Frontier Airlines vs Southwest Airlines: fleets and facts compared
Frontier Airlines (United States) and Southwest Airlines (United States) side by side: fleet size, main aircraft type, founding year, hubs and status, each from our database with its source and date. Both list Denver International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport as a hub or base.
- 165Frontier fleet, as of 30 June 2026
- 803Southwest fleet, as of 30 September 2026
- 2shared hubs
- United States · Hubs DEN · MCO · LAS +3 · founded 1994Active
- United States · Hubs DEN · LAS · MDW +3 · founded 1971Active
At a glance
Each fact from our database. A grey tint marks the larger value in a row; it is not a verdict.
Shared hubs, outlined above: DEN and LAS.
Data last updated: Frontier Airlines · Southwest Airlines
Fleet breakdown
Aircraft types as each source reports them, largest first.
Frontier Airlines fleet4 types
Southwest Airlines fleet
The source gives no aircraft-type breakdown.
Baggage & fees compared
Human-reviewed summaries. Rules change, so check the airline's own site before you book.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier's Bag Options page lists these limits. Sizes and weights only; only the personal item is included in the base fare.
- Personal item: included on every fare. Maximum 8 in deep x 18 in wide x 14 in high. Its size is checked at boarding.
- Carry-on bag: paid extra unless included in a bundle or status benefit. Maximum 10 in deep x 16 in wide x 24 in high and under 35 lb.
- Checked bag: paid extra unless included. Maximum 62 linear inches and under 40 lb, as shown on the page on the date read.
- Frontier Elite members may bring a carry-on free. Passengers on an Elite 100k member's booking may also bring a carry-on and/or check one bag free.
- Verified active-duty military passengers may bring one carry-on and check up to two bags free, including oversized or overweight bags. This does not extend to companions.
The weight limit for checked bags shown here (under 40 lb) is lower than the 50 lb used by many US carriers, so check it against your booking. Source: Frontier Airlines, "Bag Options", read on 24 October 2026.
Source: airline baggage page, read 2026-10-24.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's help centre sets out these limits. Sizes and weights only; since 28 May 2025 checked bags are charged on most fares, so check what your fare includes.
- Carry-on bag: one bag of up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (length x width x height), including wheels, handles and attachments. It goes in the overhead bin.
- Personal item: one item that fits under the seat in front, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack. Southwest gives examples but publishes no dimensions for it. A pet carrier counts as either the carry-on or the personal item.
- Checked bags: standard limit of 62 inches (length + width + height, wheels and handles included) and up to 50 pounds per bag. Bags over these limits attract extra charges.
- Some countries are subject to baggage embargoes that restrict oversized, overweight and extra checked bags, and partner itineraries may follow the partner airline's rules.
Bags too large for the cabin, or a second carry-on or personal item, must be checked at the ticket counter before the gate. Source: Southwest Help Center, "Carryon and Personal Item Policy" and "Checked Bag Policy", read on 24 October 2026.
Source: airline baggage page, read 2026-10-24.
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Frequently asked
Which has the bigger fleet, Frontier Airlines or Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines has the larger published fleet. Frontier Airlines 165 aircraft (Airline report, as of 30 June 2026); Southwest Airlines 803 aircraft (Airline report, as of 30 September 2026).
Is Frontier Airlines cheaper than Southwest Airlines?
Fares change by route, date and demand, so neither airline is always cheaper. This page compares fleets and published facts, not fares. To check prices for a trip, search both airlines for the same dates.
Which airline is older?
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1971, Frontier Airlines in 1994.
Do Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines share a hub airport?
Yes: Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Are both airlines currently flying?
Yes. Both are active in our directory.