Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees & Size Limits

Baggage Allowance Basics
Getting ready to fly with Spirit Airlines? Nailing their baggage rules is key to dodging extra charges. Their game plan is a bit different, so a little homework goes a long way.
Understanding Spirit’s Bag Policy
Spirit Airlines keeps it straightforward compared to the likes of Delta or United. They offer options like Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big which might include a checked bag up to 50lbs or a carry-on. Here’s the lowdown:
- Personal Item: Everyone gets one freebie like a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag.
- Carry-On Bag: You’ll pay for this and it has to stick to size and weight rules.
- Checked Baggage: Comes with a fee too, and extra costs hit if it’s overweight or oversized.
Personal Item Guidelines
Spirit gives you one free item that should slide under the seat in front. Make sure it’s the right size.
- Allowed Personal Items: Think purses, small backpack, umbrellas, cameras, diaper bags, assistive stuff, jackets, books, and snacks (Spirit Airlines Bag Info).
- Size Restrictions: Personal items must stay within 18 x 14 x 8 inches, handles and wheels included. Bigger than that? Time to check it in.
Here’s a handy table for personal item sizes:
Personal Item | Max Dimensions (in) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Purse/Small Backpack | 18 x 14 x 8 | Hide under your seat |
Laptop Bag | 18 x 14 x 8 | Include handles and wheels |
Infant Diaper Bag | 18 x 14 x 8 | This counts as your personal item |
Stick to these limits to avoid those sneaky fees. Packing more? Check out the Go Comfy or Go Big options that allow more baggage flexibility.
If you’re curious about other airlines’ baggage policies, take a look at American Airlines baggage info or Southwest Airlines baggage details.
Carry-On Bags
Flying with Spirit Airlines and want to dodge those pesky hidden fees? Knowing their carry-on rules is your secret weapon for stress-free travel. Here’s the scoop on what you can sneak on board without causing a ruckus—or worse, a hefty fee.
Dimensions and Weight Limits
Good news! Spirit lets you bring one personal item for free. Make sure it’s compact enough to slide under that seat in front of you, sticking to the 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) size limit, including handles and wheels (Travelpro). Think of a backpack or tote bag—something that won’t play hide and seek with the space in your overhead.
When it comes to carry-on bags, you’re looking at a maximum size of 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), wheels and handles included. If your bag tips the scales over 40 lbs, get ready to check it at the gate (Travelpro). Stick to these rules to avoid those eye-watering extra fees.
Here’s a quick look at the sizing details:
Baggage Type | Maximum Dimensions | Weight Limit |
---|---|---|
Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) | N/A |
Carry-On Bag | 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) | 40 lbs (18 kg) |
Fees for Carry-Ons
Bigger bags mean bigger bills. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll fork over for a larger carry-on if you ignore Spirit’s freebie. Buy early and save:
- Snag it online when booking for $37.
- Grab it during online check-in for $45.
- Wait till the airport kiosk or ticket counter, and it’s $55.
- Procrastinate till the gate, and your wallet will feel $65 lighter.
Check it out below:
Purchase Time | Fee (One Way) |
---|---|
During Booking (Online) | $37 |
Online Check-In | $45 |
Airport Kiosk or Ticket Counter | $55 |
At the Gate | $65 |
Knowing these Spirit Airlines baggage rules keeps future wallet shock at bay. And hey, why not compare with Delta or United to see who treats your luggage better? Happy flying!
Checked Baggage
Flying with Spirit Airlines can be a breeze if you know their luggage rules ahead of time. Let’s break down what you need to know about weight, size, and those pesky extra charges.
Weight and Size Restrictions
Spirit Airlines plays by some specific rules when it comes to your checked bags. First, their standard bag can’t weigh over 40 pounds or be larger than 62 inches when you add up the length, width, and height. Don’t forget to include every nook and cranny, handles, straps, wheels, the whole shebang (Travelpro, Spirit Airlines).
Got a few things to bring home? Overweight and oversized bags come with their own set of fees. If your bag tips over 50 pounds but is under 100, or if it’s bigger than 62 inches but under 80, beware of extra charges. Anything over 100 pounds or longer than 80 inches? That stays at home—Spirit’s not having it.
Bag Type | Weight Limit | Dimensions Limit | Acceptability |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Checked | 40 lbs | 62 linear inches or less | Accepted |
Overweight | 41 – 100 lbs | 62 linear inches or less | Accepted with extra charges |
Oversized | 40 lbs or less | 63 – 80 linear inches | Accepted with extra charges |
Oversized & Overweight | 41 – 100 lbs | 63 – 80 linear inches | Accepted with extra charges |
Extremely Oversized/Heavy | Over 100 lbs or over 80 linear inches | Not Accepted |
Additional Bag Charges
Check this out: Spirit asks for some cash for each bag you check, depending on where you’re going and how eagerly you’ve paid. Playing nice with a standard bag (under 40 pounds and 62 inches) costs between $58 and $100, the sooner you pay up, the less it might hurt your wallet (Send My Bag).
Got more than just a heavy heart? Here’s what you’ll pay:
- 51 – 70 pounds: $79 per bag
- 71 – 100 pounds: $150 per bag
- Bags measuring between 63 – 80 inches: $100 per bag
If you’re one of those with a whole lotta baggage, Spirit lets you bring up to five bags, but remember—none of this is gratis.
Number of Bags | Online Cost per Bag | Airport Cost per Bag |
---|---|---|
First Checked Bag | $58 – $65 | $65 – $75 |
Second Checked Bag | $61 – $100 | $68 – $105 |
Additional Bags (3-5) | $75 – $100 | $80 – $105 |
For more tips on keeping your baggage in line, scope out our guides on adding baggage to your reservation or if you’re pondering over other airlines, check these out: United, Delta, and American.
Get these rules under your belt, and avoid those last-minute “you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me” moments at the check-in desk with Spirit Airlines.
Special Baggage Considerations
Sometimes life throws a wrench in your plans, making travel a bit more complicated. When it comes to squeezing everything into your Spirit Airlines baggage limits, it helps to know the scoop on a few things like military perks, toting tots, or lugging along something out of the ordinary.
Military Baggage Allowance
If you’re in the armed forces and flying with Spirit, you’re in luck! They roll out the red carpet with two free checked bags, a free carry-on, and a free personal item (Travelpro). This is a sweet deal that helps our service members save a little cash, taking the sting out of travel expenses.
Baggage Type | What You Get If You’re Military |
---|---|
Checked Bags | 2 free standard-size bags |
Carry-On | 1 free |
Personal Item | 1 free |
Baggage for Infants
Traveling with a little one? Spirit’s got your back. You can bring a diaper bag, stroller, and car seat at no extra charge. So relax, these essentials won’t cramp your baggage style. But don’t get too carried away — if you need more checked baggage, that’ll cost you.
Item | What Comes Free with Your Baby |
---|---|
Diaper Bag | 1 free |
Stroller | 1 free |
Car Seat | 1 free |
Excess and Exceptional Baggage
Got extra gear? Or maybe you’re lugging something a bit unique like sports stuff or a massive tuba? Spirit has rules for that. Exceeding the usual limits or carrying special items might mean extra fees. Costs depend on size, weight, and what kind of surprises you’re bringing along.
Type | What’s It Gonna Cost Ya? |
---|---|
Overweight Bags (41-50 lbs) | $30 – $50 |
Oversized Bags (63-80 inches combined) | $75+ |
Sports Equipment | Varies by type |
Before hitting the road, do yourself a favor and check out the nitty-gritty on Spirit’s extra baggage charges. You might also want to peek at how other airlines stack up; we’ve got the lowdown on the United Airlines Baggage Allowance, American Airlines Baggage Allowance, and Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance. Safe travels!
International Travel Tips
When you’re catching a flight with Spirit Airlines to places beyond the U.S., you gotta know how customs and baggage rules change by where you’re headed. Trust me, it’s crucial.
Customs Know-How
Going international often means jumping through some hoops set by the country’s customs. Before you even think about taking off, do some homework about what rules your destination has in store. Some places might ask you to flash:
- A visa
- Proof you’ve got travel insurance
- Bank statements
- Passports that last a while
The checklist can be pretty different depending on where you’re jetting off to, so get those ducks in a row.
Also, heads up. Customs folks might wanna peek into your luggage to see if you’re smuggling any banned goodies. Each country’s got its own list, so make sure you know what’s what before you go.
Baggage Rules by Your Destination
Spirit Airlines? Yep, they’ve got a list of dos and don’ts for bags—especially if you’re hitting spots like South America (think Colombia, Ecuador) (Spirit Airlines).
Stick to what they say about how big and heavy your bags can be. Mess these up, and you’ll be slapped with a fee—between $79 and $150 per bag, based on how off the mark you are (Send My Bag).
Destination | Size Limit | Weight Limit | Excess Fee |
---|---|---|---|
South America (e.g., Colombia, Ecuador) | 62 linear inches | 50 lbs | $100 – $150 |
Other International Places | 62 linear inches | 50 lbs | $79 – $120 |
Oh, and Spirit lets you get one personal item in without charge. But check the size: 18 x 14 x 8 inches max. Anything bigger or an extra bag, prepare to cough up some extra cash.
Need more info? Eye up the latest baggage rules on Spirit Airlines.
Comparing with other fliers? Here’s the skinny on some big names you might wanna look over:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- United
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- British Airways
Remember, it pays to play by the rules and save yourself from unexpected charges and headaches. Safe travels!
Spirit Travel Options
Spirit Airlines gives you a bunch of travel choices that can suit just about any trip. Picking the right one can make your journey smoother and save you some cash.
Go Savvy, Go Comfy, Go Big
Let’s break it down: Spirit’s got three main travel levels—Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big. Each one gives you a different mix of ease and baggage space.
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Go Savvy: Perfect if you’re flying light and keeping an eye on the budget. You get one personal item on board, like a backpack or purse. Just make sure it tucks under your seat and isn’t bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (Travelpro).
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Go Comfy: If you want extra legroom, this is a solid pick. You still get the personal item space plus a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin. Keep it under 22 x 18 x 10 inches including all the handles and wheels (Spirit Airlines).
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Go Big: For those packing heavy, with more bags in mind. It includes a carry-on and a checked bag up to 50 lbs. Your checked bag should stick to 62 inches total when you add together length, width, and height, and also weigh 50 lbs or less (Spirit Airlines Bag Info).
Want tips on packing or something totally unrelated like making your curls straight? Check out our article on tips for straightening curly hair.
Adding Baggage to Your Reservation
Planning to bring more than just the basics? Here’s how to add extra luggage to your booking without breaking the bank:
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Online: Head onto Spirit’s website or app, log in, and go to the ‘manage booking’ section to add baggage.
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During Booking: When you’re first booking your flight, that’s the best moment to snag bag space. Adding baggage then usually means lighter fees.
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Post-Booking: Still have time? Add more bags later through ‘manage booking’. It’s almost always cheaper online than waiting till you reach the airport.
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At the Airport: You can toss in extra bags there too, though it’s pricier. Plan ahead to keep some extra bucks in your pocket.
Here’s a quick peek at what bag fees look like, depending on when and where you add them:
Baggage Type | Online (During Booking) | Online (Post-Booking) | At the Airport |
---|---|---|---|
Carry-On Bag | $30 – $40 | $35 – $45 | $50 – $65 |
Checked Bag | $25 – $35 | $30 – $40 | $45 – $60 |
Curious about how other airlines handle baggage? Take a look at these links: American Airlines baggage allowance, Delta Air Lines baggage allowance, and United Airlines baggage allowance.
By sorting out your bags early, you can dodge last-minute fees and travel stress-free with Spirit Airlines.