Traveling on a budget often means flying with low-cost airlines like Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo. These airlines offer appealingly cheap base fares, but understanding their baggage policies, especially concerning personal items, is crucial to avoid unexpected fees. This guide dives deep into comparing the personal item sizes allowed by Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo, ensuring you’re well-prepared and can maximize your carry-on strategy for your next flight.
Decoding Personal Item Dimensions: Why It Matters for Budget Travelers
Budget airlines operate on a model that unbundles fares, meaning you often pay extra for services that were once standard, like checked baggage or even carry-on bags. The “personal item” is typically the only free baggage allowance. This usually refers to a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Exceeding the size limits for a personal item can result in hefty gate fees, quickly negating any savings you initially made on your ticket.
Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo are popular choices for budget-conscious travelers in the United States, each with its own distinct approach to baggage allowances. Knowing the specific personal item dimensions for each airline can be the difference between breezing through the airport and facing unexpected costs and hassles. Let’s break down each airline’s policy to help you pack smart and travel smoothly.
Personal Item Size Showdown: Frontier vs. Southwest vs. Avelo
While all three airlines allow a free personal item, their size restrictions differ. It’s important to note these dimensions carefully as enforcement can vary, and it’s always better to be prepared.
Frontier Airlines Personal Item Size and Policy
Frontier Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost fares, and with that comes a very strict baggage policy. Their personal item size is among the most restrictive in the industry.
Frontier Personal Item Size Limit:
14” x 18” x 8” (35 x 45 x 20 cm)
This is a relatively small allowance, and Frontier is known to strictly enforce these dimensions using sizers at the gate. Anything larger, or if you want to bring a standard carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin, will incur extra charges. It’s essential to measure your bag carefully to ensure it complies with Frontier’s personal item size to avoid fees.
Southwest Airlines Personal Item Size and Policy
Southwest Airlines stands out for its customer-friendly policies, including its generous baggage allowance. Unlike Frontier and Avelo, Southwest allows not only a personal item but also a free carry-on bag for every passenger.
Southwest Personal Item Size Limit:
18.5” x 13.5” x 8.5” (47 x 34 x 22 cm)
Southwest’s personal item dimensions are more generous than Frontier’s, offering a bit more flexibility in what you can bring onboard for free. While they are generally less strict about enforcement than ultra-budget carriers, it’s still wise to stay within the stated limits. The real advantage with Southwest is the included carry-on bag, which can significantly increase your packing capacity without extra costs.
Avelo Airlines Personal Item Size and Policy
Avelo Airlines, a newer player in the budget airline market, aims to provide affordable travel with a straightforward approach to baggage. Like Frontier, Avelo charges extra for carry-on and checked bags, but includes a personal item for free.
Avelo Airlines Personal Item Size Limit:
17″L x 13″H x 9″W (43 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm)
Avelo’s personal item size falls in between Frontier and Southwest. It’s larger than Frontier’s restrictive dimensions but slightly smaller than Southwest’s. This size still allows for a reasonably sized backpack, tote bag, or small duffel bag. Avelo, similar to other budget carriers, may check bag sizes at the gate, so adhering to these dimensions is recommended.
Avelo’s bag sizer at the airport, ensuring your personal item fits within the size restrictions.
Visual Comparison: Personal Item Dimensions Side-by-Side
To easily visualize the differences, here’s a comparison table:
| Airline | Personal Item Size Limit (L x H x W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier | 14” x 18” x 8” (35 x 45 x 20 cm) | Most restrictive, strict enforcement |
| Southwest | 18.5” x 13.5” x 8.5” (47 x 34 x 22 cm) | Most generous, includes free carry-on |
| Avelo | 17″ x 13″ x 9″ (43 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm) | Mid-range size, enforcement can be strict |
This table clearly illustrates that Southwest offers the most generous personal item size and includes a free carry-on, making it the most baggage-friendly of the three. Frontier is the most restrictive, while Avelo sits in the middle ground.
Packing Smart: Maximizing Your Personal Item for Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo
Regardless of which airline you choose, efficient packing is key when traveling with just a personal item. Here are some tips to maximize your space and pack everything you need:
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Choose the Right Bag: Select a bag that is close to the maximum allowed dimensions for the airline you are flying with. Backpacks, tote bags, and small duffel bags are all good options. Consider bags specifically designed to be personal item compliant, offering maximum space within these restrictions.
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Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
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Use Packing Cubes: These organizers compress clothing and keep your bag organized, making it easier to find items and maximize every inch of space.
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Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest shoes, jacket, and sweater on the plane to save space in your bag.
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Travel-Sized Toiletries: Invest in travel-sized toiletries or use reusable travel containers to reduce bulk and comply with TSA liquid rules.
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Utilize Every Space: Stuff socks and underwear into shoes, and use small pouches to organize items within your bag.
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Consider a Versatile Bag: A backpack duffle, like the Newind Travel Bag mentioned in the original article, offers the versatility of a backpack with the capacity of a duffle, often fitting personal item dimensions.
A versatile backpack duffle bag, ideal for maximizing personal item space while adhering to size restrictions.
Beyond Personal Items: Understanding Additional Baggage Fees
While this article focuses on personal items, it’s worth noting that baggage fees can significantly impact the overall cost of flying with budget airlines.
- Frontier: Charges for both carry-on bags and checked bags. Fees vary depending on when you purchase baggage allowance – online in advance is cheaper than at the airport.
- Southwest: Famously includes two free checked bags, in addition to a free carry-on and personal item. This makes Southwest incredibly appealing for travelers who need to bring more luggage.
- Avelo: Charges for both carry-on and checked baggage, with fees varying based on the route and when you purchase the baggage allowance.
Always check the specific baggage fees for your flight when booking and consider the total cost, including baggage, when comparing airlines.
Choosing the Right Airline Based on Your Baggage Needs
When deciding between Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo, your baggage needs should play a significant role:
- Minimalist Traveler: If you can pack light and travel with just a personal item, Frontier or Avelo can be very cost-effective, especially if you find a great base fare. Be mindful of Frontier’s stricter personal item size.
- Standard Packer: If you typically need a carry-on bag, Southwest becomes highly competitive as they include a carry-on for free. Avelo and Frontier will charge extra for a carry-on, potentially making Southwest a more economical choice overall despite a potentially slightly higher base fare.
- Heavy Packer: If you need to check bags, Southwest is the clear winner with two free checked bags. Frontier and Avelo charge for checked bags, adding significantly to your travel expenses.
Conclusion: Personal Item Policies are Key to Budget Airline Success
Navigating the personal item policies of budget airlines like Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo is essential for cost-effective travel. Understanding the size restrictions, packing efficiently, and considering your overall baggage needs will help you choose the right airline and avoid unexpected fees.
While Frontier and Avelo offer enticingly low base fares, their baggage fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Southwest, with its more generous baggage allowance including a free carry-on and personal item, provides a different kind of value, especially for those who prefer not to travel too light.
Before booking your next budget flight, compare not just the base fares but also the baggage policies and potential fees. Packing smart and choosing the airline that best fits your baggage needs will ensure a smoother, more affordable, and less stressful travel experience.
