Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees and How to Avoid Paying Them

About Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines is a low-cost American airline with its headquarters located in Miramar, Florida. It provides scheduled travel to all regions of the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America.

Lets know about their baggage policy in order to enjoy a stress free journey.

About Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

The extra weight requires more gas for the plane, comparatively. That is why Spirit’s Airlines charges for carry-on and checked baggage. By doing so, they can reduce plane tickets for everyone.

According to Spirit’s baggage policy, you will be charged more if your luggage exceeds 40 lbs. One personal item, like a purse or small backpack, is included in the ticket. Other than these, you will have to pay for standard carry-ons and checked bags.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Rules—Carry-on Baggage

The baggage allowance of Spirits Airlines says that the maximum size for a carry-on bag is 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), and for personal items like purses or small backpacks, it should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fees

Spirit Airlines baggage rules say that carry-on baggage fees depend on your route and class of travel. The carry-on baggage fees range from USD 27 to USD 76.

If your carry-on bag exceeds Spirit's size restrictions, you will need to check it before boarding the plane, and $150 per violation is the fee.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Rules—Checked Baggage

Spirit Airlines baggage rules say that your checked baggage should not exceed 40 pounds and 62 linear inches. But you can only bring one piece of luggage per trip.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

Spirit Airlines baggage policy employs different pricing for checked baggage based on the route, travel, and date. Spirit Airlines checked baggage rates range from:

1st checked bag: $58-$99
2nd checked bag: $73-$99
3rd–5th check bags: $98+

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees—Overweight and Oversized Baggage

Spirit Airlines does not offer "excess baggage." You can only check one piece of luggage at a time. That is all. For that one piece, they do have an overweight/oversized baggage cost system.

Excess baggage fees apply if you wish to check a suitcase or other item that weighs between 41 and 100 pounds and is no bigger than 80 linear inches. You will need to arrange for alternate shipping for anything larger. According to Spirit Airlines baggage rules, the overweight and oversize baggage fees are as shown below:

41-50 lbs (18-22 kg): +$80 Overweight Fee
51-70 lbs (23-31 kg): +$100 Overweight Fee
71-100 lbs (32-45 kg): +$150 Overweight Fee

How do I avoid paying baggage fees on Spirit Airlines?

All tensed on how to carry bags on Spirit’s Airlines. Don't worry! There are some loopholes through which you can save money on baggage. For Spirit Airlines, take into consideration the following choices to minimize checked bag fees:

Bring only one small personal item that is covered by your ticket.
Get free checked baggage by using your Spirit Gold status to qualify.
Make use of a credit card that pays back the cost of checked bags.
Pack carefully to save on paying for overweight bags.

Spirit Airlines Route Restrictions

Spirit Airlines also has international route restrictions. Please have a look at the below table to understand the Spirit Airlines international baggage policy:

Place
Restrictions on Date
Baggage rules
South America Lima, Peru
Whole year + Restrictions from Dec 1 - Jan 10
1 checked bag (paid) per passenger.

Weight restrictions

Overweight bags must not exceed 50 lb. Overweight fees will apply as it is exceeding 41 lb.

Size Restrictions

The size of the bag should not exceed 158cm. The excess size should not exceed 203cm.

South America Colombia (MDE, CTG, CLO, BGA, BAG, AXM, and Ecuador (GYE))

Whole year + Restrictions from Dec 1 - Jan 10

One paid checked bag per passenger. Additional bags can be bought subject to space availability.

All international Destinations

Dec 1 - Jan 10

One paid checked bag per passenger. Additional bags can be bought subject to space availability.

Overweight and oversize rules are like South American flights.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance for Lap Infants

You can make a reservation for your infant. Provided your infant is placed securely in a car seat. According to Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance, if your infant is not a year old, they will be considered a lap infant.

Only one child is allowed per passenger. The passenger with the infant must be 15 years of age or older. You can add a lap child while booking online.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance for Children and Infants

Children of age 2 and older must have their own paid seat. The same baggage rules will apply to them as to accompanying adults. They are also eligible for some additional items, such as:

1 personal item

1 collapsible stroller

1 FAA-approved car seat

Spirit Airlines Military Baggage Policy

Spirits Airlines shows their thanks to the military officers by keeping the fare as low as possible. According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, active-duty military personnel have no baggage fees. They let the active-duty military get two free checked bags and a free carry-on. And a small personal item carry-on is already free.

The free policy is only limited to the active-duty military and not to their families. According to Spirit’s baggage policy, they should add their baggage online in advance and not at the airport ticket counter.

Active-duty members of the armed forces may use ID.ME, a third-party verification service, to confirm their active-duty status online at the time of their Spirit.com reservation. Just select the "verify" option when checking out on Spirit.com to confirm that you are still on active duty and to get your free checked and carry-on luggage.

How do I check baggage prices on Spirit Airlines?

There are many ways to check Spirit Airlines’ baggage prices for your route.

Via the online baggage calculator (available on the website),

Via the My Trip tab on the official website.

Via the Check-in tab while checking-in.

By calling the Spirit Airlines office.

Via the Spirit Airlines app.

Or physically at the airport.

How do I buy baggage on Spirit Airlines?

You can buy the baggage using the methods shown above for checking the baggage prices. The baggage fees will be the most expensive when bought at the airport.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Check-in (Online)

According to Spirit Airlines baggage rules, you can add bags to your existing ticket online. Follow the below steps to do so:

Go to Spirit’s official website, www.spirit.com.
You will see the ‘My Trips’ tab. Select bit.
On the next page, they will ask for your last name and confirmation code. The code was provided to you on your ticket confirmation.
All your reservations will be shown on the results page. Select your flight.
Click on the Add Bags option.
Complete the transaction.

Missing, Delayed, and Lost Baggage on Spirit Airlines

You must file a delayed, missing, or lost baggage report right away if your checked baggage disappears or doesn't arrive. You can do this online via the virtual baggage service office or in person at the airport with a Spirit Airlines official.

You will obtain a Baggage Irregularity Receipt or a Luggage Service Report after filing your report, along with a File ID that you may use to trace your luggage and, if needed, settle a claim.

How do I report damaged baggage on Spirit Airlines?

According to Spirit Airlines baggage rules, any damage to your luggage must be reported to Spirit Airlines.

For domestic flights—within 4 hours of arrival.

For international flights, no later than 7 days after receiving your bag.

Spirit Airlines’ Liability for Mobility Aids, Assistive Devices, and Wheelchairs

According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, if your mobility aid, assistive device, or wheelchair is damaged by Spirit Airlines, the criteria for calculating the loss is explained below:

On domestic flights, regardless of any law that restricts the obligation for lost or damaged baggage, there will be full reimbursement for the loss or damage.

On international flights, the Montreal Convention's regulations pertaining to such things will govern the compensation. The older Warsaw Convention treaty may be applicable if the Montreal Convention is inapplicable for any reason.

What is included in assistive devices?

According to Spirit Airlines baggage rules, you can bring medical devices on board. Assistive devices include:

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines

Ventilators and respirators

Prescription medications

Wheelchairs

Crutches, canes, and walkers

Braces/prosthetics

Auto-injectors and syringes

Hearing aids

Spirit Airlines Sports Equipment Policy

Sports equipment, like golf bags, skis, hockey/lacrosse equipment, fishing equipment, etc., that fits inside the regular weight and size restrictions will be included as one checked item on Spirit Airlines.

Spirit Airlines Musical Instruments Policy

According to Spirit Airlines baggage allowance, you can check your musical instrument, carry it on as a carry-on, or use a paid seat. There are weight and dimension restrictions for musical instruments based on your fare option.

Musical instruments larger than 381 cm/150 in (L + W + H) combined, or 165 lb/74.8kg, will not be accepted.

Food and alcohol restrictions

According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, food items are permitted for in-flight consumption under Spirit Airlines' baggage policy, but only in disposable packaging. Food items that are liquid or gel and weigh more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) cannot be carried on; however, they can be checked as baggage.

Under the following restrictions, alcohol and/or liquor can be purchased beyond the security checkpoint or included in checked baggage:

The entire amount of alcohol cannot be more than 140 proof.

Up to 5 liters per passenger are allowed, provided the proof level of alcohol is between 48 and 140.

FAQs

Is Spirit strict about carry-on size?

Yes! Spirit Airlines is very strict regarding carry-on bags. According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, you will be charged an extra fee if your carry-on exceeds the said dimensions at the gate.

When is a child considered a lap infant?

According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, a child ages between 7 and 23 months is considered a lap infant.

Are backpacks acceptable for Spirit Airlines as carry-on bags?

No. According to Spirit Airlines baggage policy, a backpack can only be checked in with Spirit if it fits inside their carry-on size limit, which is 22 x 18 x 10 inches.

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A Guide to Spirit Airlines Fees and Baggage Policy

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