If you’re an active-duty military member planning to travel with Spirit Airlines, you may be wondering about what baggage allowance you may be eligible for.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the airline’s baggage policy for military travelers. We’ll detail how much free baggage you’re entitled to, whether the benefits extend to dependents (spoiler alert: they don’t), and the fees that you’ll have to pay if you’re traveling with extra, oversized, or overweight baggage.
Military Baggage Allowance Summary
Spirit Airlines offers two free checked bags and a free carry-on to active-duty U.S. military members, in addition to the already free personal item.
This policy only applies to an active military member, not to their spouse and/or dependents, even if they’re on the same reservation.
Eligibility for Spirit’s Military Baggage Allowance
Active-duty military personnel, who are members of a U.S. military agency, are eligible for Spirit Airlines military baggage allowance.
These military agencies include:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- National Guard
- Navy
You will also need to present your military ID at check-in to verify your eligibility.
To make things easier, you can also verify your active-duty status online during your Spirit.com booking using ID.ME, a third-party verification service. Simply click on the “verify” button at checkout via Spirit.com to validate your active-duty status and claim your free checked and carry-on bags.
Important: When booking your military fare, make sure that you do so using Spirit Airlines’ website. The airline’s app doesn’t have access to military discount fares.
Spirit Airlines makes no distinction between traveling on orders or on personal business. Both types of travel are eligible for the free baggage allowance.
Spouses and Dependents of Active Military Members
Unfortunately, spouses and dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel aren’t eligible for Spirit Airlines’ military baggage allowance. They are subject to the airline’s standard baggage policy.
Military Carry On Baggage Allowance
All active-duty U.S. military personnel can bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag on board at no charge.
Personal Item Allowance
Regardless of your military status, all Spirit Airlines passengers, including military personnel, are allowed one free personal item.
Personal Item Size Limit
The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters). It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Personal Item Weight Limit
Spirit Airlines doesn’t impose a weight limit for personal items.
Carry On Bag Allowance
In addition to the personal item, military personnel are entitled to one free carry-on bag.
Carry On Bag Size Limit
The carry-on bag’s maximum dimensions should not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 centimeters). It must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Typical carry-on bags include:
- Small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Garment bag
Carry On Bag Weight Limit
Spirit Airlines doesn’t impose a weight limit for carry-on bags. However, you should be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without requiring assistance.
Checked Baggage Allowance for Active Military Members
Spirit Airlines allows active-duty U.S. military personnel to travel with up to 2 checked bags at no charge.
The size and weight limits for your free bags are the same as for regular passengers.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Each checked 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. You need to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, it will be considered oversized. It will be subject to an oversized bag fee when you check in at the airport.
Spirit won’t accept bags larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters).
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Each checked bag can weigh up to 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms).
If your checked bag is heavier than 40 pounds, it will be considered overweight. It will be subject to an overweight bag fee when you check in at the airport.
Spirit won’t accept bags heavier than 45 kilograms (100 pounds).
Checked Baggage Allowance for Spouses and Dependents of Active Military Members
Unfortunately, Spirit doesn’t extend the free military checked baggage allowance to your spouse or dependents, even if they’re on the same reservation. They will be subject to the standard checked baggage fees for both carry-on and checked bags.
Checked Baggage Fees
In this section we’ll detail how much you’ll have to pay if you plan to travel with more than your 2 free checked bags.
We’ll cover baggage fees for excess, oversized, and overweight baggage.
Excess Baggage Fees
If you’re an active military member and wish to buy extra bags beyond your first two, you’ll have to pay a fee to do so.
The fees are as follows:
| Checked Bag | Online | At the Airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | Free | Free |
| 2nd Checked Bag | Free | Free |
| 3rd to 5th Checked Bags | $99 each | $100 each |
Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bag is between 63 linear inches (158 centimeters) and 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in size, it is considered oversized, and subject to a fee of $150. This charge is payable when you check in at the airport.
Spirit won’t accept checked bags larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters).
| Bag Size | Oversized Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 62 in | $0 |
| 63 to 80 in | +$150 |
| 80+ in | Not allowed |
Overweight Baggage Fees
If your checked bag weighs between 51 (23 kilograms) and 100 pounds (45 kilograms), it’s considered overweight, and subject to a fee. This charge is payable when you check in at the airport.
Spirit has two overweight categories for checked baggage:
- 41 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kilograms): +$79
- 51 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kilograms): +$125
You’re only subject to one fee. For example, if your checked bag weighs 60 pounds, Spirit will charge you $125 only, not both fees.
Spirit won’t accept checked bags larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters).
| Bag Weight | Overweight Bag Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 40 lb | $0 |
| 41 to 50 lb | +$79 |
| 51 to 100 lb | +$125 |
| 100+ lb | Not allowed |
Final Thoughts
Spirit Airlines’ military baggage allowance is generous when compared to what standard passengers receive. Active-duty U.S. military personnel can travel with a free carry-on bag and up to 2 checked bags. This applies for both travel on orders and personal business.
However, when compared to other airlines, it pales in comparison. Legacy carriers such as Delta and American Airlines offer a 5-checked bag allowance for military members, when traveling on orders.
Also, most other airlines extend the military baggage allowance to dependents when traveling on orders. However, Spirit applies the military baggage benefit to the active military member only. Spouses and dependents will be subject to the airline’s standard policies and fees for regular passengers.
If you’re a military member traveling alone with a modest amount of checked baggage, Spirit may be an attractive prospect. Especially if you get a great deal on your fare.
However, if you’re planning to check several bags and/or traveling with your family when on orders, choosing another airline may be a better choice. Even with an inexpensive Spirit ticket, the baggage fees can quickly add up.
If your baggage is delayed or damaged, or items are missing, be sure to read our post about How to File a Baggage Claim with Spirit Airlines.
Remember to always check Spirit Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
Thank you for your service.
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