Navigating the world of budget airlines can be exciting, especially when you see those tempting low fares. Airlines like Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo promise to get you to your destination without breaking the bank. However, to truly benefit from these deals, you need to understand their rules, particularly when it comes to baggage. Specifically, deciphering carry-on policies is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. This article breaks down and compares the carry-on baggage policies of Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo, helping you decide which airline best fits your travel style and budget.
Southwest Airlines: The Generous Carry-On Champion
Southwest Airlines stands out in the budget airline arena, often praised for its customer-friendly policies. When it comes to carry-on baggage, Southwest continues to impress with its generous allowance.
Southwest Carry-On Baggage Policy:
- Carry-On Bag: Yes, one carry-on bag is allowed free of charge.
- Size Restrictions: Must not exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60 cm).
- Personal Item: Yes, one personal item is also allowed free of charge.
- Size Restrictions: Must fit under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Key Takeaways for Southwest Carry-On:
- Two Free Bags: Southwest is unique in offering both a free carry-on bag and a personal item. This is a significant advantage for travelers looking to avoid baggage fees.
- No Weight Limits: Southwest does not specify weight limits for carry-on or personal items, focusing on size restrictions instead.
- Ideal for: Travelers who want to bring more luggage without extra costs, families, and those who value straightforward and inclusive baggage policies.
Southwest’s policy simplifies travel by eliminating carry-on fees, making it a potentially more budget-friendly option upfront if you typically travel with a carry-on bag. This clarity and generosity contribute to Southwest’s consistent popularity among domestic travelers.
Avelo Airlines: Balancing Low Fares with Carry-On Costs
Avelo Airlines, a newer entrant in the budget airline market, focuses on point-to-point flights and smaller airports. While Avelo attracts passengers with competitive base fares, their carry-on policy requires a closer look.
Avelo Carry-On Baggage Policy:
- Carry-On Bag: Carry-on bags are not included in the base fare and incur an additional fee.
- Fee: Starts at $25 each way and can vary depending on the route and time of booking.
- Size Restrictions: Maximum dimensions of 14 x 9 x 22 inches (35 x 22 x 55 cm).
- Personal Item: One small personal item is allowed free of charge.
- Size Restrictions: Must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 14 x 9 x 9.5 inches (35.6 x 22.9 x 24.1 cm).
Key Takeaways for Avelo Carry-On:
- Carry-On Fees: Be prepared to pay extra for a standard carry-on bag. Factoring this fee into your overall travel cost is crucial when comparing Avelo to other airlines.
- Personal Item Included: Avelo does allow a free personal item, which can be useful for essentials.
- Encouraging Checked Bags: Interestingly, Avelo’s carry-on fees are sometimes slightly higher than checked bag fees, potentially incentivizing passengers to check luggage and expedite the boarding process.
- Ideal for: Travelers who can pack light with just a personal item, are willing to check a bag, or prioritize extremely low base fares and are comfortable with add-on fees.
Avelo’s strategy is to unbundle fares, offering lower initial prices but charging for extras like carry-on bags. This can be advantageous if you are a minimalist traveler, but less so if you typically rely on a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees.
Frontier Airlines: Ultra-Low-Cost, Ultra-Strict Carry-On Rules
Frontier Airlines firmly positions itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier. This is reflected in their fares and, notably, their stringent baggage policies, including carry-ons.
Frontier Carry-On Baggage Policy:
- Carry-On Bag: Carry-on bags are not included in the base fare and carry a significant fee.
- Fee: Starts at $54 each way and can increase depending on when you purchase it (cheaper online in advance, more expensive at the airport).
- Size Restrictions: Maximum dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm).
- Personal Item: One small personal item is allowed free of charge, but it’s smaller than Avelo’s.
- Size Restrictions: Must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Key Takeaways for Frontier Carry-On:
- Highest Carry-On Fees: Frontier generally has the highest carry-on fees among these three airlines. These fees can quickly erode the perceived savings from their low base fares.
- Small Personal Item: While a free personal item is included, its size is more restrictive than Southwest or Avelo. Careful packing is essential.
- Strict Enforcement: Frontier is known for strictly enforcing baggage rules and size limits. Be prepared for gate agents to check bag sizes and charge fees if you exceed the allowances.
- Ideal for: Extremely budget-conscious travelers willing to travel with only a very small personal item, those who are willing to pay extra for carry-ons but factor in the cost carefully, or those who are strategically checking bags despite the fees if it still works out cheaper overall.
Frontier’s ultra-low-cost model relies heavily on ancillary fees, and baggage, especially carry-ons, is a major revenue source. Understanding and planning for these fees is critical when flying Frontier to avoid budget surprises.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Carry-On Policies at a Glance
| Feature | Southwest Airlines | Avelo Airlines | Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | Free | Fee (starts at $25) | Fee (starts at $54) |
| Personal Item | Free | Free | Free |
| Carry-On Size Limit | 10 x 16 x 24 in | 14 x 9 x 22 in | 24 x 16 x 10 in |
| Personal Item Size Limit | Under seat | 14 x 9 x 9.5 in | 18 x 14 x 8 in |
| Weight Limit | None Specified | None Specified | None Specified |
Note: Fees are starting prices and subject to change. Always check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Choosing the Right Airline Based on Carry-On Needs
When deciding between Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo, your carry-on baggage needs play a significant role.
- For Free Carry-Ons and Generosity: Southwest Airlines is the clear winner. If you value a free carry-on bag and a more inclusive travel experience, Southwest’s policy offers considerable value.
- For Balancing Low Base Fares with Some Flexibility: Avelo Airlines can be a viable option if you find a very low base fare and can manage with a personal item or are willing to pay a relatively moderate carry-on fee. It’s crucial to compare the total cost, including baggage fees, to other airlines.
- For the Absolute Lowest Fare, Even with Strict Rules: Frontier Airlines might appear cheapest initially, but only if you are prepared to travel extremely light or are willing to pay their higher baggage fees. Carefully calculate the total cost with all desired extras before booking.
Beyond Carry-Ons: Other Factors to Consider
While carry-on policies are important, remember to consider other aspects when comparing these airlines:
- Overall Fees: Beyond carry-ons, assess fees for checked bags, seat selection, changes, and other services.
- Amenities: Southwest offers free snacks and drinks, while Avelo and Frontier typically charge for these. None of these airlines offer built-in seatback entertainment, but Southwest and JetBlue (mentioned earlier in the original article as a “best budget airline”) provide streaming entertainment.
- Route Network and Destinations: Consider if the airline flies to your desired destinations and if their route network suits your travel plans. Avelo and Breeze (also mentioned as a “best budget airline”) focus on point-to-point routes, while Southwest has a broader domestic network.
- Customer Service and Reliability: Southwest is generally praised for customer service. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit (mentioned as a “worst budget airline”) sometimes receive lower customer satisfaction ratings.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Carry-On Choice
Choosing between Frontier, Southwest, and Avelo, or any budget airline, requires carefully weighing your priorities. If a free carry-on is essential, Southwest is the obvious choice. If you are chasing the absolute lowest possible base fare and can travel extremely light, Frontier might seem appealing, but factor in those potential carry-on charges. Avelo positions itself somewhere in the middle, offering lower fares than Southwest but with carry-on fees.
By understanding and comparing their carry-on policies alongside other fees and service aspects, you can make an informed decision and select the budget airline that truly delivers the best value for your specific travel needs.
