How much is a carry on bag for spirit airlines

The Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage allowance is one small personal item; 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). A fee applies to bring an additional, larger item, with dimensions of 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm).

The fee for bringing an additional item on board varies according to when the allowance is purchased - at initial booking, before/during check-in, at the airport, or at the gate. For most flights the fee is $37, one way, as standard, if purchased during online booking. If a passenger is a member of the $9 fare club*, they can purchase their carry-on allowance for $28. If, however, the allowance is purchased before/ during online check-in, the cost is $47 as standard, or $38 for fare club members. The price increases to $55 at the airport, or $65 at the gate. 

A number of items do not count towards a customer’s carry-on allowance, such as a diaper bag and a pushchair.   

What If my Spirit Airlines Carry On is Overweight/ Oversized?                           

If an item of hand luggage exceeds the dimensions permitted by the Spirit Airlines baggage allowance, it will be checked into the hold, and fees will be charged (see below).

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Allowance for Pets

Certain pets can be carried in the cabin on domestic Spirit flights. The pet must be placed in a carrier with dimensions no larger than 18 x 14 x 9 inches (45.72 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm). The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not be greater than 40 lbs (18.14 kg). One pet container per customer is allowed with up to two similar animals in the same container, providing each pet is free to stand in an upright position and freely move about the container. The fee for this is $110 per container. 

Spirit Airlines Carry On and Musical Instruments

Passengers may bring musical instruments on board as part of their standard carry on. If the instrument exceeds the standard carry-on allowance, an extra seat must be purchased for it. The instrument must be secured in or against a window seat.

Spirit Airlines Carry On and Prohibited Items

Certain items are considered too dangerous to bring on board an aircraft. These include, but are not limited to:

Ammunition,

Axes,

Guns,

Fireworks,

Nail guns.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance:

There is no free Spirit Airlines checked baggage allowance. Passengers can check up to five bags into the hold but must pay a fee. Each bag must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions, or 40 lbs (18.1 kg).

Prices for checked baggage are as follows:

During online booking (with $9 fare club)

During online booking, standard

Before/ during online check-in (with $9 fare club)

Before/ during online check-in, standard

At airport

At gate

1st checked bag

$22

$31

$32

$41

$50

$65

2nd checked bag

$32

$41

$42

$51

$60

n/a

3rd, 4th and 5th checked bag

$76

$85

$86

$95

$100

n/a

*Customers can pay $59.95 to become a member of the $9 fare club. This means that they, and everyone on their travel itinerary, can receive discounts on their flights and baggage allowance purchases. Membership renews automatically every year at $69.95, unless cancelled by the customer.

Spirit Checked Baggage Allowance for Children

Pushchairs and child car seats are accepted in the hold free of charge.

Spirit Checked Baggage and Excess Baggage Fees

If a bag exceeds the baggage allowance purchased with Spirit, excess baggage fees apply:

If a bag weighs between 41 and 50 lbs (18 and 23 kg), the fee is $30 per bag.

If a bag weighs between 51 and 70 lbs (23 and 32 kg), the fee is $55 per bag.

If a bag weighs between 71 and 100 lbs (32 and 45 kg), the fee is $100 per bag.

If a bag’s dimensions are between 68 and 80 inches (158 - 203cm), the fee is $100.

If a bag’s dimensions are over 80 linear inches (203cm), the fee is $150.

Spirit Checked Baggage and Exceptional Items

Sporting equipment, like surf boards or bikes, may be checked into the hold. The fee for checking a bike is $75, one way, and $100 for surf boards (max 2 in one bag). Golf bags and skis/snowboards are viewed as standard items of checked luggage.

Musical instruments can be checked into the hold, as long as they are correctly packaged and they adhere to Spirit’s checked baggage allowance rules. 

Baggage fees on Spirit Airlines can drive up the cost of what might otherwise be a cheap flight. Here’s how to avoid or reduce the extra expense.

Last updated Dec. 1, 2022 | By Lindsay Frankel

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If you regularly hunt for cheap flights to your favorite destinations, you already know that Spirit has some of the best ticket prices in the industry. Historically, Spirit Airlines has offered round-trip flights for as low as $12. But bag fees will cost you more than twice that amount, and Spirit’s standard fare tickets don’t include any bags, even carry-ons.

Baggage fees are a relatively new concept that airlines began collecting a little over a decade ago. Since then, the cost has only increased for most airlines. And it’s not likely to change anytime soon — airlines collectively brought in more than $2.8 billion from bag fees alone in 2020 even though air travel was down by 60% due to the pandemic. So, it’s an important source of revenue for the industry. Luckily, there are some ways to get discounted baggage fees on Spirit — or avoid the cost altogether with the right tactics and credit cards.

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In this article

• What is Spirit Airlines' baggage policy?
• How to avoid (or reduce) bag fees on Spirit Airlines
• Frequently asked questions about Spirit baggage

What is Spirit Airlines' baggage policy?

Spirit Airlines policy for carry-ons

Spirit Airlines' baggage allowance allows you to bring on personal item onto the flight for free. That item can't exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches including handles and wheels. 

In addition to your free personal item, which could include a small backpack, laptop bag, or purse; you can bring a carry-on bag, so long as it doesn’t exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. The fee you pay for Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage will depend on when you pay it (paying for baggage during booking will save you the most), but you can expect to pay between $59 and $99, unless you’re a member of the Spirit Saver$ Club. You can use the Spirit Bag-O-Tron to calculate the exact price for your flight.

WarningUnlike most other carriers, you don't get a free carry-on bag with Spirit Airlines. You can bring a free personal item.

If you’re traveling with young children, you can check one car seat and one stroller per child for free. You can also bring a car seat on board, but only if you’ve purchased a seat for your child.

Generally, Spirit follows TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines with regard to prohibited items, which means you won’t be able to carry on liquids greater than 3.4 ounces or any cutting instruments, among other restrictions.

Spirit Airlines policy for checked bags

Spirit guarantees that each guest will be able to check one bag, but if space permits, you may be able to bring up to five bags. The cost per bag will depend on whether you purchase your baggage during booking, before or during check-in, or at the airport. Prices also vary slightly, depending on where you’re traveling. You can expect to pay between $55 and $99 for your first checked bag; prices go up for subsequent bags.

Your checked bag can weigh no more than 40 pounds and can’t exceed 62 linear inches total (length + width + height). Oversized and overweight bags will incur an extra charge of $69 or more, and Spirit won’t allow any bags that are heavier than 100 pounds or greater than 80 linear inches total.

For some international flights, there are other restrictions as well. Spirit also charges fees for checking items like musical instruments and sporting equipment such as surfboards and skis, so if you need to check those items, be sure to budget accordingly.

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How to reduce or avoid bag fees on Spirit Airlines

Don’t panic if you can’t fit everything you need for your trip in one bag. There are some ways to reduce or eliminate the cost of baggage on Spirit Airlines, and if you plan ahead, you’ll be able to keep the total cost of your trip at a minimum.

1. Only pack a personal item

You can take one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you for free. I’ve taken trips up to a week long with nothing but a backpack on a Spirit flight, so I can confirm it’s possible.

You’ll need to be strategic about how you pack, but this is the easiest way to avoid paying any additional fees.

2. Pay for baggage during booking

If you know you’ll need a bit more space for all your vacation gear, it’s best to pay for a checked bag at the time of booking. That’s because you’ll save about $30 when compared to checking your bag at the gate.

If you forget to pay for your baggage when you book, you can also make your purchase before or during check-in, which still provides some savings.

3. Join the Spirit Saver$ Club

Spirit Saver$ Club members get access to exclusive low prices and up to 50% off on bags when compared to standard airport fees. What’s more, your membership covers everyone in your booking.

It costs $69.95 for your first year, but Spirit notes you may be able to offset the price in just one booking. 

TipThe Spirit Saver$ Club replaced the $9 Fare Club. 

4. Bring your military documentation

Spirit Airlines offers one free carry-on and two free checked bags for all active-duty military members. To get the discount, you’ll either need to arrive early to the airport with your military ID or validate your affiliation online during booking with a third-party verification service.

5. Use a travel credit card

If you're looking for the best travel credit cards, a number of cards offer impressive travel rewards, which can help cover the cost of your bag fees on almost any airline.  

For example, several American Express cards provide an annual airline fee credit that could cover Spirit baggage fees. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, which could also be used to cover baggage fees.

If you frequently travel on Spirit, the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard might be the best airline credit card option, which earns double miles and offers a decent sign-up bonus. Putting everyday purchases on this card could help you pay for your next trip if you regularly fly on Spirit.

If you don't travel frequently, using a no-annual-fee cashback card could help you earn some money back when paying baggage fees.

Frequently asked questions about Spirit baggage

The bottom line on the Spirit Airlines baggage policy

You should never have to pay an exorbitant price just to lug around your necessities — but if you’re not careful, Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees can end up being some of the most costly. Whether you pack light, use a rewards credit card, or take advantage of membership discounts, we’re confident you’ll find a way to keep your costs low.

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