Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy and Fees

Recognized for its budget-friendly fare tickets, Spirit Airlines is one of the top air carriers in the U.S. Along with low-fare flights, passengers can prefer the airline for its convenient policies as well. Its baggage policy is one among them. This airline has made a convenient policy with rules for easy flying of its customers. To make flying simple, the Spirit Airlines baggage policy rules clarify information related to the physical attributes of the bags. 

Spirit Airlines International Baggage Policy

The Spirit Airlines international flights baggage allowance can differ from that of domestic travel. Generally, more restrictions entail international travel in terms of weight and size limitations. The fees for excess baggage can also be more on international flights. Overall, the implementation of baggage rules is comparatively stricter on these. 

Spirit Airlines Domestic Baggage Policy

Baggage rules on domestic flights are more liberal in comparison to international ones. The Spirit Airlines domestic baggage fees are lower and subject to fewer limitations. Domestic passengers also enjoy fewer restrictions in terms of weight and size allowance of excess baggage.

Spirit Baggage Policy Rules

For your luggage to be accepted by the airline, you will have to follow various Spirit baggage rules. These rules and regulations facilitate a safe flight journey by ensuring that the aircraft is not overloaded. Therefore, as a flier, you ought to duly obey them. 

Given below are the main rules mentioned under the baggage policy of this airline:

• It allows its passengers to bring three types of baggage. These include checked luggage, carry-on items, and excess baggage. 
• The Spirit Airlines baggage prices differ based on the number of bags you wish to carry. You have to pay these charges to bring additional bags. 
• Passengers have to check-in their luggage within the time allotted by the airline. 
• Your reservation can be canceled if harmful items that are prohibited are found in your baggage. 
• The rules for excess luggage can vary depending on your region. Therefore, passengers have to check for them on their tickets beforehand. 
• Special baggage allowance can be given to the members of the military. 

Note: If you have any queries regarding the basic Spirit Airlines baggage rules, then you can contact the carrier directly at its toll-free number. 

Spirit Airlines Baggage Weight Limit

The maximum allowed Spirit baggage weight depends on your region. Different regions have varying allowance policies. Therefore, it is important to know about these limitations before booking your ticket. The size limit is the same for almost all destinations. It is only the weight limit that changes based on your arrival destination. 

The table given below highlights the maximum allowed weight according to a region. 

Any item exceeding this weight limit will not be accepted by the air operator. Hence, your luggage will have to be within these restrictions. 

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

This airline may impose Spirit baggage fees, especially on checked items. This fee is determined according to the TSA guidelines. Considering these guidelines, there can be several categories of baggage. The fee is charged when a category’s passenger checks in with baggage.

Note: Spirit Airlines free bag service may not be allowed for transporting checked items on all its flights. The complimentary checked bags service may vary upon the itinerary, dates of travel, cabin class, and the standard fare type. 

Note: Please be aware that these fares keep on changing with time. To know the exact ticket fares, you may contact the airline or head to its official site. 

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Checked baggage refers to bags that can be brought by flyers in compliance with the proper size requirements and other rules by the airline. Spirit Airlines check in baggage is transported in the hold of the aircraft. Therefore, it is also called the hold or cabin baggage. Different types of items can be carried under this baggage. Hence, knowing the main rules and conditions imposed on the same can help you know how many bags to carry.

Rules of Checked Baggage Allowance of Spirit Airlines

On the carrier headquartered in the United States, bags passing through and approved at the airport security point can be indicated by checked baggage allowance. It can be gained by meeting certain conditions set by Spirit. These conditions can relate to baggage size, weight, and safety. Passengers have to follow these Spirit baggage policy rules for their possessions to be accepted on the airplane. 

The following are such main rules:

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Weight Limit:

• Passengers can carry 2 check-in bags with a weight limit of 40 lbs or 18 kg. 
• A maximum of 100 lbs or 45 kg is allowed on the payment of extra fees. 
• 5 check-in bags can be brought on certain flights. 

Spirit Checked Baggage Size:

• Focusing on dimensions, to go through the checkpoint of the airline, the baggage needs to be within the size limits approved.
• The Spirit Airlines checked bag size may include that it should be under 62 inches or 158 cm which comprises the sum of the height, length and width of your bag. 
• You can be allowed to carry a bag of 80 inches by paying additional fees. 

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Fees:

• Your checked bag will not be included with your ticket. You will have to buy an allowance for it. 
• This fee starts at USD 26 and goes up to USD 100 based on how many bags you wish to carry. 
• For the standard allowance of 2 bags, you will have to pay a Spirit baggage fee of USD 36 during booking. 

Inside Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage

Travelers can bring a variety of items for as long as they are within the Spirit checked-in baggage size limit. In fact, most of your items can be carried as checked luggage. These items can include basic necessities like clothes, safety kits, and assistive devices. Other than these, you can also carry special items such as sporting and musical equipment. 

The rules for carrying these items are explained below. 

Sports Equipment in Spirit Checked Baggage 

People can bring their sporting equipment on Spirit Airlines, however, its weight should be approved. The approved limit for transporting sports is 40 lbs/18 kg. On carrying more than this, overweight baggage fees may apply.

As per these weight limits, the list of what can you bring on Spirit Airlines as sports items is as follows:

For transporting bicycles, you will have to pay Spirit baggage fees of USD 75 while for surfboards, USD 100 is charged. For the other items, the standard checked baggage fees apply. 

Musical Instruments as Checked Baggage on Spirit 

You can carry musical instruments as your checked luggage. They will only be accepted if they are neatly and carefully packed. The Spirit Airlines baggage allowance policy for musical items allows passengers to book a separate seat for them. 

You can carry the following instruments: 

• Tabla
• Guitar
• Drums
• Violin
• Piano
• Cell bass
• Drumsticks

Note: The airline will only be partially liable in case of any damage to the musical instruments because they are considered fragile. 

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy

Carry-on items or hand luggage can be taken by following the basic rules. As carry-ons, personal items can be brought and kept in the cabin. However, before bringing them to the flight, getting them checked at the security point can be vital, as per the Spirit Airlines baggage carry-on policy.

The basic features of the Spirit carry-on policy include the following: 

• The airport security checks whether the item can be considered as checked or carry-on for storage.
• When the carry-on luggage cannot be stored safely on a flight, it can be considered a checked item.
• A personal item may consist of a purse, a laptop bag, a diaper bag, snacks, etc. 

Note: The operator permits carry-on items to be stored in the overhead bin when the passengers are on take-off or landing.

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Rules

Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage policy mentions certain weight and size limitations to be followed. By obeying these, you will not have to pay additional charges. Hence, you should be well informed of these conditions in advance to avoid any hassles while boarding. 

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Weight:

• It should be ensured that the Spirit weight limit for baggage does not exceed 7 kilograms per piece. 
• This operator accepts the flyers to board the flight with one personal item and one carry-on bag within the given weight limit. 

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Size Limit:

• The standard carry-on bag size dimensions should be within 22 x 18 x 10 inches. 
• Please remember that the Spirit personal item size should be within 18 x 14 x 8 inches. 
• In certain situations, passengers may take oversized personal items as carry-ons. The carrier may allow oversized items. However, they should not surpass the restrictions of 40 linear inches or 102 centimeters.

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fees: 

• If you pre-book your carry-on luggage in advance, then you have to pay around USD 26 to USD 55 based on your itinerary. 
• Otherwise, you will have to buy your carry-on allowance at the airport for about USD 55. 

Note: When the weight and size of the carry-ons are found to be more than the above-mentioned restrictions, they cannot be transported by the airline.

Items Allowed as Spirit Carry-on Baggage 

Operators like Spirit can permit only a limited list of items to be taken by the passengers under carry-on baggage. This operator allows items that can be passed through the security checkpoint. Spirit ensures the safety of travelers inside all the cabin classes. 

The items that can be brought by visitors in the Economy, Premium Economy, and Business classes of this operator are as listed below. All of these items must adhere to the Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage weight and size limits: 

Assistive Devices on Spirit Carry-on Luggage 

Passengers with disabilities will be allowed to bring their assistive devices and medical aid as carry-on luggage. These devices can be brought for free without the payment of any additional charges. The Spirit Airlines baggage size limit for these devices is 39 in * 29 in * 11 in. However, devices exceeding this limit will not be charged an additional fee but they will have to be carried as checked luggage. 

The assistive devices shown here are allowed on board by Spirit Airlines: 

• Crutches 
• Foldable Walkers
• Canes
• Knee Scooters 
• Specs
• Contact Lens

These devices must not be dangerous and they will be checked thoroughly by the airport security during check-in. If you wish to carry other items with the assistive devices, then baggage fees might be charged. 

Note: Battery-powered wheelchairs and other mobility devices should be checked in at the airport. Otherwise, you can check-in online after your reservation. 

Liquids Under Spirit Carry-on Baggage 

The Spirit Airlines baggage policy for Economy, Business, and First Class passengers can allow taking certain liquids on a flight. These liquids must be harmless and easy to carry. These rules apply for bringing them on board: 

• The liquids must be carried in containers that are less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.  
• They should be sealed in transparent plastic or a quart-sized bag. 
• Aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes should also be properly sealed in plastic bags. 
• Any liquid exceeding 100 milliliters will have to be carried under checked luggage. 

Note: As per the Spirit Airlines international and domestic baggage policy, any liquids deemed mildly harmful will require additional screening at the security point. 

Prohibited Items on Spirit Airlines

Prohibited items refer to the ones that cannot be brought on Spirit Airlines. This carrier cannot accept some items because of their properties. The restricted items can be very dangerous as they can be pointed, razor-edged, poisonous, or contain harmful gasses. 

The list of prohibited goods such as Spirit checked bags and carry-ons are given here: 

• Guns
• Firearms
• Lithium batteries
• Explosives
• Certain glasses
• Corrosive materials
• Radioactive substances
• Lighters
• Magnetic materials
• Adhesives
• Pesticides
• Peroxides
• Chemicals

Note: If any of these articles are found in your luggage, then your trip might be terminated by the airline. 

Excess Baggage Policy on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has made baggage size and weight measurements as well as restrictions. Based on these, baggage can be allowed or disallowed on flights. Speaking of measurements, they are as per the length, height, width, and weight of the luggage. Along with this, it should be known that the Spirit luggage measurements can be varied upon the bags carried as a checked/carry-on allowance. 

In this regard, any possessions exceeding these limitations will be considered excess baggage. On this airline, this baggage is classified as:

• Overweight baggage 
• Oversized luggage 

Different rules and fees apply to these types which are elaborated below:

Spirit Airlines Overweight Baggage Rules and Fee

Weight can be an important factor when thinking about packing bags as per the Spirit Airlines baggage limit. Certain passengers may bring overweight items on flights. When you carry them, additional fees may apply. The Spirit Airlines overweight baggage fees vary as per the number of extra items you want to carry. 

How much does Spirit charge for overweight bags is given as follows:

This fee can change based on your destination. You can contact the airline authorities directly to know the latest updates about the overweight items’ fees. 

Spirit Airlines Oversize Baggage Rules and Fee

Items that are more than the allocated size limits can be categorized as oversized on Spirit Airlines. For oversized baggage, the approved size limits can be around 60 to 203 cm. Particularly for an oversized suitcase, the policy elaborates that it should be no more than 63-80 inches or 158-203 cm in dimensions. The Spirit oversize baggage fee is as follows: 

As carry-ons, the Spirit Airlines suitcase size should be up to 158 centimeters or 62 inches. The maximum dimensions for the same should not exceed 203 centimeters/80 linear inches. The airline has set this size limit to ensure that the passengers can store the cabin baggage under the seat.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy for Infants

People who are traveling with their infants can prefer Spirit Airlines for both short and long routes. However, they must note that for bringing infants, their age must be at least 8 days old. 

Along with age, certain other things should also be known when carrying an infant. Infants are included in Spirit’s baggage policy. Therefore, Spirit Airlines baggage or luggage limits and rules may be applicable in case you carry them. One of these rules is that infants need to fly on the adults’ lap. The infant can be seated in a car seat or a child restraint device. 

These are the other things to know with respect to the carrying of infants:

• If a child or baby turns two years old on the day of the flight, then he/she has to buy a ticket.
• The airline imposes a right to collect the medical and age documentation of the infant traveling.
• Spirit Airlines rules for bags cannot provide any special luggage allocation to the babies with a ticket.
• The air carrier may not impose a fee for the child who has been seated on the lap.
• Bookings for a baby in lap can be made online or at the airport.
• Only one infant is permitted with a single adult of at least 15 years of age.
• Emergency exit row seats cannot be given to the infants, looking at their safety.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy for Pets

Spirit does allow pets to fly but only in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. Pets may not be permitted to fly in checked luggage or the cargo area of this carrier’s aircraft. By contacting the airline ahead of time, you can include a pet in your booking. 

• Each customer can bring only a single pet on the aircraft.
• The animals must be transported in their respective pet carriers.
• A maximum of 6 pet carriers can be transported per passenger.
• The combined weight of the pet carrier should not be more than 18.14 kg.
• In the cabin of the airline, only tamed dogs, cats, bunnies, and birds are allowed. 
• On foreign flights, only certified service animals are permitted. 
• Puppies and kittens should be completely trained and at least 8 weeks old to be considered for travel.
• Passengers with impairments are permitted to travel with trained guide dogs at no cost.
• A health certificate of the pet has to be submitted to the airline while booking a ticket.

• As seen in Spirit Airlines baggage policy of 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021, pets may not fly on international routes.
• Passengers cannot be seated in the first or the exit row when flying with their pets.

How to Add Bags on Spirit Airlines?

This airline allows you to add your bags in advance through its online site. Adding bags online will help you to save costs. As per the Spirit Airlines baggage allowance policy, you can buy both checked and carry-on bags in advance. 

You can follow the procedure given below if you want to buy your bags more than 24 hours before the departure of your flight: 

• Open the official site of this Carrier. 
• On the home page of this site, you will find a panel of tabs in the upper corner. Select the “My Trips” section from this panel. 
• Now, in the “Find My Trip” box, enter your details like last name and confirmation code. 
• Click on the “Continue” button. Your reservation will now be retrieved. 
• Select the “Add bags” option to buy your bags. 
• You can follow the on-screen instructions to buy additional bags by paying the Spirit extra baggage fees. 
• Once your bags are successfully added, you will receive a confirmation email. 

When you have only a little time to purchase your bags, that is, less than 24 hours before the flight’s departure, you can follow the given procedure: 

• Open the online website and go to the “Check In” section. 
• You will be redirected to a new page. Scroll down on this page to find the “Check In Online” option. 
• Here, submit the “Passenger Last Name” and “Confirmation Code”.
• Follow the on-screen directions once your booking is retrieved and click on “Add Bags”
• Pay the Spirit baggage fees and your bags will be added. 

Note: You can also add bags by contacting customer care service as well. But this will cost more than the online procedure. 

Spirit Airlines Military Baggage Policy

The Spirit Airlines military baggage policy offers special features for the members of the U.S. military. The family members and dependents on the military can also avail themselves of these benefits. Given below are the main benefits enjoyed by the active U.S. military members: 

• Military officials can carry 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item for free. This feature only applies to the active members of the military and not to their family or friends. 
• This airline provides flights frequently for injured members of the military. This feature is extended to the family of the officials as well. 
• In partnership with the Honor Flight of South Florida, this airline provides honor flights for war veterans. 
• For additional overweight bags, Spirit Airlines baggage fees are almost the same as for regular passengers. 

Note: To avail of these special features, the members of the military have to provide their U.S. military IDs. 

Spirit Airlines Lost Baggage Claim and Compensation

In case of lost/delayed or damaged baggage, you can file a claim with the airline. You can either contact customer care or file this claim online. Passengers have to report their issue about the delayed bag within 21 days in case of international travel and within 4 hours for domestic travel. When you report this issue, you will receive a File ID using which you can make your online claim to receive Spirit delayed baggage compensation. 

• Go to the baggage claim page of this airline through the link  “www.spirit.com/bagclaim”. 
• Provide your last name and file ID. 
• Create an online form and follow the on-screen instructions. 
• Submit all the required documents and your claim will soon be processed. 
• You will be given updates about your baggage regularly. 

Spirit Airlines Baggage Compensation

When your items are lost or are missing, you will be provided Spirit Airlines lost baggage compensation. This compensation is provided given that the lost/missing items add up to at least USD 50. To receive this amount, you will have to submit a receipt showing the amount of lost luggage. You will then be compensated accordingly. 

The Spirit baggage policy clearly explains the weight and size limits for different types of possessions. It offers various features to its customers including compensation. Separate baggage policies for infants and pets are also highlighted. Hence, this proves to be beneficial to the passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions