Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines baggage policy does not include any standard checked bags in its base fare and the airline also charges for carry on baggage. Passengers need to be aware of the charges and baggage limit on budgeted airlines like Spirit. You pay more baggage fees, the closer you get to your departure day. So, the best bet is you pay for the baggage at the time of booking.

Another interesting fact, the airline allows the weight limit of maximum checked baggage to be 40 pounds (18 kg), compared to the other airlines whose maximum weight limit is 32 pounds. This is where passengers have to pay extra for the checked baggage.

Key Takeaways of Spirit Airlines baggage policy

The Spirit Airlines baggage allowance rules and requirements are different for carry on and checked baggage, read the full article to understand the Spirit Airlines baggage policy thoroughly.

What is Spirit Airlines baggage allowance for carry on luggage?

Spirit Airlines charges for the carry on baggage. There are certain baggage guidelines that you should know –

Spirit Airlines carry on size and weight

Your carry on bag should not exceed  22 x 18 x 10 inches, including the handles and wheels.

• If the bag exceeds the dimensions, the airline considers it as checked luggage. The relevant fee may apply.
• The weight of the hand luggage must be within 40 pounds.

Personal items

Passengers are allowed to bring 1 personal item for free. The personal item can be a backpack, small purse, umbrella, laptop bag, and other similar items.

• Personal items must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
• The size of the personal time must be within 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• Keep the weight limit under 40 pounds.

The following items from the Spirit Airlines contract of carriage do not count towards the carry on baggage allowance and need to be properly stowed on board – 

• Pet carrier
• Camera
• Crutches/Canes/Braces or other prosthetic devices
• Assistive devices
• Service animals
• Infant bag
• One Duty Free bag
• Coats/hats/wraps)
• One collapsible stroller.

Additional items allowed onboard as Spirit Airlines carry on

Besides personal items, you can pack cameras, baby diaper bags, medical equipment, and outer garments. 

• You can also bring books, food, and one duty-free shopping bag without extra charges.
• Neck and head pillows are allowed inside.

Traveling with Infants

Passengers traveling with a baby under two years old can bring an FAA-approved car seat for free. 

Medical assistive devices

Medical equipment is not counted as Spirit Airlines carry on bags. You need to pack your medical items separately.

• Medical items should not exceed 39 x 26 x 11 inches.
• If the size exceeds, they would go in the baggage hold. No Spirit Airlines baggage fees would be applicable. 
• Examples of medical devices include foldable walkers, knee scooters, canes, crutches, CPAP machines, and portable oxygen cylinders.

Wheelchairs and accessibility

Spirit Airlines can take up to two manual folding wheelchairs inside the cabin.

• The service needs to be requested at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• If you don’t request it in advance, the airline will check your folding manual wheelchair. No baggage fee will apply.
• Battery-operated wheelchairs will be accepted as checked baggage, and no fee will be applied. 

Spirit carry on bag fee

The airline charges for the carry on bag. The price gets expensive as you close to your departure date. Below is the overview – 

How much is the Sprit Airlines checked baggage fees?

As per Spirit Airlines baggage policy, spirit baggage weight must adhere to the limit of 40 pounds (18 kg). The dimensions of the bag must be within 162 linear inches. 

Below is the table outlined for the Spirit Airlines baggage fee for checked luggage –

During online booking

Before online check-in

During Online Check-in

At airport, the group desk, and reservations center

Spirit Airlines checked baggage fees at gate

How much is the excess baggage fees with Spirit Airlines?

The Spirit Airlines excess baggage fee would be subject to 

For Excess weight

For Excess size

How to pay for the excess baggage?

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to pay for the extra baggage allowance online through the My Trips section, via the mobile app, or by contacting the airlines directly. 

Here are the methods – 

• Log in to the Spirit Airlines website’s My Trips section. Enter the booking reference and the passenger’s last name to retrieve the booking. You can purchase the extra baggage allowance 24 hours before the scheduled departure. 
• You can also add extra baggage during the online check-in which is available within 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

What is the Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy for international travel?

Passengers traveling to and from the international destination have additional size and weight restrictions – 

For travel to/from Lima, Peru

• Only 1 checked bag is allowed per passenger.
• The standard checked baggage weight must be within 41lbs (18 kg).
• The overweight items may not exceed 100 pounds (45 kg).
• The oversize bag may not exceed 80 linear inches (203cm).
• From December 1st through January 10th (all year), checked bags that exceed 80 linear inches (203cm) are not permitted. 

For travel to/from Colombia and Ecuador

• Only 1 checked bag per passenger will be accepted per passenger.
• Additional checked items may assess Spirit Airlines baggage fees, and are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

All International Destinations

• Only 1 checked bag per passenger will be accepted per passenger.
• The overweight items may not exceed 100 pounds (45 kg). Any excess weight may be subject to a fee.
• The oversized bag may not exceed 80 linear inches (203cm).

Does Spirit Airlines offer a discounted baggage allowance to the military?

Spirit Airlines baggage policy allows 2 checked bags and 1 hand luggage for free. This comes in addition to the personal item.

For More Information: Does Spirit offer U.S Military discounts?

How to avail of these offers?

Bags must be added online in advance during booking, online check-in or via the My Trip tab for US military members.

Exception

Military bags cannot be added at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter at the airport.

How can US military members validate?

Active US military can validate their status during the online booking process via ID.ME, a trusted third-party verification service. You need to click the “verify” button at checkout via Spirit.com. This way you can confirm your status and claim a complimentary baggage allowance.

How to claim Spirit Airlines baggage allowance for free if not in active US military?

There are a few ways that help you avoid the spirit baggage fees, especially if you’re a regular passenger – 

Free Spirit Gold Status

Free Spirit is the Spirit Airlines loyalty program which you can bring a carry on and check a bag for free on every flight you take with Spirit Airlines. This benefit applies to the Gold members only. It doesn’t apply to your travel companions. The criteria include – 

• Gold members must have 5000 Free Spirit Status Qualifying Points, or SQPs.
• You can earn these points when you purchase flight tickets and other extra expenses like baggage fees and seat selection fees.
• Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard can also help you earn SQPs. 

Use airline-affiliated credit cards

Use an eligible credit card. For instance, certain credit cards come with incidental fee statement credit that can be used for Spirit Airlines bag fees. These cards include – 

• Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
• Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card from American Express (Terms apply. Enrollment required.)
• The Platinum Card from American Express (Terms apply. Enrollment required.)

Getting a hand on the Spirit Airlines baggage policy is crucial before you board the flight to avoid any huddles at the airport. The airline offers 40-pound checked bags and charges an extra fee for overweight/oversized baggage. The airline also levies a fee for the carry on bags. The fee carries with it the travel routes, and how you pay for it. By following the guidelines and tips mentioned above you can save money on baggage fees and avoid any surprises at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs