Travelers often look for airlines that offer value for money, and Spirit Airlines is a popular choice for budget-conscious flyers. But how strict is Spirit Airlines with a carry-on bag? If you're planning to fly with Spirit, it's crucial to understand their baggage policies to avoid any last-minute surprises at the gate. Let's dive into everything you need to know about traveling with Spirit Airlines, from personal items to checked luggage, and some real-world experiences.
Understanding Spirit Airlines and How Strict they are on Carry on Size.
Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost fares and no-frills service. This budget airline caters to budget travelers, frequent flyers, and travel enthusiasts who don't mind forgoing some perks for cheaper ticket prices. However, with low fares come stringent baggage policies. Knowing these rules can help make your travel experience smoother. Many budget airlines do the same thing.
When booking these flights, you should realize that perks also include leg room and comfy seat. Usually, the rows are tighter meaning there is not as much room for your knees if you are very tall, and I have personally witnessed this with myself. Plus, the seats seem to not be as comfy, which I notice more on the long flights from Charlotte NC to Las Vegas.
Spirit Airlines Bag Policy
Spirit flights have one of the strictest bag policies among U.S. carriers. They aim to keep costs down and operations efficient by charging for almost every piece of luggage. This includes carry-on bags, personal items, and checked luggage. Let's break down the specific requirements.
Carry-On Bag Size Required by Spirit Airlines
The allowed carry-on item size for Spirit Airlines flights are quite specific. Spirits carry-on bag dimensions must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. If your bag is larger, you will be required to check it in and pay the respective fee. Additionally, carry-on fees vary depending on when you pay for your baggage, so it's advisable to book it online while purchasing your ticket.
When purchasing a carry-on, your boarding pass will show zone 1, this will allow you to board the plane just after the handicapped, people with small children, and military members, letting you find plenty of room in the overhead bin.
Luckily at the terminal and at the gate they have places to measure your bags to make sure they fit as a carry-on or personal item. If I have to pack a carry-on size piece of luggage it will be my large backpack or my small hard luggage piece that has a handle and 4 wheels. I ordered mine off of amazon where it will give you the exact dimensions to make sure it will work as a carry-on piece.
Fees for a Carry-On Bag
Spirit Airlines charges for carry-on baggage, and the fee can be substantial. Generally, the fee ranges from $35 to $65 per bag, but this can vary based on factors like route, booking time, and membership status. Checking your bag at the gate costs even more, so pre-purchasing your carry-on allowance is recommended.
Personal Item Bag Size Required by Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines allows each passenger to bring one small personal item for free. However, the size restrictions are strict. Your personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Examples of acceptable personal items include small backpacks, purses, and a laptop bag. Anything larger will be considered a carry-on, and you will be charged accordingly. Size limit is the reason why personal items have to become carry-on items.
Fees for a Personal Item
While one personal item is free, Spirit Airlines enforces these size restrictions rigorously. If your personal item exceeds the allowed dimensions, you'll need to pay the carry-on fee, which can be a costly mistake if caught at the gate.
When I fly, and just take a personal item, it is the size of a small backpack, not overly stuffed, as it has to fit under the airplane seat in front of you. (Travel Vacuum Sealers work wonders, order them from Amazon.)
Personally, only using the free personal item is a great way to travel, packing light helps with sustainable travel, reduces your carbon footprint and leads to less worries or less waiting at the checked luggage area, hoping your checked bag arrives.
Checked Luggage Size and Weight Limits for Spirit Airlines
If you're planning to check a bag, be aware of Spirit Airlines' size and weight restrictions. Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and must weigh no more than 40 pounds. Exceeding these limits will result in additional fees.
Fees for Overweight Checked Bags
Spirit Airlines charges for checked bags based on how early you pay for them. The fees range from $30 to $100 per bag. If your luggage exceeds the 40-pound weight limit, you'll incur overweight charges, which can be as high as $50 per overweight bag.
Proactively managing your luggage weight can save you from unexpected costs.
On my last trip overseas, I used Spirit Airlines to get from Charlotte NC to Boston because the one-way flight was $49, but this was a 19-day trip, I had to have a checked bag. When weighing my bag at the counter it was 2 pounds too heavy, so I had to open it up at the airport and take a few things out and stash it in my carry-on as I paid for it also. I was not the only one opening up their suitcase, at the same time. The man beside me had overpacked too.
Always check with the airlines directly on not the normal size luggage, Special items; musical instruments and sports equipment like hockey sticks are quite large and might have to be checked at the gate or at the counter before you pass through TSA. Also, extra bags will have a substantial fee when booking Spirit Airlines.
My Personal Experience with Spirit Airlines
I've flown with Spirit Airlines multiple times, because it is a low-cost carrier, and my experiences have been a mixed bag. I feel at times their luggage fees are too expensive, when flying Spirit I pack extremely light unless I am on a 2-week trip to avoid the Carry-On luggage charge. A recent round-trip flight to Fort Lauderdale, carry-on bags cost $72 each way.
On a future trip to Tampa a carry-on was going to cost $50 going down and $75 coming back. My roundtrip flight was only $59 which is an amazing price, so they stick you on luggage fees. To avoid this pack light. Still with the cost of everything added together it was still cheaper than a flight on American Airlines. As you can tell Spirit Airlines baggage fees tend to vary depending on flight.
One thing I always do, especially if I know my weight limits and sizes are fine for the luggage I am carrying. I am not checking a bag. I use the mobile app, and do online check-in. On one trip from Las Vegas, I carefully measured and weighed my carry-on to comply with their strict rules. However, I witnessed several passengers at the gate facing issues with their luggage.
What I Saw at the Las Vegas Gate
At the Las Vegas gate, a Spirit Airlines gate attendant was particularly vigilant. Several passengers were stopped and told their personal items were too large. One man argued vehemently with the gate agent, but she did not relent. Another woman had an obviously oversized carry-on and was forced to check it in, much to her frustration.
Witnessing these interactions emphasized the importance of adhering to Spirit's baggage policies. The gate attendants are strict and unyielding, and failing to comply can result in significant delays and added expenses. Watching this happen proved to me that Spirit Airlines is very strict on carry on size.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Spirit Airlines
To ensure a smooth travel experience with Spirit Airlines, follow these practical tips:
Measure and weigh your bags: Invest in a luggage scale and measure tape to ensure your bags meet the size and weight restrictions. Bag weight is most important with checked bags.
Pre-purchase baggage online: Save money by paying for your carry-on and checked bags when you book your ticket. Most times you can bundle a seat upgrade and luggage fees and save some money.
Pack a compliant personal item: Make sure your personal item fits within the 18 x 14 x 8-inch limit to avoid additional fees.
Arrive early: For peace of mind, give yourself plenty of time at the airport to address any potential baggage issues before boarding. Ask Spirit Airlines workers before you get to the security check area, if you have concerns.
Conclusion
Navigating Spirit Airlines' baggage policies can be challenging, but with proper planning and knowledge, you can avoid unexpected fees and delays. By understanding the size and weight limits for carry-on, personal items, and checked luggage, you'll be well-prepared for your next flight with Spirit Airlines. Remember, the key to a hassle-free travel experience is preparation and compliance with the airline's rules. These low-cost airlines can be great for your pocketbook if you pack correctly. Happy flying!
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