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Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees and How To Avoid Paying Them!

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Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees and How To Avoid Paying Them!
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Key Takeaways

  • Spirit Airlines charges for both carry-on and checked bags for its base fares, with fees varying based on when the baggage is purchased and the route.
  • Additional fees apply for overweight and oversized bags, often making it cost-effective to purchase your baggage allowance online.
  • Spirit’s baggage policy states the maximum checked bag weight allowed is 40 pounds (18 kilograms). This is 10 pounds (5 kilograms) less than the standard.

Customers need to be careful about how charges like baggage fees add up on budget airlines like Spirit.

Spirit Airlines does not include any bags in its base allowance (Bare Fare), not even carry-ons. Additionally, baggage prices increase the closer you get to takeoff. This means your best bet is to buy your allowance during your initial booking.

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Allowance

1 Personal Item: FREE with Bare Fare

Standard Carry-On Bag:

Fees depend on the route and when you purchase your bags, and Spirit advises passengers to use its baggage calculator. After running a few searches, we found the fees below, but be sure to check your specific route.

SCROLL FOR MORE

During Spirit.com Booking

Before Online Check-in

During Online Check-in

Airport, Group Desk, Reservations Center

At Gate

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

Carry-On Bag

$28 to $75

$29 to $75

$32 to $77

$33 to $77

$37 to $83

$38 to $83

$89

$99

Size Restrictions

  • Personal: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters)
  • Standard: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 centimeters)

Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

Stroller Check Policy

  • Spirit Airlines checks stroller, double strollers, and child car seats at the ticket counter or gate. They put them out to wait for you when you exit the aircraft.
Hot Tip:

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (22.6 kilograms) and must adhere to maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 centimeters).

Spirit Airlines considers several items in its fee calculations, including the route, dates of travel, and Spirit Saver$ Club or standard fare. We found the following fees consistently after running several searches. For the most personalized and accurate baggage fee calculations, though, use Spirit’s online baggage calculator tool.

SCROLL FOR MORE

Checked Bag (Fees Are Route Dependent)

During Spirit.com Booking

Before Online Check-in

During Online Check-in

Airport, Group Desk, Reservations Center

At Gate

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

Spirit Saver$ Club

Standard

First Bag

$28 to $70

$29 to $70

$32 to $72

$33 to $72

$37 to $78

$38 to $78

$89

$99

Second Bag

$73 to $88

$74 to $89

$82 to $98

$82 to $99

$85 to $100

$86 to $101

$99

N/A

Third Through Fifth Bags

$98 to $149

$99 to $149

$98 to $149

$99 to $149

$98 to $149

$99 to $149

$100 to $149

N/A

Some routes may limit the number of checked bags allowed (please refer to the online baggage calculator tool).

Hot Tip: Those with Spirit Airlines Gold status receive a free carry-on and checked bag on all Spirit flights.

Additional and Excess Baggage Fees:

Overweight Fee
51 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kilograms): $125

Oversized Fee
63 to 80 linear inches (158 to 203 centimeters): $150
Special items over 80 linear inches (203 centimeters): $150

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.), please refer to Spirit Airlines’ policy.

Spirit Airlines does allow passengers to prepay for luggage online, via the mobile app, or by contacting its call center.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

  • Log in to your reservation via the My Trips tab on the Spirit website and click Add bags. This can be done more than 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours of departure, use the Check-In tab.
  • Download and log in to the Spirit Airlines app
  • Contact the Spirit Airlines call center at 855-SAVE-555 (855-728-3555)

Exclusions and Waivers

For active-duty military and their accompanying spouse and children, Spirit allows for 2 free checked bags and a free carry-on, in addition to the free personal item.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Neither of Spirit Airlines’ co-branded credit cards offers any baggage benefits, so if you need to pay for checked luggage, consider using one of the cards below to offset the cost:

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
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19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
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Excellent (740-840)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

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Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
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  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
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Cons
  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
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  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

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But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days).

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Spirit Airlines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Spirit charge for carry-on?

Spirit allows passengers to bring 1 personal item for free, but it charges for standard carry-on.

During Booking:

  • Spirit Saver$ Club — $28 to $75
  • Standard — $29 to $75

Before Online Check-in:

  • Spirit Saver$ Club — $32 to $77
  • Standard — $33 to $77

During Online Check-in:

  • Spirit Saver$ Club — $37 to $83
  • Standard — $38 to $83

Airport Reservation Desk: $89
At Gate: $99

Can I take a backpack on Spirit Airlines for free?

You could take a backpack on Spirit Airlines for free as your personal item, provided the measurements of the backpack do not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. If it is larger than these measurements you incur a fee for standard carry-on with a maximum size allowance of 22 x 18 x 10 inches.

What does Spirit charge for bags?

For most routes, Spirit’s checked baggage fees vary depending on whether you’re a Spirit Saver$ Club member, the route, and when and where you add your baggage. Check the table in this article for more information.

Does Spirit Airlines give military free baggage?

Spirit Airlines allows active-duty military 2 checked bags and a carry-on piece for free in addition to the free personal item.

How much is overweight baggage on Spirit?

Spirit charges $125 for overweight baggage weighing 51 to 100 pounds. If your bags are oversized (63 to 80 inches), you’re charged $150; for special items over 80 inches, the fee is $150.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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