Spirit Introduces Self-Bag Drop at Detroit Metro Airport

Updated: August 17, 2025, 10:17am CDT

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First Self-Bag Drop at DTW
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy
Final Thoughts

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Spirit Airlines is rolling out self-bag drop — the ability to check your bags without an agent — at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

Let’s take a look at this news.

First Self-Bag Drop at DTW

According to Spirit, self-bag drop allows customers to check their bags without working with an agent.

Spirit’s machines have the biometric photo-matching capability to compare a scan of government-issued identification with a photo of the customer for verification. The airline says its technology can analyze 50,000 forms of ID from nearly 200 countries.

Spirit says that the service will eliminate the need to hand over your ID to an agent when checking your bags.

The airline says the self-bag drop program reduces the average processing time to 1 minute and 10 seconds.

spirit bag drop area — Image Credit: Spirit Airlines

“We pioneered this cutting-edge technology to streamline the check-in experience for our Guests and reduce time spent in the lobby, and its arrival in Detroit is an exciting first for DTW,” said Jason Fogelman, Senior Director of Airport Innovation, Standards and Training at Spirit Airlines.

United Airlines launched a similar program last year, which makes it easier for travelers to drop bags off for their flights using its mobile app. According to the airline, travelers should be able to check their bags in 1 minute or less.

Hot Tip:

Spirit’s self-bag drop system is also available in Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), and Orlando (MCO).

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Spirit is a low-cost carrier and does not include any bags in its base allowance (Bare Fare).

The airline doesn’t even allow free carry-ons — and you’re limited to bringing only a personal item if you don’t pay for carry-on or checked baggage.

It’s also important to note that baggage prices increase the closer you get to take off. It’s not unheard of to pay upwards of $100 for a checked bag a few hours before take-off.

Spirit Airlines Gold members receive a free carry-on and checked bag on all Spirit flights. But if you aren’t a Spirit loyalist, you can save on baggage fees with certain credit cards. Additionally, active-duty military members receive 2 free checked bags, a free carry-on, and a free personal bag.

Final Thoughts

This is positive news from Spirit, which is making it easier to check your baggage with less friction than ever before. With the Detroit (DTW) addition, the program is available at some of the country’s biggest airports — we hope to see it expand to other cities in the future!