Overview of Spirit Airlines Baggage Policies

Navigating Spirit Airlines’ baggage policies is crucial for a stress-free journey. Let’s dive into the specifics.

 

Personal Item Size and Restrictions

Each passenger may bring one personal item free of charge. This must fit within the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Think small backpacks, purses, or laptop bags.

Carry-On Baggage Size and Fees

Carry-on bags can measure up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches. Fees apply and vary by flight route. Check online for your exact costs.

Checked Baggage Allowance and Costs

Checked bags come with a fee. Size can’t exceed 62 linear inches and weight must be under 40 pounds. Pricing varies, so use the online calculator for precise rates.

Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees

Exceeding the size or weight limits? Expect to pay extra. Fees start at $30 for bags over 40 pounds and increase with weight. The maximum accepted is 100 pounds and 80 linear inches.

Carry-On Guidelines for Spirit Airlines

When packing for a flight with Spirit Airlines, it’s important to know the carry-on guidelines to avoid extra fees.

What Qualifies as a Personal Item?

Your personal item might be a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. It must fit under the seat in front of you. The size limit for this item is 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. This item is free of charge.

Size Limits for Carry-On Bags

A carry-on bag is larger than a personal item. It must fit in the overhead bin. The maximum size for a carry-on on Spirit is 22 x 18 x 10 inches. Handles and wheels count in these dimensions. Make sure to measure your bag.

Fees for Carry-On Luggage on Spirit Airlines

Spirit charges for carry-on bags. The price varies by factors like route and when you add the bag. Adding baggage during booking is cheaper than at the airport. Check online with the baggage calculator for your specific costs.

Checked Baggage Rules

Navigating Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage rules can help you save money and time.

How to Prepay for Checked Baggage

To save on costs, prepay for your checked bags online. This can be done during or after booking but before check-in. It’s cheaper than paying at the airport.

Weight and Size Restrictions for Checked Luggage

Checked bags must be under 62 linear inches and 40 pounds. Go over, and additional charges apply. Pack light to avoid extra fees.

Costs for Overweight or Oversized Checked Bags

Expect to pay more for bags over the standard weight and size. Fees range from $30 to $100 depending on how much your bag exceeds limits. The spirit airlines suitcase size policies are strict, so check dimensions before you fly.

Special Baggage and Equipment on Spirit Airlines

When flying with Spirit Airlines, it’s also essential to understand their policies for special baggage, such as sports equipment and musical instruments. Here are the guidelines to keep in mind.

Guidelines for Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

If you’re planning to travel with sports equipment or a musical instrument, Spirit Airlines allows these items but expects you to pay for them. They are subject to the standard baggage fees unless they’re large enough for the oversized or overweight categories, which come with additional charges. Keep in mind that sporting gear like golf clubs and skis, and instruments like guitars and violins, should be properly packed and may require special handling. Be sure to pay for these items in advance to save on costs.

For musical instruments, they can come aboard as a personal item if they fit under the seat in front of you, or as a carry-on if they fit in the overhead compartment. However, if your instrument is large and necessitates extra space, you might opt to buy an extra seat. Always measure your gear and check Spirit’s baggage policies before heading to the airport.

Seasonal Restrictions for Special Items

Be aware of seasonal restrictions that may affect transportation of your special items. For example, during peak travel times like the December holidays, some oversized items may not be allowed on flights to certain destinations, particularly in South America. This is due to limited space during these high-demand periods. It’s smart to review these seasonal policies before you book your flight with Spirit Airlines, especially if you’re traveling with large items.

Remember these tips for any special baggage on Spirit Airlines. Confirm sizes and fees, and don’t forget about potential seasonal limitations. Advance planning is key to a smooth trip.

Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees with Spirit Airlines

Navigating baggage fees on budget airlines like Spirit can be tricky. But with a few smart moves, you can save money and hassle. Here’s how to keep those extra charges at bay.

Packing Hacks to Save Space and Avoid Additional Charges

To dodge extra fees, pack light and smart. Here are some hacks:

1. Roll Your Clothes: Rolling instead of folding saves space. Fit more items in your bag.
2. Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Don’t pack them. This approach frees up room in your suitcase.
3. Use Packing Cubes: These small bags organize and compress your belongings. You’ll utilize every inch of your luggage.
4. Limit Toiletries: Stick to travel-sized items. Buy more at your destination if needed.
5. Reassess Every Item: Question if you really need each item. Often, we overpack.

The right strategy turns a basic spirit airlines suitcase size into a packed treasure of essentials.

Benefits of Prepaying for Luggage Online

Paying for your bags online before check-in can also cut costs. Here’s why:

1. Cheaper Rates: It’s usually less expensive to pay for luggage online than at the airport.
2. Avoid Surprises: Knowing your fees upfront means no last-minute wallet hits.
3. Easier Check-in: With baggage sorted, your airport check-in can be smoother.

Remember to measure your bags and check their weight at home. Staying within the spirit airlines suitcase size limits is key. Prepayment can save more than just money; it saves time too.

Booking and Check-In Recommendations

Navigating Spirit Airlines’ booking and check-in process can be simple. Here’s how to manage it.

Process for Booking Your Flight and Adding Baggage

To book a flight with Spirit Airlines, go to their website. You can also use their app. It’s straightforward to add baggage during this step, which can save you money. Here are short steps:

1. Select your flight and fill in traveler details.
2. Add baggage by choosing the number of bags and paying the fee.
3. Review your selections and complete the payment for your booking.

Remember, it’s cheaper to add your bags when booking rather than later.

Check-In Options: Online vs. At the Airport

Spirit Airlines offers two check-in options. Choose based on what’s easiest for you.

Online Check-In:

• It’s free and starts 24 hours before your flight.
• Go to Spirit’s website or use their app.
• Enter your name and booking reference.
• You can pick your seat and print your boarding pass.

Check-In at the Airport:

• Use the self-service kiosks or go to the ticket counter.
• Arrive early to avoid stress: 2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international.
• Check your bags 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before flight time.

Choosing online check-in can save you time at the airport. Always confirm your bag sizes and fees before you arrive to avoid extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Queries About Baggage Sizes and Fees

Many travelers have questions about baggage when flying with Spirit Airlines. Here are some common ones addressed:

1. What are the maximum dimensions for a personal item? The maximum size should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels.
2. How much will I pay for extra carry-on bags? Costs vary by route. Check online using Spirit’s baggage calculator for precise fees.
3. Is checked baggage free? No, you must pay for all checked bags with costs determined by flight specifics.
4. What if my checked bag is overweight? Bags over 40 pounds incur additional fees, starting at $30.

What to Do If Your Bag Exceeds the Size Limit

If your carry-on or checked bag is too large or heavy according to Spirit’s limits, here’s what you can do:

1. Pre-Check Dimensions at Home: Before you leave, measure and weigh your baggage to ensure it fits Spirit’s requirements.
2. Repack or Remove Items: If your bag is too heavy or slightly too large, consider repacking or removing certain items.
3. Pay for Excess Size: If over the size limit, be prepared to pay extra. Fees increase with the degree of limit exceedance.
4. Consider Shipping: For significantly oversized or multiple items, think about shipping some of your belongings beforehand.

These FAQs and guidelines help ensure that you’re prepared and avoid potential fees while using Spirit Airlines.