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Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees & How To Avoid Paying Them!

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Erin Miller
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Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26U.S. States Visited: 28

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 publicat...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles, 3029 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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 take off. This means your best bet is to buy your allowance during your initial booking.

Another consideration: Spirit’s baggage policy states the maximum 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.

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.

SCROLL FOR MORE
During Spirit.com
Booking
Before Online
Check-in
During Online
Check-in
Airport,
Group Desk,
Reservations Center
At Gate
Spirit Saver$ ClubStandardSpirit Saver$ ClubStandardSpirit Saver$ ClubStandard
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 cm)
  • Standard: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

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 several items in its fee calculations, including the route, dates of travel, and Spirit Saver$ 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.

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$ ClubStandardSpirit Saver$ ClubStandardSpirit Saver$ ClubStandard
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$99N/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 $149N/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
41 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg): $79
51 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kg): $125

Oversized Fee
63 to 80 linear inches (158 to 203 cm): $150
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.

Spirit Airlines does allow passengers the ability 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. For less than 24 hours before 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, Spirit will provide 2 free checked bags and a free carry-on, in addition to the free personal item. This does not extend to family members.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Neither of Spirit Airlines’ 2 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

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.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (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.
Excellent (740-840)

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

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

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

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

 

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

 

  • 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
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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% - 29.99% (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)

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

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • 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 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 $100 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
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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
19.99% - 29.99% (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)

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.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

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

Pros

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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.

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 would 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 will provide active-duty military with 2 checked bags and a carry-on piece for free in addition to the free personal item.

How much is overweight baggage on Spirit?

For overweight baggage, Spirit charges $79 for bags weighing 41 to 50 pounds and $125 for bags weighing 51 to 100 pounds. If your bags are oversized (63 to 80 inches) then you will be charged $150; for special items over 80 inches, the fee is $150.

Erin Miller's image

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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