Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees & How To Avoid Paying Them!
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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 their base allowance (Bare Fare), not even carry-ons. Additionally, baggage prices increase the closer you get to take-off. This means your best bet is to buy your allowance during your initial booking.
Another consideration: Spirit’s baggage policy states the max checked bag weight allowed is 40 pounds (18 kg). This is 10 pounds (5 kg) less than the standard average and you’d better believe you’ll be paying extra for that difference.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
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 consistent fees below, but be sure to check your specific route.
During Booking:
- $9 fare club – $26-$31
- Standard – $35-$40
Before & During Online Check-In:
- $9 fare club – $36-$41
- Standard – $45-$50
Airport Reservation Desk: $52-$70
At Gate: $65-$76
Size Restrictions
- Personal: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Standard: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
Lap Infant Carry-On Policy
- Breast pumps and baby formula are allowed to be carried onto an aircraft and don’t count towards your carry-on allowance.
Stroller Check Policy
- Spirit Airlines will check a stroller or double stroller and car seat at the ticket counter or gate. The stroller will be waiting for you when you exit the aircraft.
Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 40 pounds (18.1 kg) and must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
Spirit Airlines considers a number of items in their fee calculations, including the route, dates of travel, and $9 fare club or standard fare. We ran some searches and found consistent fees below.
For the most personal/ accurate baggage fee calculations, please use Spirit’s online baggage calculator tool here.
| Checked Bag (fees are route dependent) | During Spirit.com Booking | Before Online Check-In | During Online Check-In | Airport, Group Desk, Res Center | At Gate | |||
| $9 Fare Club | Std | $9 Fare Club | Std | $9 Fare Club | Std | |||
| 1st Bag | $28 | $37 | $38 | $47 | $38 | $47 | $50-$55 | $65 |
| 2nd Bag | $36 | $45 | $46 | $55 | $46 | $55 | $60 | n/a |
| 3rd-5th Bags | $76 | $85 | $86 | $95 | $86 | $95 | $100 | n/a |
*Some routes may limit the number of checked bags allowed (please refer to online baggage calculator tool).
Additional / Excess Baggage Fees:
Overweight Fee
41 – 50 pounds (18 – 23 kg): $30
51 – 70 pounds (23 – 32 kg): $55
71 – 100 pounds (32 – 45 kg): $100
Oversized Fee
63 – 80 linear inches (158-203 cm): $100
Special items over 80 linear inches (203 cm): $150
For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Spirit Airlines’ policy here.
Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?
Spirit Airlines does allow passengers the ability to pre-pay for luggage online, via the mobile app or by contacting their call center.
Here are the ways you can pre-pay:
- 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. For less than 24 hours before departure, use the ‘Online check-in’ tab.
- Download and log in to the Spirit Airlines app.
- Contact the Spirit Airlines call center on 801-401-2222
Avoid Paying Baggage Fees by Using These Credit Cards
Spirit is notorious for fees, but you can use points & miles to pay for your checked bag and carry-on fees (instead of cash!)
Recommended Cards
| Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card - This no annual fee card comes with a 20,000 mile welcome bonus (worth $200) once you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months. When you use your card for travel purchases (e.g. baggage fees), use your miles to pay off all, or part of, your statement! This is why we like this card. |
| Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card - The "big brother" card to the VentureOne® with a larger 50,000 welcome bonus (worth $500), when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. |
Exclusions & Waivers
For active duty military, Spirit will provide two free checked bags and a free carry-on, in addition to the free personal item. This does not extend to family members.
I’m confused about the credit card reimbersment ? If I use my card are they going to charge extra on it when I go online to check my bag?
Nope, what happens is you pay for the bags and then your credit card company will reimburse the fee. The “how” depends on your specific credit card, e.g. it might be a statement credit or you might be able to use points to offset that cost when your statement is ready to be paid.
Be vary careful with this airline. SPIRIT is the most abusive and they rob money with the baggage. They charged for everything and treat the customer with disrespect and rude manners. I do not recommended SPIRIT to anyone. Avoid, bad trip, use other airlines such as AA, Delta, etc.
Never had this problem with Spirit. They’ve always been helpful and courteous even when I had a problem with baggage charges. Remember Spirit is inexpensive because it’s a bare bones airline. You want frills included, use another airline.
What do I have to do to check my luggage online? How much is it check in luggage? This will be my first time flying with spirit in July. I don’t want to be embarrassed at check in. What is the total cost for my luggage the whole trip? I will not have a carry on bag just my purse. This flight is so stressful!!! For example delta cost is $25 leaving out and $25 coming back. I hope that you can answer my question. Hopefully you can make this a joyful weekend for me and my 3 sister’s. Thanks in advance
Hi Felisa – First of all, let me be clear that we are not Spirit Airlines. We are Upgraded Points, an online website that provides articles on a variety of topics related to earning points and miles. I understand you are having some issues figuring out your baggage costs for a Spirit flight. We completely understand baggage fees can be confusing which is why we attempt to outline things in our articles here. However, airlines don’t have the clearest policies to begin with so that can make summarizing them really tough. To figure out your fees, what I would recommend is to use Spirit Airlines Baggage Fee Calculator on Spirit Airlines official website. Since we are not Spirit Airlines, we cannot give you the specific answer you are looking for. This official calculator should provide the most accurate information. You can find it here: https://www.spirit.com/OptionalServices. You will need your flight dates as well as your airport locations. This will give you a range of prices that will depend on when you actually purchase your luggage allowance. Yes, it’s confusing and yes, it’s one of the reasons Spirit Airlines customers complain a lot! Hope this helps…
Can I pay for the luggage at the airport ? If so how much is it ?
You can pay for your luggage at the airport but you may want to do it in advance at a reduced cost. Use this calculator to help you determine how much you will be charged. https://www.spirit.com/OptionalServices
Thank for the information on luggage fee and how to go about saving money.
Our pleasure, Angel. Thank you for reading.
The worst airlines are always late and they charge you for everything. Dont waste your time and money. Dont be cheap, at the end it will cost you more! Use others airlines like jetblue, american, etc…
I’m flying to the Caribbean at the end of the month and i could only find 1 flight with spirit. Its actually 6 planes that i have to get on to get there and back. And they are charging us for baggage on each flight. It totals our to 553$! I will NEVER fly spirit airlines again.
You do get one free carryon though… the size of a purse or smaller
It just happened here yesterday, they charged me $65 for the smallest bag I bought, I paid for 3 bags for each flight… This is insane! I will never fly Spirit Airlines again!
Wow, I’ve never been on a plane befor and to be ready to get on this plane really makes me not to want to fly any more. Im hope my flight goes well in October.
I am a little confused on the baggage fees I am traveling to San Juan in September and have a small carry on but by the other reviews say a carry-on for spirit airlines is a purse or smaller? Is that correct?
Hi Ivette,
The only baggage included with the base fare on Spirit Airlines is a personal item (like a purse), no baggage is included in their base allowance, not even carry-ons. In order to bring a carry-on, you will need to pay extra to do so.
This is the worst airline I have seen. They made me lose my flight and they still charged me for the bags. Then they gave me my bags back but never gave me my money back. They’re the worst airline ever so I have to put this on worldwide media so people will know. I will never fly again with this airline. They are the worst that I have ever seen and I hope they go out of business.
I flew spirit this past weekend. I only had a bookbag carry on. they were fine with it when I flew to Myrtle Beach but on my return flight they made me pay $55.00 to take it on the plane and it was the same bag!!!. Never again!!!!! what a scam they have!
I Guarantee I Will Never Use Spirit Airlines Again.
I have four flights and three of the four flights are with Spirit.
I will not make this mistake again. I hope everyone does the same and let them check their bags on their way out of business. Poor excuse for customer service.
I read awhile back that Spirit airlines was changing the weight limit from 40 to 50 lbs. Us that not true?
Hey Stefanie,
At this point in time, the maximum weight of luggage is still up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg). You can find this information on Spirit’s website:
https://customersupport.spirit.com/hc/en-us/articles/202096476-What-are-the-size-and-weight-limits-for-bags-
Thanks for reading and your support!
I’ve been a Southwest and JetBlue frequent flyer for years. I fly with a small, mini pincher dog. He is registered as my emotional service dog. He’s well behaved. Can he travel with me while sitting on my lap?
Hello, according to Spirit Airlines’ website, trained service dogs can travel. However, you must submit the following forms on the airline’s website at least 48 hours before departure:
– Mental Health Professional Form
– Veterinary Health Form
– Passenger Acknowledgement Form
All of these forms can be found on the Spirit Airlines website. Thanks and safe travels!
Spirit website says 100lb checked bag restriction. Where do you get this 40lb number from??
Hi Brian. Thank you for the question. A standard checked bag has a maximum weight limit of 40 lbs. Beyond that, it is considered overweight baggage and subject to excess fees. The maximum checked baggage is 40 lbs for standard and 100 lbs maximum. Page 19 of the Spirit’s Contract of Carriage goes into greater detail if you are interested: https://www.spirit.com/content/documents/en-us/Contract_of_Carriage.pdf#page=15
I called to cancel my flights for March 22-24. I already paid for baggage each way and I was told baggage is nonrefundable. How in the world can this be? This is ridiculous!!!
Hey Cathy, this really stinks! Unfortunately, issues like this are why Spirit generally gets a bad rap! (You can read more in our review of Spirit Airlines here.)
They charge a ton of fees and aren’t great on the customer service side of things… there are even a couple of other airlines that follow this same policy. Ugh!
It really stinks but there’s not a whole lot you can do about it – we’d be interested to know if any other readers have had this issue and have had it positively resolved?
This is going to be my first time flying with Spirit… I just have a bookbag, but I do not know if the bookbag is the perfect size?. This flight is so stressful!
Hi Naty,
Did you add a carry-on bag to your booking? If you didn’t, then your carry-on allowance would be a personal item only measuring 18″ x 14″ x 8″. If you did add a carry-on bag, then you are permitted the personal item and a piece of carry-on measuring 22″ x 18″ x 10″.
So if I have a personal item, which is a backpack that is 18”x14”x8” it’s free?
Hi Melissa, yes – if your backpack does not exceed the maximum size of a personal item (18″ x 14″ x 8″,) then this would comply with Spirit’s baggage policy and would be included in a bare fare ticket. If it does exceed these restrictions then you would need to pay for a larger bag.
I have a carry on that is exactly 18x14x8 that I always use when I fly spirit. However I was charged $65 the other day. How can I appeal this charge?
Hi Elizabeth,
You will need to contact the Spirit airlines customer service team directly at 1 (801) 401-2222.
If I prepaid for a “carry on”, can I switch that to a “checked bag” once I get to the airport? Also, will they charge me?
Hi Brittini – you should be able to switch at the airport – simply let the agent know at the check-in counter that you would like to switch your carry-on to a checked bag.
And yes, they will most certainly charge you if there is a difference in the two fees. Since we are not Spirit, I cannot confirm if they will charge you the difference between the fees, or simply charge you the entire checked bag fee. If you’re concerned, I would call their main reservation line (1-801-401-2222) and inquire with them directly.
Can I cancel a pre paid checked bag and get the money back?
Hi Sherrod – generally, most airlines won’t allow you to cancel or reimburse you for baggage you’ve already paid for but don’t use. Since Spirit’s notorious for being especially greedy with fees like this, I doubt they’d refund you but I’m not 100% sure. Might be worth a call to their customer service line to inquire with them directly!
My bag is over the inches allowed but won’t be over the weight maybe by 10 centimetres even though I’ve paid for hold baggage how likely is it that I’ll get charged?
Hi Ben,
If it is that close then it is possible they may not notice. However, if the gate agent decides to measure your bag they may charge you with an oversized fee.
Thanks for reading!
Total rip off, how are you supposed to pack for a week under 40 pounds
Hi Joe,
Yes, 40lbs is a little lower than most airlines’ weight limit. If you choose to fly Spirit it’s a good idea to add up all of the extra charges, including a potential overweight bag fee to see if you are saving money or not.
I’m flying to Cancun this weekend with Spirit Airlines. I’m bringing one personal item (18x14x8 it’s a small mini suitcase). Is there a weight restrictions on personal item?
Hi Novelita,
Spirit does not state any weight allowances for a personal item within their baggage policy so as long as it adheres to the size allowance then you should be fine.
Can I have my purse and a personal Item free of charge?
Hi Monique, generally, airlines consider a purse, briefcase or small backpack AS your personal item so no, you wouldn’t get both.
This is how a personal item is defined on the Spirit Website: “Personal item (e.g., purse, small backpack, etc.): Dimensions must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.”
Does the handle of the checked bags, when raised to their maximum, count toward the height measurement or can they be recessed when they do the measuring?
Hi George, measurements are generally taken with the handles recessed/tucked away. 🙂
This is my first time flying – I’m taking Spirit. When I put bags down I put 1 personal and 1 carry on going and 1 personal and 1 carry on and 1 checked on the way back. Is that the way I was understanding it? And what dimensions are 62 linear inches in inches not cms?
Hi Juanita – we’re a bit confused all around here. If you’re flying with a personal item, carry-on, and a checked bag on both legs of your trip, you will need to declare all of that luggage on each leg, not just one-way. However, if you’re flying one way without a checked bag and the other way WITH a checked bag then yes, you can declare/pay for it as you’ve stated above.
I’m also not sure what you mean about asking for the max linear dimensions in inches (and not cm)? It’s already listed in inches for you.
Everything is a la carte with spirit airlines. I just had my first experience flying them and it will probably be my last. Too much stress around baggage and fees.
Does 62 linear inches equal 1×1 side or 4×1 side?
Hi Thomas,
Linear inches refers to the sum total of your bag’s length, width, and depth. So, if your bag measures 33 inches high, 16 inches wide and 13 inches deep, its linear measurement or linear dimensions would be 33 + 16 + 13 = 62 linear inches. Of course, any other increments adding up to 62 will work just the same.
40-pound limit and carry on fee may very well make the savings of a trip booked with spirit negated for a single dad. First and last time I’ll ever use spirit.
Good Morning, I have a flight on your airline on Aug 2, 2019. I have a C-pap machine which I have to use for sleeping. Is there a charge for this medical device, and if so what is the charge? I will be carrying this with me on my flight.
Hi Gwen,
Please be advised that we are not, and have no affiliation with Spirit Airlines. With that said, will you C-pap machine fit in your luggage that you’re planning to bring? To be certain you’re getting accurate information I would advise you call the customer service line for Spirit at 1-(801) 401-2222. Thanks for reading!
Bought tickets at the counter at the airport, noticed a TRAVEL FEES of 199.80 not to be confused with the taxes. What is that?
Hi William,
It’s difficult to provide any advice here without knowing more about the booking. Did you book any extras such as carry-on or checked baggage, seat selections, priority boarding etc? If it’s not these extras then you would be best to contact Spirit to get clarity on these charges.
I bought a ticket online but if I have a tiny backpack and regular travel bag what is the price if I pay at the airport, it is really confusing.
Hi Nadia,
When you say a “regular travel bag,” assuming you mean a piece of carry-on, then the cost would be $55 to add this to your booking at the check-in desk. If you added this online now or during the online check-in process then this would be a little cheaper at $45.
This will be my first time using Spirit. I did not know this would be so stressful regarding baggage. I have decided to pack light due to high expense cost of luggage fees. Could my 16″ rolling under seat carry on be a “personal item”?
Hi Connie,
Unfortunately, you cannot bring a carry-on as a personal item as it is too large. An acceptable personal item with Spirt would be a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or something similar.
Thanks for reading!
HI! I have a suitcase with wheels with the size: 22 (height) x13.8 (width) x 7.9 (thickness) in. There is a so little difference between the personal item requirements.
Do they normally charge me in the gate when this happens?
Thanks
Hi Bruna,
That will depend on the discretion of the gate agents. They may measure your bag at the gate and requite you to check it, in which case you will need to pay the fee.
Thanks for reading!
How do I pre-pay for my bag?
Hi Thomas, please see the “Can I Pre-pay for Baggage?” section above to answer your question. 🙂
Doing my first flight with Spirit in September, and dreading it. But, you get what you pay for. So, for the 1 item (back pack), that would take the place of a purse and one under seat item? Or, can it be a purse no bigger than the stated back pack size? Husband and I are sharing one checked bag, so we have to worry about weight and size of the bag? Stressing!
Hi Kerry,
I’m not sure if you’re referring to the personal item or standard carry-on. Depending on what you have booked, a personal item can measure up to 18″ x 14″ x 8″ and a standard carry-on can measure up to 22″ x 18″ x 10″.
Can I gate check a small guitar in a case for what cost? Can I do this on line?
Hi Mick,
You could check a small guitar providing it does not exceed max linear dimensions of 62 inches or 40 lbs. The fee would depend on when you purchase the checked item (see the table featured in the article).
You can add checked luggage online by logging 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. For less than 24 hours before departure, use the ‘Online check-in’ tab.
Do you offer Airmail to Haiti please. I have a carry on of books I need to send. Can someone bring it at the airport to deliver it to Spirit, pay for it and I will receive it? Please let me know if it is possible and what will be the price. It will be about 25- 35 lbs.
Thanks
Hi Naomie,
Please be aware that we are not Spirit Airlines, we are UpradedPoints.com. Spirit Airlines states on their website that they do not ship cargo.
Does a military discount apply to the spouse of someone who is active duty?
Hi Paula,
We do not represent Spirit Airlines, so you would need to contact them directly for an answer to that.
Thanks for reading!
I have always tried one of your competitor airlines because they advertise the best prices. Someone told me to try you guys because the ticket prices were very low. Boy, were they wrong and very misleading. Once you buy the tickets and by the time you add on these ridiculous prices for baggage, the money you thought you saved, you haven’t saved anymore. I see that I have to pay almost $50.00 flying next week for myself and $50 apiece for two teenage girls – that’s $150 in baggage one way. This is way past ridiculous. This is my granddaughter‘s 14th birthday. I’m trying to take her to Disney for the first time and I’m getting ***** for baggage charges. I just wanna let you know I will never ever fly Spirit again and I will pass this information on to anybody I know that wants to fly with your service these prices are ridiculous and along with that ridiculous charge to buy a bigger seat. Come on, what is that!!!!
Hi Rodney, please be advised WE ARE NOT Spirit Airlines. We are Upgraded Points, a website that publishes travel-based information like this baggage fee article.
As such, we suggest you bring up your grievances with Spirit Airlines customer service line or on one of their social media pages such as Facebook or Twitter.
Can I check on a 75 inch tv and if so what’s the cost?
Hi Emma,
You can but it will likely be subject to oversized and overweight fees. Could you tell me how much the TV weighs?
I have a flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh with a layover in Tampa. Online spirit wants to charge me twice to check a bag. Once from Atlanta to Tampa and once from Tampa to Pittsburgh. Is this correct and if it is, do I need to retrieve my bag at Tampa and recheck it?
Hi Jamie,
You’ll need to give Spirit a call to check these details, including whether they will check your bag through to your final destination.
Can I take antibacterial liquid In my carry on item? I think the wipes ok, but unsure.
Hi Catherine,
Yes, you can as long as it is less than 3 ounces.
Safe travels!
How much it would cost for me if I have 1 car seat, 1stroller, 1 large luggage (20 kg) and 2 carry ons (7 kg each)?
Thank you
Hi Shreemila,
This will depend on your flight route and travel date. You can use Spirit’s baggage calculator to check the fees for your specific circumstances.
Spirit checks strollers and car seats free of charge.
There is a fee for taking strollers.