The baggage policy of Spirit Airlines is one of the strictest ones in the U.S. carriers due to its low-cost business model. The airline has a bare fare that comes with just one personal item (luggage) allowed without a cost- everything extra will come at an extra cost. The following is an in-depth description of the existing policy, the newest pricing model, size of allowances, stringency of the enforcement, and useful traveler-friendly tips.
Spirit Airlines lets each passenger carry one personal item at no charge, but it charges additional fees on carry-on and checked baggage. As per Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy, personal item should be able to be stored under the bench and should not have dimensions greater than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) that consider handles and wheels. These could be a purse, small backpack or a laptop bag.
As per Spirit Airlines baggage rules, depending upon how excessive the excess is, oversized or overweight bags may be charged up to $79 to $150 on top of the base checked bag fee.
The members of the active military are allowed to check two pieces of luggage (regular size and weight) along with one complimentary carry-on and a personal item.
Spirit has a fee on all their carry-on luggage and the fee varies greatly depending on when and how you manage to buy your carry-on allowance:
When the carry-on goes beyond size or limit then extra fares are imposed and gate-based calculations are normally carried out.
Example Spirit Baggage Fees Chart
When Purchased |
Typical Fee (USD) |
During Booking |
$35–$41 |
Online Check-In |
$45 |
Airport Counter/Kiosk |
$45–$50 |
At the Gate |
$65 |
Note: These are the one way prices and are priced per bag not per reservation and/or round trip. The Spirit Airlines baggage fees international can be higher and there are chances that the fees can increase during the peak season.
Spirit Airlines is quite rigid in terms of the baggage size restrictions. All personal and carry-on baggage have to fall under the size restrictions and agents at Spirit are often inspecting the size of the bags especially during boarding. Even a bag that is even slightly exceeding the limit by a few centimeters may be compelled to be inspected with a fee. This measurement is inclusive of all the handles and wheels.
When the size of your carry-on bag does not fit within the official size, even with slight differences, then chances are that you will have to pay to gate-check the bag. This applies whether over in width or length or height.
According to Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance, all active-duty and military officials who fly with Spirit should receive free check-in and carry-on luggage. Free provisions are:
The checked bag should have weight that is 40 lbs or 18 kg per person. The Spirit Airlines waiver on baggage fees discussed above would only apply to militaries and not to their dependents and family members.
The Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy is aimed at preserving its low cost pricing model, where customers can carry only a single free personal item and carrying on board luggage and checked luggage are levied. In order to prevent excess charges, passengers are advised to pay attention to size and weight limitations and possibly buy baggage quotas beforehand. Travel is more accommodating, as military personnel enjoy some extra allowances. Some of these tips, such as weighing and measuring of bags before leaving home, can assist passengers to follow the rules of Spirit much easier.
Know More
Recent Blogs