x 16 x 24 inches, including bag handles, wheels, and straps. If carry-on bags exceed this limit, you may have to check them at the boarding gate, which comes with an additional charge.

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In 2022 year, Frontier Airlines reported 20.26 customer complaints for each 100,000 enplanements on domestic-scheduled operations. This was the highest rate of customer complaints among U.S. carriers.

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Seats and Legroom Also note that Stretch seats recline, but Standard seats do not. That said, the general consensus among the more than 21,000 Frontier Airlines reviews on Tripadvisor seems to be that the seats are okay for a short flight, but can be uncomfortable for trips over two to three hours.

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Personal Items and Frontier. Passengers may board a Frontier flight with one small personal item, such as a purse, tote bag, computer bag, or small backpack. The maximum size for a personal item is 8 x 18 x 14 inches, including handles, straps, and wheels.

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The only thing that comes free with your Frontier airfare is a small personal item that needs to fit under the seat in front of you. The fees for carry-on luggage and checked bags depend on the route you're flying, the date you're flying, the weight of your bags and when you purchase your baggage allowance.

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Spirit Airlines terminated its merger agreement with Frontier Airlines on Wednesday, months after a rival bid by JetBlue Airways marred the planned tie-up. The announcement ends a protracted battle over the budget airline known for its bare bones service and low fares.

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Air China is headquartered at Beijing Capital International Airport. It is a member of Star Alliance and has a capital tie-up with Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways. It boasts the largest international network of the major Chinese airlines. Its leading shareholder is the state-owned China National Aviation Holding.

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