Flying on a budget airline can come with its share of hidden costs, and Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost flights that often include additional fees for baggage. Understanding Spirit Airlines baggage charges can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises at the airport. In this guide, we’ll break down Spirit’s baggage policies, fees for different bag types, and tips for minimizing these costs.
Overview of Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy
Spirit Airlines operates under a “bare fare” model, where your ticket typically only covers the seat. Unlike many other airlines, Spirit does not offer a free carry-on or checked bag with their standard fare. Instead, travelers need to pay for each piece of luggage, with costs that vary depending on the bag’s size, weight, and timing of purchase.
Types of Bags:
- Personal Item: Free of charge, but limited in size (18 x 14 x 8 inches).
- Carry-On Bag: Requires a fee.
- Checked Bag: Requires a fee, with pricing varying based on weight and number.
- Oversized and Overweight Bags: Additional charges apply.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Charges by Type
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Personal Item
Spirit allows each passenger to bring one free personal item, such as a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag, that fits within specific dimensions (18 x 14 x 8 inches). Exceeding these dimensions may result in additional fees. -
Carry-On Bag
If you want to bring a carry-on bag, expect to pay a fee. Carry-on charges vary depending on when and where you purchase them:- Online at Booking: The lowest rate, around $35-$40.
- After Booking, Pre-flight: $45-$50.
- At the Airport: Around $55 or more. Carry-on bags must fit within Spirit’s size limit (22 x 18 x 10 inches) and be placed in the overhead bin.
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Checked Bags
Spirit’s checked bag fees vary based on the number of bags and when you pay for them:- 1st Checked Bag: Starts around $30-$40 at booking.
- 2nd Checked Bag: Generally $40-$50.
- 3rd Checked Bag and Beyond: Rates can go up to $100. Checked bags have a size limit of 62 linear inches (L + W + H) and should not exceed 40 pounds unless you’re prepared to pay an overweight fee.
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Overweight and Oversized Bags
For any checked bag that exceeds Spirit’s size or weight limits, additional charges will apply:- 41-50 lbs: Around $30 extra.
- 51-70 lbs: Around $55 extra.
- 71-100 lbs: About $100 extra.
- Oversized (63-80 inches): $100-$150 fee.
- Bags over 80 inches: Not accepted.
Ways to Save on Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
Travelers can save on Spirit Airlines baggage charges with a few strategic steps:
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Purchase Bags in Advance: Booking luggage at the time of your flight purchase usually offers the lowest price.
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Join the Spirit Saver$ Club: Spirit’s Saver$ Club members can access discounts on baggage fees and other amenities. The membership costs $69.95 annually but may save frequent travelers money.
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Pack Light: Aim to fit all essentials into a free personal item to avoid carry-on or checked bag fees entirely.
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Weigh Bags Beforehand: Avoid overweight fees by weighing your luggage at home and redistributing items if necessary.
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Consider Alternative Packing Solutions: Vacuum-sealed bags, rolling clothes, and using compression packing cubes can help you maximize space and meet weight requirements.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy for Special Items
Certain items like sports equipment, musical instruments, and baby gear may incur specific fees or have different size requirements. For example:
- Sports Equipment: Items like golf bags, surfboards, and bicycles usually require additional fees. Be sure to check Spirit’s guidelines for these items in advance.
- Musical Instruments: Instruments that fit within the carry-on size limit are allowed, but larger instruments may need to be checked or occupy a separate seat.
Important Tips for Managing Spirit Airlines Baggage Costs
- Track Size and Weight Limits: Stick to the dimensions to avoid costly last-minute charges.
- Use Travel Scales and Size Checkers: Many stores and airports have bag size checkers; using these can prevent unexpected fees.
- Leverage Credit Card Benefits: While Spirit doesn’t offer free baggage for credit card holders, certain travel credit cards may cover baggage fees as part of their benefits.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Charges Summary Table
| Baggage Type | Cost (At Booking) | Cost (Pre-flight) | Cost (At Airport) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | Free | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | $35-$40 | $45-$50 | $55+ |
| 1st Checked Bag | $30-$40 | $45-$55 | $55+ |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $40-$50 | $50-$60 | $60+ |
| Oversized Bags | +$100-$150 | +$100-$150 | +$150 |
| Overweight Bags | +$30-$100 (varies by weight) | +$30-$100 | +$100+ |
Conclusion
By understanding and planning for Spirit Airlines baggage charges, travelers can avoid unexpected expenses and enjoy a smoother, more budget-friendly journey. Booking early, packing smartly, and taking advantage of Spirit’s Saver$ Club can help reduce these costs significantly. Always check Spirit’s website for the most current fees before traveling, as prices may change.
