Traveling with Spirit Airlines often comes with one big question before booking—how does baggage work? Spirit is known for its ultra-low fares, but luggage rules play a major role in the final ticket cost. Understanding what’s included, what costs extra, and how size limits are enforced can make the entire journey smoother. This detailed guide explains the Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy in simple terms, covering personal items, carry-on bags, checked luggage, and oversized baggage rules.
Overview of Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy
Spirit Airlines follows a low-cost model where the base fare includes only the seat and a small personal item. Everything else, including carry-on and checked bags, is optional and charged separately. This structure allows travelers to pay only for what they actually need.
The Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy is designed to be flexible but strict on size and weight limits. Bags that exceed allowed dimensions often result in higher fees at the airport. Planning baggage in advance usually leads to significant savings.
What Is Included for Free?
Spirit Airlines allows one free personal item per passenger. This applies to all ticket types and fare bundles.
Free Personal Item Allowance
The personal item must fit completely under the seat in front. Common examples include:
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Small backpack
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Purse or handbag
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Laptop bag
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Small diaper bag
Maximum size for a personal item:
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18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Items larger than these dimensions are no longer considered personal items and may be charged as carry-on luggage at the gate.
Spirit Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy
Carry-on bags are not included in Spirit’s standard fare. Travelers must purchase carry-on baggage separately unless it is included through a fare bundle or elite status.
Carry-On Size Limits
Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and meet the following limits:
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22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels
Spirit Airlines strictly enforces these dimensions using bag sizers at the airport.
Carry-On Weight Rules
Unlike checked baggage, Spirit does not publish a specific weight limit for carry-on bags. However, bags must be light enough to lift safely into the overhead bin without assistance.
Carry-On Fees
Carry-on prices vary depending on when the bag is added:
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Lowest cost when added during booking
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Higher fees when added after booking
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Most expensive when purchased at the airport or gate
Paying in advance is almost always cheaper.
Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
Checked bags are also optional and charged separately. Pricing depends on route, timing, and number of bags.
Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits
For standard checked luggage, Spirit allows:
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Maximum linear size: 62 inches (length + width + height)
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Maximum weight: 40 pounds (18 kg)
Bags exceeding these limits may incur additional fees.
Checked Bag Fees
Checked baggage fees increase based on:
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Number of checked bags
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When the bag is added
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Route and travel dates
Generally, the first checked bag is cheaper than the second or third. Adding bags during booking or online check-in helps reduce costs.
Overweight Baggage Rules
Spirit Airlines enforces strict weight limits. Bags over 40 pounds are considered overweight.
Overweight Fee Tiers
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41–50 pounds: additional fee applies
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51–100 pounds: higher overweight fee
Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted.
Packing carefully and using a luggage scale at home helps avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Oversized Baggage Policy
Oversized bags exceed the standard 62 linear inches.
Oversized Bag Fees
Spirit applies oversized fees based on total size:
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63–80 inches: oversized fee applies
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81–110 inches: higher oversized fee
Bags larger than 110 inches are not accepted.
Sports equipment and musical instruments often fall into the oversized category and may have special handling rules.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
Spirit Airlines allows many special items, but most are treated as checked baggage with additional fees.
Common Sports Equipment
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Golf bags
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Skis and snowboards
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Surfboards
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Bicycles
Each item must be properly packed and meet Spirit’s size and weight limits. Fees vary depending on the item and route.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments that fit within personal item or carry-on dimensions may be brought onboard. Larger instruments usually need to be checked and may incur oversized charges.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy for Infants and Children
Children traveling with Spirit follow the same baggage rules as adults, but some baby-related items receive special consideration.
Baby Items Allowed
The following items can be checked for free:
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Strollers
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Car seats
Diaper bags count as personal items if they meet size requirements. Any additional bags for the child must follow standard baggage fees.
Baggage Rules for Spirit Fare Bundles
Spirit offers fare bundles that include baggage and other benefits.
Bundle It
Includes:
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One carry-on bag
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Seat selection
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Flight Flex option
Big Front Seat Bundle
Includes:
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Carry-on bag
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Checked bag
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Big Front Seat assignment
Bundles can provide better value for travelers who already plan to bring luggage.
Spirit Airlines Elite Status and Baggage Benefits
Members with Free Spirit Gold status receive baggage perks.
Gold Member Benefits
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One free carry-on bag
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Priority boarding
Checked bags may still incur fees unless included in a bundle or promotion.
How to Save Money on Spirit Airlines Baggage
Travelers who understand the Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy can significantly cut costs.
Smart Packing Tips
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Travel with only a personal item when possible
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Use soft-sided bags to fit size limits
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Wear heavier clothing instead of packing it
Book Bags Early
Adding baggage during booking is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport.
Airport Enforcement and Bag Sizers
Spirit Airlines is known for strict enforcement of baggage rules. Airport agents use metal sizers to check bag dimensions.
If a bag does not fit:
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Personal items may be reclassified as carry-on
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Carry-on bags may be forced to check at higher fees
Measuring bags at home avoids last-minute surprises.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
In rare cases, baggage issues may occur.
Reporting Baggage Issues
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Report immediately at the airport baggage service office
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File claims within required timelines
Compensation follows Spirit’s conditions of carriage and applicable regulations.
International Travel and Baggage Policy
Spirit Airlines primarily operates domestic and Caribbean routes. International baggage rules follow the same general structure but may include:
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Different fees
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Local airport regulations
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Customs restrictions
Always review route-specific baggage rules before departure.
The Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy rewards travelers who plan ahead. Low base fares can be a great deal when luggage needs are minimal. However, fees can add up quickly if baggage rules are ignored or misunderstood.
Knowing personal item dimensions, purchasing bags early, and packing efficiently makes flying with Spirit straightforward and budget-friendly. With proper preparation, Spirit Airlines remains a solid option for travelers focused on affordable air travel without unnecessary extras.
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