Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier that operates flights within the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. The airline is known for its cheap airfare, which is made possible by its strict baggage policy.
In this post, we will delve into the details of Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy, including what you can bring, how much it will cost, and how to avoid additional fees.
Baggage Allowance and Fees Summary
Carry On Baggage Summary
Personal Item
- Size limit: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Fee: $0
Carry-on Bag
- Size limit: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
- Fee: $35 to $65 (pay for your bag earlier for a lower fee)
Checked Baggage Summary
Checked Bag Size and Weight Limits
- Size limit: 62 linear inches (158 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 40 pounds (18 kilograms)
Checked Bag Fees
| 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | Bags 3 -5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| During booking | $55 – $59 | $65 – $69 | $99 each |
| Before online check-n | $57 – $61 | $67 – $71 | $99 each |
| During online check-in | $59 – 63 | $69 – $73 | $99 each |
| At the airport | $79 | $99 | $99 each |
| At the gate | $99 | n/a | n/a |
Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees
Oversized bags: +$100
Overweight bags: see table below
| Weight Range | Fee |
|---|---|
| 41– 50 pounds (18– 23 kilograms) | +$59 |
| 51 – 100 pounds (23 – 45 kilograms) | +$99 |
Carry On Baggage Policy
Spirit Airlines allows you to bring one personal item onboard for free. However, the airline will charge a fee if you wish to travel with a carry-on bag.
Personal Item
You can bring one personal item with you when you board your flight.
This item is included with your fare. Spirit will not apply a fee for your personal item if it’s within the size limit.
Personal Item Size
Your personal item can be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) in size. This size includes any protruding wheels, handles, or straps. Also, these measurements reflect the outside measurements of your personal item. Please remember that if your personal item does exceed these measurements, it will be charged as a carry-on or checked bag.
Hot Tip: Spirit is notoriously strict when it comes to enforcing bag size limits, so it’s wise to measure all your bags carefully.
Examples of typical personal items include:
- Backpacks
- Camera bags
- Laptop bags
- Purses
Carry On Bag
In addition to the personal item, Spirit Airlines also allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag on board. However, this carry-on bag must be paid for.
Carry On Size
Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm). You must include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements because Spirit sure will!
Hot Tip: Spirit does not guarantee that there will be sufficient room in the overhead bins for your carry-on bag. When you pack your carry-on baggage, make sure that you pack all important items such as travel documents, medication, and electronic devices in your personal item.
Carry On Fee
The fee for a carry-on bag varies depending on when you purchase it and can range from $35 to $65. It’s recommended to purchase the carry-on bag in advance as the fee is higher at the airport.
Additional Items
Spirit will allow you to bring some extra items on board at no additional charge. These items include:
- Assistive devices (e.g., crutches and canes)
- Camera
- Infant diaper bag
- Neck and head pillows (these items must be able to fit completely inside your personal item bag)
- Outer garments (e.g., coats, hats, and scarves)
- Books and magazines
- Snacks for the flight
- Umbrella
Checked Bag Allowance
Checked Bag Size
A standard bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size. You calculate your bag’s size by measuring its outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together.
Be sure to include your bag’s protruding wheels, handles, and straps in your measurements.
Checked Bag Weight
Spirit’s standard bag weight limit is 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms). This is less than the industry standard of 50 pounds but is becoming increasingly common with ultra-low-cost airlines.
Excess Baggage
If your standard bag exceeds these limits, Spirit will consider it to be oversized and/or overweight. Your bag will be subject to extra charges.
How Many Bags Can You Check?
Spirit allows up to 5 checked bags per paying passenger. If you are traveling on a route with a baggage embargo in effect, you may be limited by the number of bags that you can check in.
Oversized and Overweight Bags
Oversized bags can be up to 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in size. Certain special items can exceed this maximum size limit, such as certain sports equipment and musical instruments.
Overweight bags can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in weight. Mobility aid devices and musical instruments are exempt from this maximum weight limit.
Spirit has two distinct overweight categories:
- 41 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kilograms)
- 51 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kilograms)
Checked Bag Fees
Spirit Airlines does not include a baggage allowance with its base fares. Baggage fees apply for all checked baggage. As is typical with all airlines, baggage fees are non-refundable.
The earlier you pay for your bags, the smaller the fee.
Spirit has dynamic pricing on its checked bag fees. They are dependent on your route and at the time of your search.
Also, your check bag fees do increase closer to your departure date. Checked bag fees are cheapest at the time of your flight booking. If you buy them after your booking but before online check-in, expect to pay a couple more dollars. During online check-in, expect to pay around $4 more than you would have paid at your flight booking. At the airport or calling Spirit’s reservation center, you will pay a flat fee of $79 for your first bag ($20 to $25 dollars more than at booking) and $99 for your second. If you pay for your bag at the gate, expect to pay an eye-watering $99 for your first bag. Spirit won’t allow more than one checked bag be paid at the gate.
We ran several searches through Spirit’s baggage tool and obtained the following results. If you are a Saver$ Club (Spirit’s subscription-based membership) member, you can shave $1 off each of your checked bags if bought prior to arriving at the airport. This saving applies only on domestic routes.
Domestic Checked Bag Fees
| Bag 1 | Bag 2 | Bags 3 – 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| During booking | $55-$59 | $65-$69 | $99 each |
| Before online check-in | $57-$61 | $67-$71 | $99 each |
| During online check-in | $59-$63 | $69-$73 | $99 each |
| At the airport | $79 | $99 | $100 each |
| Group desk | $79 | $99 | $100 each |
| Reservation center | $79 | $99 | $100 each |
| At the gate | $99 | n/a | n/a |
From the searches made, we see a variance of $4 for the cost of your first two bags, depending on your itinerary. A standard fee applies when checking more than 2 bags.
International Checked Bag Fees
| Bag 1 | Bag 2 | Bags 3 – 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| During booking | $59 | $99 | $149 each |
| Before online check-in | $61 | $99 | $149 each |
| During online check-in | $63 | $99 | $149 each |
| At the airport | $79 | $99 | $149 each |
| Group desk | $79 | $99 | $149 each |
| Reservation center | $79 | $99 | $149 each |
| At the gate | $99 | n/a | n/a |
For international routes, there was no variation in pricing. If you plan to travel with more than two checked bags, expect to pay $149 each bag for the privilege.
Keep in mind though that international routes can be subject to baggage embargoes, so travelling with extra bags might not even be a possibility.
As can be seen from the table above, Saver$ Club members do not receive any bag fee discounts on international routes.
Now let’s look at what to expect if your bag is oversized or overweight.
Oversized Checked Bag Fees
If your checked bag is larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) but no greater than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters), Spirit will charge you an extra $100 to check your bag, in addition to any other applicable fees.
Spirit will not accept standard checked bags larger than 80 linear inches.
Overweight Checked Bag Fees
If your checked bag weighs more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms) but no heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), Spirit will charge you an extra $59 to check your bag, in addition to any other bag fees. Consider that most other airlines do not apply overweight charges for bags up to 50 pounds.
However, if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) but not greater than 100 pounds (45 kilograms), Spirit will charge you an extra $99 instead of $59.
Spirit will not accept standard checked bags weighing more than 100 pounds.
Checked Bag Fee Waivers
As you would expect for an ultra-low-cost airline, opportunities to check your bags for free are slim. Let’s explore what items are exempt from baggage fees.
Strollers and Car Seats
If you are traveling with children, Spirit will allow you to check one stroller and one car seat per child at no charge. These items can be checked at the ticket counter or at the gate.
Mobility Aid and Assistive Devices
Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility aid or assistive devices can be checked for no charge. You can check these items at the ticket counter or the gate. Mobility aid and assistive items are also exempt from size and weight limits.
Free Checked Bags for Active-Duty U.S. Military
Active-duty military personnel with valid ID can check up to 2 free bags. Unlike most other airlines, this free checked bag allowance does not extend to dependents.
Special Baggage
Special Items, such as musical instruments and sports equipment, are subject to standard checked bag rules and fees.
Special items which are oversized from 62 to 80 linear inches are subject to the standard $100 oversize fee.
Unlike standard checked bags, special items can exceed the 80 linear inches limit. Items which are larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) up to 150 linear inches (381 centimeters) are allowed, subject to a $150 oversize fee instead.
Certain items may have extra rules or fees – these exceptions will be noted below.
All items must be properly packed in a container giving adequate protection from being damaged while in transit.
Spirit will require you to sign a limited liability release form for all special items upon check-in, unless otherwise noted.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can exceed standard checked size and weight limits. A musical instrument (within its case) can be up to 150 linear inches (381 centimeters) in size and weigh no more than 165 pounds (75 kilograms).
Sports Equipment
Spirit accepts the following types of sporting equipment for check-in:
Antlers
- Maximum size: 120 linear inches (305 centimeters)
Archery Equipment
Balls and Balloons
- All balloons must be deflated for check in.
Baseball Equipment
Bicycle (non-motorized)
- Subject to a special fee of $75
- Bicycles are not subject to oversized limits and fees.
- Bicycles are not subject to overweight fees.
Body Boards, Boogie Boards, Kiteboards, and Wakeboards
- Spirit regards boards larger than 62 linear inches as surfing equipment, subject to a $100 special fee
Bowling Equipment
Camping Gear
- Fuel and other flammable camping equipment are prohibited.
Fishing Equipment
Golf Equipment
- Golf gear is not subject to oversize fees.
- A signed limited liability release form is only needed if your golf equipment is packed in a soft-sided golf bag.
Hockey Equipment
- Hockey equipment bags are not subject to oversize fees.
Javelin and Pole Vault Equipment
- Javelins and pole vaults are not subject to size limits.
- Oversize fees apply for equipment larger than 62 linear inches.
Lacrosse Equipment
- Lacrosse equipment bags are not subject to oversize fees.
Martial Arts Equipment
Paintball Equipment
- Spirit accepts paintball equipment for check in but compressed gas cylinders are prohibited.
Parachute Equipment
Skateboards (non-motorized)
Scuba diving equipment
- Scuba tanks are prohibited.
Snow Skis and Snowboard Equipment
- Snow ski and snowboard equipment are not subject to size limits.
- Oversize fees apply for equipment larger than 62 linear inches.
Surfing Equipment
- A special fee of $100 applies.
- One bag containing up to two surfboards will be accepted.
- Surfing equipment is not subject to oversize limits or fees.
- Surfing equipment is not subject to overweight fees.
Surfboard, Snowboards, Wakeboards, Boogie Boards, Body Boards, and Kiteboards
- Spirit considers boards larger than 62 linear inches as surfing equipment, subject to a special $100.
- Up to 2 surfboards allowed in each equipment bag.
- Surfboards are not subject to oversize or overweight fees.
- Spirit will accept surfboard bags weighing up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms)
- Certain destinations which are subject to baggage embargoes may prohibit surfboards.
Tennis Equipment
Water Ski Equipment
- Water ski equipment is not subject to size limits.
- Oversize fees apply for equipment larger than 62 linear inches.
Baggage Embargoes
If you are traveling between the U.S. and an international destination, Spirit may impose a baggage embargo on your itinerary. This affects how much checked baggage you can check in. A seasonal embargo applies for all international destinations, effective from December 1st to January 10th. Certain South American destinations are affected by more seasonal restrictions.
Baggage Embargo to/from Peru
- Airport: Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima, Peru (LIM)
- Dates in effect: Year-round
- Restrictions:
- Number of bags: You can check in one bag. Additional bags can be checked subject to space available in the plane’s hold. This is based on a first-come first-served basis. A maximum of 5 bags can be checked per passenger.
- Oversized bags: You can check oversized bags, with charges starting from 63 linear inches (158 centimeters). Oversized bags must be no greater than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in size.
- Some types of sports equipment can be greater than 80 linear inches in size, but they can’t weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). These oversized special items will not be accepted for check in from December 1st to January 10th
- Sports equipment which qualifies for this oversized exemption:
- Bicycles
- Javelins and pole vaults
- Ski equipment
- Surfboards
- Overweight bags: Spirit allows overweight bags to be checked in, with charges starting from 41 pounds (18 kilograms). Checked bags can’t weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms)
Baggage Embargo to/from Colombia
- Airports
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)
- El Edén International Airport (AXM)
- Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)
- José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
- Palonegro International Airport (BGA)
- Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
- Dates embargo is in effect: Year-round.
- Restrictions:
- Number of bags: You will be able to check in one bag. You can check more bags, subject to space available in the plane’s hold, based on a first-come first-served basis. A maximum of 5 bags can be checked per passenger.
Baggage Embargo for Travel to/From Ecuador
- Airport: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
- Dates embargo is in effect: Year-round
- Restrictions:
- Number of bags: You are guaranteed to be able to check in one bag. Extra bags can be checked subject to space available in the plane’s hold, based on a first-come first-served basis. A maximum of 5 bags can be checked per passenger.
Baggage Embargoes for All International Destinations
The following checked baggage restrictions apply annually for all international itineraries, from December 1st to January 10th.
Restrictions
- Number of bags: You are guaranteed to be able to check in one bag. Extra bags can be checked subject to space available in the plane’s hold, based on a first-come first-served basis. A maximum of 5 bags can be checked per passenger.
- Oversized bags: Oversized bags can be checked in, with charges starting from 63 linear inches (158 centimeters). Oversized bags can be no larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in size
- Overweight bags: Spirit allows overweight bags to be checked in, with charges starting from 41 pounds (18 kilograms)
- Boxes: Boxes and containers are not allowed to be checked in
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage
Spirit prohibits the following items in checked baggage. They can be carried in your carry-on bag, with restrictions.
The list is not exhaustive. For a more extensive listing, you can refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Battery-powered smoking devices
- Fuel cells
- Safety matches and lighters
- Spare lithium batteries and external battery chargers
Prohibited Items in Checked and Carry On Baggage
Spirit prohibits the following items in both checked and carry-on baggage.
- Alcohol above 140 proof (70% by volume)
- Compressed gas
- Corrosive oxidizers
- Dry ice weighing more than 5.5 lb.
- Explosives and fireworks
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Hoverboards
- Kayak, boat, and canoes
- Lighter refills, torch lighters and strike-anywhere matches
- Mercury barometers and thermometers
- Poison
- Products under safety recalls (e.g., batteries)
- Radioactive material
- Smart luggage and large quantities of portable devices
- Weapons and self-defense spray
- Windsurfing equipment
Delayed and Damaged Baggage
If your checked baggage doesn’t arrive at your destination when you do, you should report this to a Spirit Airlines agent at the airport as soon as possible. This is important so that Spirit can start a search more quickly. Spirit will only accept report filings within 4 hours of your arrival time.
At certain domestic destinations, Spirit has self-service kiosks where you can report your checked bag issue.
International Travel
The reporting timeframes for delayed or damaged checked baggage are more generous for international travel. You still should file a report as soon as possible, for Spirit to start a search. If your checked bag is damaged, you have up to 7 days to file a report. If your bag is delayed, you must let Spirit know within 21 days of arrival.
After you file a report, you will receive a receipt, a File ID, and instructions on what to do next. The File ID is needed if you have to file a claim.
If Spirit does not find your delayed baggage within 5 days, you will need to file a claim with the airline.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy is crucial to avoiding unexpected fees and delays at the airport.
I know that I’m repeating myself, but I think it bears repeating – pay extra attention when you are measuring your personal item and your carry-on bag. The airline is very strict with its approach to enforcing its carry-on size restrictions.
Remember to always check Spirit Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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