Amid rising baggage fees, Frontier Airlines has joined global carriers like Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Qantas in offering free checked bags—at least for now. While many airlines are increasing baggage charges, Frontier has introduced a limited-time promotion that includes a free checked bag, carry-on, seat selection, and flight flexibility for travelers who book by March 24. Unlike some low-cost carriers moving toward higher fees, Frontier’s approach aligns with international airlines that still provide complimentary baggage allowances on long-haul routes, signaling a shift that could pressure competitors to rethink their baggage policies.
Frontier Airlines, a U.S.-based ultra-low-cost carrier known for its stripped-down fare structure, has announced a temporary free checked baggage policy. The promotion applies to nonstop flights between May 28 and August 18, 2025, and includes additional perks such as a free carry-on bag, complimentary seat selection, and flexible flight changes. To take advantage of the deal, travelers must book their tickets by March 24, using the promo code FREEBAG.
This announcement comes at a time when Southwest Airlines, previously known for its two-free checked bags policy, recently revealed it would end the offering for most passengers. Southwest’s decision, along with its move toward premium seating and assigned seats, has caused backlash among loyal travelers. Frontier is positioning itself as an airline willing to restore traditional perks in an era where additional fees have become the norm.
Frontier’s promotional offer aligns with policies from several leading international airlines that continue to provide complimentary checked baggage to economy-class travelers.
The issue of checked baggage fees has been a hot topic among air travelers for years, as more airlines have introduced charges for services that were once included in standard fares. The trend, particularly among low-cost carriers, has been to offer the lowest possible base fares while charging extra for carry-ons, checked luggage, seat selection, and flight changes.
Even major airlines that previously allowed at least one free checked bag for economy passengers have been scaling back, either limiting the weight allowance or removing the benefit entirely for lower-tier fares.
Frontier’s move to bring back free checked baggage—even as a promotion—challenges the prevailing industry trend. The airline’s decision to potentially make the offer permanent could pressure competitors to rethink their baggage fee policies, especially among budget-conscious travelers.
As baggage fees rise, Frontier Airlines joins global carriers like Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Qantas in offering free checked bags, introducing a limited-time promotion that includes a free checked bag, carry-on, seat selection, and flight flexibility, aligning with airlines that still provide complimentary baggage on select routes.
Despite the recent push for more baggage fees, many international airlines have resisted eliminating free checked baggage entirely, especially for long-haul and premium economy travelers. However, U.S. domestic airlines have been more aggressive in implementing these fees, making Frontier’s offer stand out.
Travelers hoping to avoid growing baggage charges should carefully compare airline policies before booking flights. With Frontier hinting at the possibility of permanently including free checked bags, the summer of 2025 could be a turning point in how airlines approach baggage fees.
For now, Frontier has positioned itself as an airline bucking the trend, joining Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Qantas in offering free checked bags—at least for select passengers and routes.
