Summary

  • Spirit Airlines charges for all carry-on and checked bags, with prices increasing closer to the departure date.
  • Baggage fees with Spirit depend on route and time of year, with summer and holidays being more expensive.
  • Active duty US military members receive free baggage when traveling on Spirit, including two checked bags and a carry-on.

Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost airline infamous for its baggage policies. Spirit offers flights throughout the US, the Caribbean, and Latin America. It is the largest ultra-low-cost airline in North America and is flying testimony to the fact that many people would rather put up with poor service than spend more money. Harvard University noted that Spirit Airlines has the highest number of complaints per 10,000 passengers – making it the airline everyone loves to hate.

Spirit was the first major US airline to start charging for carry on luggage. However, Spirit often boasts some of the lowest fares – meaning it’s all worth it (especially for those who can fly without baggage). There are some things to know in advance for those who do have luggage to bring onboard.

A big complaint is Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy

One of the airline’s biggest complaints is its strict baggage policy that does not include any bags, including carry-ons, in its base fare. On top of this, the price of checking a suitcase or adding a bag to your fare increases as you get nearer your departure date. With this in mind, it is best to pay for all luggage when you make your initial booking.

Spirit Airlines cabin

Photo: Spirit Airlines

“Spirit Airlines passengers are charged for both carry-on and checked bags. This is so that the airline can keep their ticket prices low. However, one personal item that fits entirely in the smaller sizer box (such as a purse, small backpack, etc) is included with your ticket.” – Mybaggage.com

Spirit Airlines baggage fees are based on the route and the time of year you are flying. The summer months and popular holidays like Thanksgiving are more expensive than other times of the year. Basically, you can expect to pay more for your ticket whenever the kids are out of school.

What you can expect to pay for luggage

To help you decide what is right for you, we have outlined Spirit Airlines baggage policy and costs below:

Carry-on

Unlike full-fare carriers like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, which allow you to have a carry-on for free, Spirit Airlines charges you. The only item you can carry aboard without paying for it is a handbag or laptop case, provided it is not larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Spirit Airlines carry-on

Photo: Spirit Airlines

If you want to bring a carry-on suitcase or backpack, it must be no larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including the handles and wheels. The price for including a carry-on in the fare when booking your ticket starts at $35. If you wait to add a carry-on as you check in online, the price starts at $43. At the check-in desk, the price rises to $89, and if your carry-on is determined to be larger than Spirit’s carry-on policy, you can expect to pay a minimum of $99 at the gate.

Luggage carried in the hold of the aircraft

Checked baggage

All checked luggage on a Spirit Airlines flight cannot exceed 40 pounds (18.1 kg) in weight and is no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height; 158 cm), including the handles and wheels. Any bag larger than the above measurement of that weight greater than 40 pounds is considered oversized luggage for which you will be charged extra.

Baggage Type:

During Booking Standard Fare

Before Online Check-in Standard Fare

Carry-on bag:

$31

$41

1st Checked bag:

$26

$36

2nd Checked bag:

$36

$46

3rd-5th Checked bag:

$81

$91

Spirit Airlines checked bag

Image: Spirit Airlines

If your bag weighs more than 40 lbs, you will be charged an additional $79 per bag. If the bag exceeds 50 lbs, the price jumps to $125 per bag. Spirit Airlines refuses to carry any bag which weighs 100 pounds or more. Spirit may have the lowest cost base fare, but once one adds the luggage cost, it might not be the lowest fare anymore.

“Purchasing a carry-on or a checked bag at the time of booking is the most economical.” – Spirit Airlines

Related

Frontier Airlines’ Baggage Fees: Everything You Need To Know

Only a personal item comes complimentary on every ticket, and checked bags are limited to 40 pounds.

Oversized luggage and sports equipment

If your suitcase measures more than 63 linear inches but less than 80 linear inches (158 to 203 cm), you must pay an additional $150.

  • Overweight: +150 for 51 – 100 lbs. (23 – 45 kg)

Sports equipment:

  • Golf clubs: Golf clubs are subject to the same price as a checked piece of luggage, but if the combined weight of the bag, clubs, and carrying case exceeds 40lbs, overweight baggage charges will apply.
  • Bicycle: A flat fee of $75
  • Surfboard: $100 with a maximum of two boards in a single bag
  • Skis and snowboards: The same as checked luggage but like golf clubs, subject to excessive weight charges.

Free baggage for military service members

It should be noted that Spirit has a different excess baggage policy for active duty US military service members. Spirit statesFor active-duty U.S. military service members and their accompanying spouse and/or children traveling on Spirit, we will provide two free checked bags and a free carry-on, in addition to the already free personal item.”

Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo departing FLL shutterstock_2436315101

Photo: HMBSoFL Photography | Shutterstock

Active duty service members need to add the bags online in advance during booking, online check-in, or under the “My Trips” tab on the homepage of Spirit’s website. Accompanying spouses and children must add their bags with the assistance of a Guest Service Agent at the airport’s ticket counter.

The USDOT dashboard has awarded Spirit Airlines for taking steps to enhance travel benefits for service members. Spirit and Allegiant are the only airlines meeting the USDOT’s criteria.

What are your thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

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