You will find that airline baggage policies are either a delight or a nightmare, but Spirit Airlines offers something so unique that it sets it apart from most carriers. Rather than an onerous one-size-fits-all approach, Spirit Airlines champions flexibility through its varied travel options and complete baggage policies. Checked baggage is what you don’t carry into the aircraft. They go into the airport hold and are delivered when you reach your destination. This article will deal with Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy at length. Let’s get started.
Spirit Airline Checked Baggage: Size, Weight, and What You Ought to Know
Spirit Airlines maintains particular rules regarding checked baggage for your safety and convenience. Your checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches when the length, width, and height are measured together. This includes handles and wheels on the checked luggage. As a rule, the airline manages checking bags at 50 pounds per piece; however, most passengers will fall within this range, ensuring safe handling by the ground crew.
Spirit does provide alternative options for travelers who require transporting larger or heavier items, although those options come with additional fees. Baggage that weighs up to 100 pounds and measures up to 80 linear inches can be checked, though overweight and oversized baggage charges will apply.
Your Free Personal Item At Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines begins every journey by giving the passenger a guaranteed free personal item allowance. The passenger can bring aboard a smaller-sized bag, such as a purse or compact backpack, that measures 18 x 14 x 8 inches. That measurement includes any handles and wheels on the bag, so take careful measurements before heading out to the airport. Spirit also lets you bring two additional carry-on essentials free of charge, including umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, and outerwear like coats or wraps.
Reading material and food to thrive on the flight are also allowed. You can even bring your favorite travel pillow if your carry-on bag can accommodate it.
In certain cases, customers may even check wheelchairs, strollers, and car seats free of charge. However, you must note that folding wagons aren’t included as carry-ons.
Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Policy by Ticket Type
Let us look into Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy as per the fare class you’ll be traveling in.
Go Fare
A passenger who buys a Go fare is restricted to no carry-on bags onboard. This type of fare is good for passengers traveling with only a personal item. You can carry checked baggage, but fees apply.
Go, Savvy Fare,
With Go Savvy fare, one has to choose to have either one checked bag or one carry-on bag included in the ticket. This variant offers more flexibility for a person in case they have to increase their luggage. If you have selected a checked bag, then you may separately purchase a hand baggage and an additional checked baggage if needed, and vice versa.
Go Comfy and Go Big Fares
Pack at least one carry-on bag and one checked bag in both the Go Comfy and Go Big fares. Additional free perks include priority boarding and seat selection, which makes these convenient fares suitable for a lot of travelers who want to get a little extra comfort. You can buy extra checked bags for which you must pay a fare.
A personal item is free for all of the fare classes.
Free Spirit Gold Members
Free Spirit Gold® members receive free perks, including one checked bag and one carry-on bag, regardless of fare type purchased.
Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Rules And Regulations
If you are traveling with the Go Savy, Go Comfy, or Go Big tickets, you are entitled to carry-on baggage only if there is sufficient space to accommodate the same in the aircraft. Moreover, your checked baggage must also comply with the dimensions specified. The handbags shouldn’t exceed 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches or 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm. These include wheels and handles.
If you are traveling with the Go option, you cannot avail yourself of free carry-on bags. You will have to separately purchase them. You may upgrade to Go Big or Go Comfy by visit their My Trips page to get free carry-on bags.
In case you have purchased the Go ticket after the 5th of February, 2025, you won’t be able to upgrade your itinerary to Go Savvy. If the carry-on you wish to take on board cannot be safely stowed or doesn’t meet the required dimensions, you may have to send it as a checked bag.
Spirit Airlines Special Baggage Restrictions
International travel on Spirit Airlines means your baggage has certain specific restrictions. Moreover, the restrictions and regulations tighten further between December 1st and January 10th of every year. Here’s a concise and well-structured summary of the bag restrictions for Spirit Airlines, specifically for checked items and sporting equipment:
| Region | Dates | Checked Item Allowance | Overweight Restrictions | Oversized Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South America | All Year | One (1) paid checked item per guest; additional items based on inventory. | Maximum weight: 100 lbs (45kg); charges begin at 51lbs (23kg). | Maximum dimensions: 80 linear inches (203cm); charges begin at 63 linear inches (158cm). |
| December 1st – January 10th | No items exceeding 80 linear inches will be accepted. | Same as above. | Same as above. | |
| Colombia & Ecuador | All Year | One (1) paid checked item per person; additional items on a first-come basis. | Same as above. | Same as above. |
| December 1st – January 10th | One (1) paid checked item per person; additional items on a first-come basis. | Same as above. | Same as above. |
Spirit Airlines Sporting Equipment
There are extra fees for traveling with sporting equipment on Spirit Airlines, and different items incur distinct fees.
- Bicycle: $75 each way
- Surfboard: $100 each way; a total of 2 surfboards are allowed to be carried in a single bag
- Golf Clubs: Same rate as the checked baggage, but overweight charges could apply
- Skis/Snowboards: The rates are similar to those of checked baggage; there could be overweight charges
Here are answers to some of the common questions asked regarding sports equipment to be carried onboard.
Q. Can I bring my hockey equipment on board?
Yes, you can carry them. Hockey sticks that aren’t placed within a bag securely may incur separate bag charges. The bag and the sticks will be regarded as two different pieces. When the hockey stick is properly packed in a case, it’ll be charged the standard checked bag allowance.
Q. Can I carry my snowboard along?
Yes you can carry your snowboard, surfboard, boogieboard, wakeboard, or kiteboard, as a checked baggage. If the items exceed 50 pounds, they are regarded as overweight items. When your snowboards, or wakeboards cross 62 linear inchesin dimensions they will be regarded as surfing equipment and incur extra charges. However, no items weioghing more than 100 pounds will be accepted. Additional items within your surfboard aren’t a part of your surfing equipment. Additional charges apply for them.
Q. Does Spirit Airlines allow the carriage of bicycles?
Yes, they do, but there are some conditions for the same. You can carry non-motorized bicycles having a single seat. You have to deflate the bicycle tyres so that they aren’t damaged. You must even encase your bicycle inside a cardboard or a bike container with hard sides. You must contain any of the Spirit Airlines’ reservation center to include your bicycle as a part of your reservation.
Q. Could I bring golf clubs on my Spirit Airlines flight?
Yes. Golf equipment incur standard checked baggage charges. If your pull cart is attached to a golf bag you may bring that as well. Spirit Airlines waive any oversize charges that may incur on gold equipment. So if the sticks are a little big that isn’t much to worry. However, the bag shouldn’t surpass 50 pounds.
Q. Is a scuba gear allowed on a Spirit Airlines flight?
Scuba diving equipment go in as a standard checked baggage. Sharp objects like knives, and spear guns must be wrapped securely.
Q. Does Spirit Airlines allow you to carry skis onboard?
You can carry them as a checked bag, and must ensure that they do not cross 50 lbs, and 62 inches in weight, and dimensions. One item of snowboard or ski equipment will go in as a single checked baggage. They will include a pai each of ski boots, ski poles, and skis OR a snowboard, and a pair of snowboard boots.
You must remember that all of these sports equipment as mentioned above, require you to sign a limited liability release when you’re traveling with them.
Spirit Airlines’ Baggage Rules for Carrying Musical Instruments
Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy has some rules for musical instruments to follow. Musical instruments are fragile and accepted as checked baggage provided that they will be packed satisfactorily in a suitable container or case designed for shipping.
The fees to check your musical instrument will include the standard checked bag fee, with any appropriate oversized or overweight charges. Furthermore, the passenger will have to sign a limited liability release form relieving Spirit Airlines of any responsibility for loss or damage to the instrument.
In addition, musical instruments are permitted as carry-on baggage, in compliance with the carry-on policy of the relevant airline. See additional information provided by Spirit Airlines for further information.
Spirit Airlines Liquids Policy
Let’s take a look at Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy for carrying liquids:
- Carry-On Allowance: Aerosols, pastes, creams, liquids, and gels are permitted in handbags if they are in containers of 3.4 oz (100 milliliters) or less and fit inside a quart-sized bag.
- Medications and Infant Nourishment: These items can be carried onboard without restrictions.
- Duty-Free Liquids: Liquids over 3.4 ounces can be carried if they are in tamper-evident bags, and a receipt shows that they were obtained within the past 48 hours. They could still be sent through the security scanner.
- Checked Baggage: If your liquids do not meet the standards outlined above, they should be packed in checked baggage.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy When Traveling with Children
Children between 7 days and 23 months are lap infants and don’t need any paid seats. However, if they wish, travelers may buy seats for their infants as well. For each child, Spirit Airlines authorities permit a stroller and a car seat for no additional cost. If carrying two kids, you can carry two strollers for them. Moreover, guests traveling with kids under 2 can carry diaper bags for free. You can take it alongside your free personal item and paid carry-on. The size of the diaper bag is such that you can stow it on board.
If you have bought a seat separately for your infant, you may even carry a car seat or harness device approved by the FAA. Many car seats approved by the FAA may not fit well into the seats of the Spirit Airlines aircraft. Therefore, knowing the exact dimensions by visiting their official website will help.
You must also note that seats with inflatable seat belts won’t accommodate car seats. Moreover, you also cannot add car seats in any exit seats or rows succeeding or preceding them. Collapsible cribs and Pack ‘n’ Plays cannot go in as carry-ons. It must be checked.
Understanding Spirit Airline Baggage Space Limitations
Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy is devised in a way to cope with the limited cargo space. While all passengers can check at least one bag (subject to fees unless included in their fare), the airline caps the maximum number of checked bags at five per passenger. However, this allowance depends on space availability, particularly on full flights and during peak travel seasons.
The space the airline has becomes limited at holiday times and when traveling abroad. It becomes crucial to have a plan during these times since you would not be able to add extra bags at the last minute if you hadn’t scheduled that earlier on. Make a clear note of Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy when you make your ticket booking to ensure the availability of space and the best prices.
Add Bags to Your Spirit Airlines Reservation
Depending on how close it is to your departure date, the simplest method for adding bags to your reservation as per Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy, is as follows:
More Than 24 Hours before Departure
If your Spirit Airlines flight is more than 24 hours ahead, you can use the “My Trips” link under the “My Account” tab. From here, you will be able to access your reservation and click the “Add Bags” link to buy additional bags. This is also a chance to upgrade to a travel package complete with bags for travelers who have already chosen a Go option.
Less Than 24 Hours before Departure
For travelers who have less than 24 hours before their flight, the function switches to the Online Check-in tab. You will again follow the same steps, but this time by clicking on a given link to access your reservation and add bags. It is essential to note that online check-in has strict deadlines: In domestic flights, the closure for online check-in occurs 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. For international flights, the closure is one hour before the original scheduled departure time.
Alternative Options For Adding Checked Baggage to Your Spirit Itinerary
If digital methods are inconvenient or not available, you always have two additional options for adding checked bags. You can either add bags directly at the airport or contact Spirit Airlines’ Reservations Center for assistance. These alternatives provide flexibility for travelers who might have missed the online window or prefer in-person service.
Add all your bags as early as possible. This way, you avoid the hassle of dealing with last-minute complications associated with adding baggage. You will also avoid the risk of incurring extra charges or the hassle of dealing with baggage details near departure. Always have reservation details handy and recheck the specific policies of your airline, as procedures vary slightly among carriers.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy shows its promise of flexible, customizable options on a travel package and good efficiency during operations. Understanding these policies or planning can help avoid some unanticipated fees, making your journey that much easier. Know the baggage policies at the time of check-in. They may keep changing for international flights, or even alter during peak travel seasons, so always be up-to-date before your flight.
By careful planning of one’s itinerary to understand his or her actual needs, one can easily opt for the right travel option according to baggage requirements, pack tactfully to maximize the allowance and be always prepared for security screening. With these considerations, you can worry less about baggage complications and enjoy your trip instead.
To know more about specific items or special circumstances, you should contact Spirit Airlines. Their customer service can deliver detailed guidance on your particular circumstance and may help you make informed decisions for choosing your baggage. Remember: a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a pleasant travel experience with Spirit Airlines.
You Can Read More: Japan Airlines Baggage Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Spirit allows checked bags up to 62 linear inches, or length + width + height, and 50 pounds with Go Big and Go Comfy travel options including one checked bag. Additional bags can be purchased separately up to 5 bags total.
Spirit standard checked bag weight limit is 50 pounds or 22.6 kg. From 51-100 pounds, there is an approximate charge of $125, and bags with more than 100 pounds are not accepted.
Book Go Big or Go Comfy travel options that include checked and/or carry-on bags as part of the ticket price; otherwise, only one personal item such as a purse, diaper bag, or small backpack (18 x 14 x 8 inches) is free with every ticket.
Spirit permits one free personal item, 18 x 14 x 8 inches, per passenger. Additional items such as umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, outer garments, and food for the flight are also free. Checked and or carry-on bags are allowed for free on some ticket options, but not all.
Spirit Airlines allows domestic cats, and dogs to be carried onboard. Small-sized household birds, and small-sized domestic rabbits are also permitted except for flights to or from Puerto Rico as well as U.S.V. I (United States Virgin Islands.You cannot brings birds that aren’t household like farm poultry, water fowls, game birds, flightless birds, and so on. For more details on the airline’s pet policy you must check Spirit Airlines’ official website.
