When flying with Spirit Airlines, it’s important to understand their baggage policies to avoid unexpected charges. Spirit Airlines is known for its low base fares, but they charge additional fees for checked bags and carry-ons. In this article, we will break down the different types of Spirit Airlines baggage fees, how to save on luggage costs, and important tips for traveling with Spirit.
Spirit Airlines Carry-On Baggage Fees
One of the first things you should know when flying with Spirit is that carry-on baggage is not included in the base ticket price. Unlike other airlines that allow a carry-on for free, Spirit charges a fee for all carry-on items that do not fit under the seat in front of you. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Standard Carry-On: The price for a carry-on bag ranges from $35 to $50, depending on when you purchase the bag—whether it’s during booking, before your flight, or at the airport.
- Personal Item: Spirit Airlines allows one personal item, such as a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag, for free. However, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Anything larger will be subject to carry-on fees.
Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Fees
Spirit’s checked baggage fees depend on the size and weight of your luggage. These fees can quickly add up, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know about Spirit Airlines checked baggage fees:
- Standard Checked Bag: A standard checked bag (up to 40 pounds) typically costs between $30 and $55, depending on when you pay for it. The earlier you add the checked bag to your booking, the cheaper it will be.
- Additional Weight: If your checked bag exceeds 40 pounds, Spirit charges an additional fee. For bags weighing between 41 and 50 pounds, expect to pay an extra $30. Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds incur an additional fee of $55.
- Overweight and Oversized Bags: If your bag exceeds 70 pounds or is larger than the maximum size limit (62 inches), Spirit charges higher fees, typically around $100 to $150.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees for Specialty Items
Spirit also charges additional fees for certain specialty items. If you are traveling with something unusual like sports equipment, musical instruments, or oversized luggage, you should prepare to pay extra fees. These are some examples of additional Spirit Airlines baggage fees:
- Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, skis, and bicycles are subject to additional fees, usually ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the item.
- Musical Instruments: Instruments that exceed the size of a personal item are subject to fees. These can range from $50 to $100 based on the item’s size and weight.
How to Save on Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees?
Although Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees can seem high, there are ways to reduce these costs:
- Book Baggage Early: The best way to save on Spirit Airlines baggage fees is to book your luggage during the initial booking process or before your flight. Booking baggage in advance can save you a significant amount of money.
- Join the $9 Fare Club: Spirit’s $9 Fare Club members enjoy discounted baggage fees, including lower rates for checked and carry-on bags.
- Pack Light: Consider packing only a personal item to avoid paying any baggage fees. If you’re only traveling for a short trip, a small backpack or duffel bag might suffice.
- Use a Travel Backpack: A soft-sided backpack is often easier to fit under the seat than a hard-sided carry-on. This can help you avoid paying for a carry-on bag.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy Tips
- Weigh Your Bags: Before heading to the airport, weigh your bags to ensure they do not exceed Spirit Airlines’ weight limits. You can often find luggage scales at home or purchase one to avoid unexpected overweight fees.
- Understand the Restrictions: Spirit has strict policies regarding the size of checked and carry-on luggage. Make sure to check the dimensions of your bags before heading to the airport.
- Bring Snacks in Your Personal Item: If you want to avoid paying for food on the flight, pack snacks in your personal item. This can help you stay within Spirit’s baggage rules and save money on in-flight purchases.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees vs. Other Airlines
While Spirit Airlines baggage fees are among the highest in the industry, they can still be competitive when compared to other budget carriers. However, traditional full-service airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United often include carry-on and checked bags in their ticket prices, which can make flying with Spirit more expensive overall if you need to check multiple bags.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Save on Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
When flying with Spirit Airlines, understanding their baggage fees is crucial to managing your travel expenses. While Spirit offers low base fares, their baggage fees can quickly add up. To minimize costs, try to pack light, book your bags early, and take advantage of discounts like the $9 Fare Club. By planning ahead and staying informed about Spirit Airlines baggage fees, you can avoid surprise charges and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
