Frontier Airlines Pet Policy: Pet Fee, Carrier Size & How to Fly With Your Pet

Does Frontier Airlines Allow Pets?

Yes — Frontier Airlines welcomes small pets in the cabin on most routes. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds can all fly with you domestically within the U.S., as long as they fit comfortably inside an approved carrier for the entire flight.

International routes are more limited: on Frontier's flights to and from Mexico and the Dominican Republic, only cats and dogs are permitted. Frontier does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo — in-cabin travel under the seat in front of you is the only option, which is part of why the airline keeps its pet fee relatively low compared with carriers that also offer a cargo hold option.

Frontier Airlines Pet Fee, Explained

The Frontier pet fee is a flat, non-refundable charge collected per pet, per direction of travel — so a round trip means the fee applies twice, and a connecting itinerary can mean paying it more than once per direction. It covers the pet's spot in the cabin and must be paid when the pet is added to the reservation, not at the airport.

How much is the Frontier pet fee?

Frontier's in-cabin pet fee is regularly cited as one of the lowest among U.S. carriers, but the exact amount can shift by route, booking channel, and season, and airlines update fee schedules without much notice. Rather than risk paying the wrong amount or missing a documentation requirement, call our agents at +1 888-217-8056 and we'll confirm the current pet fee for your specific flight before you pay a cent.

Are service animals charged a pet fee?

Trained service dogs that meet Frontier's DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form requirements fly free of the standard pet fee. Emotional support animals, however, are treated as regular pets under current DOT rules and are subject to the normal pet policy and fee — this changed a few years ago and still catches travelers off guard.

What does the pet fee actually cover?

Unlike a checked-bag fee, the pet fee reserves your pet's "seat" under the row in front of you — cabin space for pet carriers is limited per flight, which is why pets should always be added well before departure rather than at the gate.

Frontier vs. Other Airlines' Pet Fees

Frontier is consistently ranked among the most affordable options for flying with a small pet in the cabin. Here's how it stacks up against other major U.S. carriers — fees below are approximate and change over time, so always confirm before booking.

Fees vary by route, season, and booking channel and change without much notice — treat this table as a starting point, and call +1 888-217-8056 for the exact current fee on your itinerary.

Frontier Pet Carrier Size & Dimensions

Your carrier has to clear two tests: it must fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside it for the whole flight.

• Hard-sided carriers: maximum 18″ L x 14″ W x 8″ H
• Soft-sided carriers: maximum 18″ L x 14″ W x 11″ H (Frontier's recommended option, since soft sides flex to fit the under-seat space)
• Combined weight: pet plus carrier should stay within Frontier's published in-cabin limit
• One pet carrier counts as your personal item or carry-on allowance, depending on how your ticket is booked

Hard-sided vs. soft-sided: which should you choose?

Soft-sided carriers are more forgiving under tight seats because they flex slightly to clear armrests and seat frames, which is why Frontier and most budget carriers recommend them. Hard-sided carriers offer more structure and protection but leave less margin for error on the size limit — measure yours with the pet inside before you fly.

Carrier requirements are one of the most common reasons pets get turned away at the gate. If you already own a carrier and aren't sure it will pass, describe it to one of our agents at +1 888-217-8056 and we'll tell you whether it's Frontier-compliant before you head to the airport.

How to Add a Pet to Your Frontier Flight

If you already have a Frontier reservation, adding a pet is a short process:

• Step 1 — Confirm eligibility: check that your pet's species, age, and combined weight with the carrier meet Frontier's requirements for your route.
• Step 2 — Add the pet to your booking: pets must be added in advance — Frontier does not guarantee space for pets added at the airport.
• Step 3 — Pay the pet fee: the fee is charged when the pet is added, per direction of travel.
• Step 4 — Prepare documentation: service animals need the DOT form submitted at least 48 hours before departure; international pet travel may require additional health paperwork.
• Step 5 — Arrive with the right carrier: bring a carrier that meets the size limits above, with your pet comfortable inside for the full flight.

If you'd rather skip the back-and-forth, call +1 888-217-8056 and our team at AllAirlineTicketAgency will add your pet to the reservation, confirm the fee, and make sure your documentation is in order — all in one call.

Documents You'll Need

Pet Travel Packing Checklist

• Frontier-compliant carrier (soft-sided recommended), tested with your pet inside
• Absorbent carrier liner or pad in case of accidents
• Collapsible water bowl and a small bottle of water
• A familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress
• Printed or digital copy of vaccination records
• Health certificate (international routes)
• DOT Service Animal form (service animals only)
• Poop bags and pet wipes for a quick post-flight cleanup
• Your pet's ID tag and a recent photo, just in case

Flying With a Pet in the Frontier Cabin

Once you're through security, your pet's carrier stays zipped or latched and goes under the seat in front of you for the entire flight — pets cannot be held in your lap or walked in the aisle. Give your pet a chance to relieve itself before boarding, skip feeding right before takeoff, and keep the carrier as their safe, familiar space through boarding, taxi, and landing.

Frontier gate agents will check that the carrier fits the size limits and that your pet is calm enough to travel before boarding, so having your documentation and fee confirmation ready in advance keeps things moving smoothly.

Tips for Nervous First-Time Flyers

• Practice at home first. Let your pet spend time in the carrier for short periods over the week before your flight so it feels familiar, not scary.
• Book a direct flight when possible. Fewer takeoffs, landings, and gate changes means less stress for both of you.
• Avoid a heavy meal right before boarding. A light meal a few hours ahead reduces the chance of an upset stomach mid-flight.
• Choose your seat carefully. A window seat can keep the aisle traffic away from your pet's carrier.
• Talk to your vet about anxious pets. For pets with severe travel anxiety, your veterinarian is the right person to advise on options — never medicate a pet for travel without professional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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