Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees, Allowance, & Policy (2024)

Spirit Airlines is a budget airline, and if you’re looking for low airfare rates, you might be planning to fly with them soon. While you’ll likely get a low ticket price, you should expect a no-frills flying experience. Unlike other major airlines, your baggage allowance is more limited. If you plan to bring more than the allowed personal item, you’ll pay extra fees. But if you’re someone who packs light, this may be a good airline option for you because tickets can be affordable. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Spirit Airlines baggage fees:

Personal Items

When flying with Spirit Airlines, all travelers are allowed to bring one personal item at no extra cost. But your personal item must meet the size limits. For example, a suitcase won’t work as an acceptable personal item, but a backpack or purse that meets the size requirements would be okay. Your personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Carry-on Baggage

Spirit Airlines charges extra fees for carry-on baggage. If you choose to pay the additional fee, your carry-on bag must meet Spirit Airlines’ carry-on baggage size requirements. Bag dimensions must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. 

Spirit Airlines doesn’t publish set rates on its website. Rates are determined by travel date and destination, and fees vary depending on when you pay for your bags. The earlier you pay for your bags, the lower the bag fees will be. You can use their baggage fee calculator to determine what fees you’ll pay for your trip based on the specific details of your trip. 

We priced out several routes to see the range of fees. 

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated fees that you’ll pay for carry-on bags:

During booking:

Standard rate: $35 to $44

Spirit Saver$ Club rate: $29 to $37

Before and during online check-in:

Standard rate: $46 to $53

Spirit Saver$ Club rate: $40 to $46

At the gate:

All travelers: $65 to $75

Note: These are estimated fees. Be sure to price out baggage fees for your specific trip to get an exact baggage fee price.

Checked Baggage

Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (L+W+H) including handles and wheel and must not exceed 40 pounds in weight. Bags that exceed these size restrictions or weight restrictions will be considered oversized or overweight and additional fees will apply. 

Spirit Airlines doesn’t publish set rates on its website. You can use their baggage fee calculator to determine what fees you’ll pay for your trip based on the details of your trip. 

We priced out several routes to see the range of fees. As with carry-on bags, the sooner you pay for your bags, the lower the fee you will pay. 

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated fees that you’ll pay for checked baggage:

During Booking

Estimated checked baggage fees during the booking process.

	Spirit Saver$ Club	Standard Rate
First Bag	$25 to $31	$32 to $38
Second Bag	$35 to $43	$42 to $50
Third Through Fifth Bags	$78 to $80	$85 to $87

Before Online Check-In

Estimated checked baggage fees before the online check-in process.

	Spirit Saver$ Club	Standard Rate
First Bag	$35 to $41	$42 to $52
Second Bag	$45 to $53	$52 to $60
Third Through Fifth Bags	$88 to $90	$95 to $97

During Online Check-In

Estimated checked baggage fees during the online check-in process.

	Spirit Saver$ Club	Standard Rate
First Bag	$40 to $46	$47 to $53
Second Bag	$50 to $58	$57 to $65
Third Through Fifth Bags	$88 to $90	$95 to $97

At the Airport

Estimated checked baggage fees at the airport.

	At the Airport
First Bag	$60
Second Bag	$60
Third Through Fifth Bags	$100

Note: All of the above prices are estimated fees. Be sure to use the baggage fee calculator to price out baggage fees and get an exact baggage fee price.

Oversized Bag Fees

The following oversized bag fees apply: 

63 to 80 linear inches: $100

Note: Spirit Airlines doesn’t accept bags that measure more than 80 linear inches (L+W+H). 

Some special oversized items may be accepted. 

For special items (not regular bags) over 80 linear inches: $150

Overweight Bag Fees

Fees for overweight bags depend on the total weight of your bag. Here’s a breakdown:

• 41 to 50 pounds: $50 
• 51 to 70 pounds: $75 
• 71 to 100 pounds: $75

Note: Spirit Airlines doesn’t accept bags that weigh more than 100 pounds.

Important Baggage Rules 

When flying with Spirit Airlines, some regions outside of the United States have baggage restrictions in place. Here’s a breakdown of these restrictions by region:

Lima, Peru

The following restrictions apply all year:

• Only one paid checked item will be accepted, per person.
• Additional checked items may be purchased based on inventory. 
• Overweight items must not exceed the maximum overweight limit of 100 pounds and are subject to overweight baggage charges beginning at 41 pounds.
• Oversized items must not exceed 80 linear inches in overall dimensions and are subject to oversized baggage charges beginning at 63 linear inches. 
• Certain items (ie: sporting equipment) may exceed 80 linear inches in overall dimensions; however, the weight must not exceed 100 pounds. This item counts towards the maximum of one checked item per person. Separate charges may apply. 

Note: From December 1 through January 10, items that exceed 80 linear inches are not accepted.

Colombia (Airports: AXM, BGA, CLO, CTG, MDE)

The following restrictions apply all year:

• Only one paid checked item will be accepted, per person.
• Additional checked items may be purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Note: Additional restrictions apply from December 1 through January 10. See below under all international destinations.

Ecuador (Airport: GYE)

The following restrictions apply all year:

• Only one paid checked item will be accepted, per person.
• Additional checked items may be purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Note: Additional restrictions apply from December 1 through January 10. See below under all international destinations.

All international destinations

From December 1 through January 10, the following restrictions apply: 

• Only one paid checked item is allowed per person.
• Additional checked items may be purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Overweight items are subject to overweight baggage charges beginning at 41 pounds. 
• Oversized items may not exceed 80 linear inches in overall dimensions and are subject to oversized baggage charges beginning at 63 linear inches.

Restricted Items

Items included on the TSA’s prohibited items list are prohibited on Spirit Airlines flights at all times. 

From December 1 through January 10, boxes and plastic tub containers will not be accepted for transportation to any international destination.

Special Items

Spirit Airlines does allow travelers to bring eligible sports equipment and musical instruments. Some items are required to be checked. You’ll need to pay extra fees to bring these items. Before flying, review the Spirit Airlines Contract of Carriage for specific rules. 

Additionally, other unique items such as firearms, lithium-iron batteries, bicycles, camping gear, wheelchairs, alcohol, photographic equipment, and fishing equipment have special restrictions. This list of examples is not exhaustive. Before flying, review the Spirit Airlines Contract of Carriage for specific rules.

Damaged and Delayed Baggage

If you have damaged, delayed, or lost baggage, here’s what you need to know:

Damaged bags

If your bag was damaged while traveling with Spirit Airlines, you’ll need to make a report immediately upon arrival. After filing, you’ll receive a file ID to track your claim. 

You should file an incident report within four hours of arrival if you’re traveling domestically. You can do this through the virtual Baggage Service office. 

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you should file an incident report within four hours of arrival at the local baggage service office.

You should file an incident report within 21 days of arrival with a Spirit Airlines employee at the local service office if you’re traveling internationally.

Delayed or lost bags

If your bag is delayed, you’ll need to make a report immediately upon arrival. You’ll receive a file ID to track your claim. 

You should file an incident report within four hours of arrival if you’re traveling domestically. You can do this through the virtual Baggage Service office. 

If you’re traveling to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you should file an incident report within four hours of arrival at the local baggage service office.

You should file an incident report within 21 days of arrival with a Spirit Airlines employee at the local service office if you’re traveling internationally. 

Spirit Airlines will reimburse for reasonable interim expenses if your bags are delayed. This includes expenses like personal items, clothing, and toiletries. You must keep original receipts because receipt copies are not accepted. You can submit a claim for reimbursement.

If your bag is located and returned, Spirit Airlines reserves the right to request that items purchased due to a delayed bag be returned before the issuance of compensation. Any reimbursement is considered an advance and will be deducted from a final settlement if your bag is deemed lost.

Further Reading: What to Do if Your Airlines Loses, Damages, or Delays Your Bag

How to Get Discounted Bags

Here are ways to get discounted bags.

Pay for Bags Early

Spirit Airlines bag fees are cheaper the earlier you pay. Paying for bags during the initial booking process or before check-in will save you money. If you choose to pay for bags during check-in or when you arrive at the airport, you’ll pay higher bag fees. It pays to plan ahead.

Join the Spirit Saver$ Club

Spirit Airlines has a membership called the Spirit Saver$ Club. This paid membership entitles travelers to benefits like discounted fares, carry-on and checked bags, and seat selection. If you fly Spirit Airlines often and want to take advantage of lower flight costs and bag fees, you may want to join this program. 

This program is available in 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month memberships. 

Here’s how much the Spirit Saver $ membership will cost you:

12-months: $69.95

18-months: $99.90

24-months: $129.90

How to Get Free Bags

Are you wondering how to get free bags when flying with Spirit Airlines? Here’s what you need to know:

Elite Status

Free Spirit loyalty members can take advantage of additional perks when flying with Spirit Airlines. There are three tier levels to the program—Free Spirit, Silver, and Gold. 

If you achieve elite status or Gold, you’ll be eligible for free bags. You’ll be able to bring one free checked bag and one free carry-on bag on each flight. While Free Spirit and Silver members get other benefits, they don’t receive free bag perks.

Credit Cards

Being a Spirit Airlines cardholder won’t entitle you to free checked bag perks like many other airline credit cards. Instead, you can take advantage of other perks that can make your travel experience better. Here’s a breakdown of the perks offered with each credit card:

Free Spirit® Travel World Elite Mastercard®: 

•  Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending at least $500 within the first 90 days of account ownership.
• Earn 2 points per $1 on eligible Spirit purchases.
• Receive 5,000-anniversary bonus points at each card anniversary after making at least $10,000 in purchases within the prior anniversary year. 
• When using your card, get a 25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases.
• Get Zone 2 shortcut boarding on all flights.
• Enjoy a $0 annual fee. 

Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®: 

• Earn 40,000 bonus points + $100 companion flight voucher after spending at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of account ownership. 
• Earn 3 points per $1 on eligible Spirit purchases, 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and grocery store purchases, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Receive a $100 companion flight voucher at each card anniversary after spending at least $5,000 in purchases within the prior anniversary year.
• Earn one status qualifying point (SQP) for every $10 spent in purchases.
• When using your card, get a 25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases.  
• Get Zone 2 shortcut boarding on all flights.
• Enjoy a $0 annual fee for the first year ($79 after).

The following Spirit Airlines credit cards are currently invite-only: 

Free Spirit® Points Mastercard®

• Earn up to 5,000 bonus points after spending at least $500 within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 2 points per $1 on eligible Spirit purchases and earn 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• When using your card, get a 25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases. 
• Get Zone 2 shortcut boarding on all flights.
• Enjoy a $0 annual fee. 

Free Spirit® Points Plus Mastercard®:

• Earn 20,000 bonus points and a $100 companion flight voucher after spending at least $750 and making at least one minimum monthly payment within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on eligible Spirit purchases, 2 points per $1 on dining and grocery purchases, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Receive a $100 companion flight voucher at each card anniversary after spending at least $5,000 in purchases within the prior anniversary year. 
• Earn one status qualifying point (SQP) for every $10 spent in purchases. 
• When using your card, get a 25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases. 
• Get a Zone 2 shortcut boarding on all flights.
• Enjoy a $0 annual fee for the first year ($79 after).

While none of the Spirit Airlines credit cards offer free bag perks or discounts on bag fees, some credit cards allow cardholders to earn status qualifying points (SQP) without flying. You can work towards Free Spirit Gold status by spending with an eligible card. 

However, since Gold status requires 5,000 SPQs, you’d need to spend a lot to achieve elite status with Spirit Airlines just by making purchases.

Military Members

Active military members are entitled to two free checked bags and a free carry-on when flying with Spirit Airlines. This allowance only applies to active military members and not their family members, and a U.S. military ID must be presented when checking bags.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines is a no-frills airline that can get you where you need to go. If you want affordable airfare prices and pack light, this might be the right airline for you (See our best websites to book cheap flights guide for the cheapest prices on Spirit airfare). Otherwise, you’ll need to pay extra fees to bring a carry-on bag or checked baggage. If you’re not a light packer and want to pay less for bag fees, consider these options: 

• Achieve elite status through their Free Spirit loyalty program to get free bag perks
• Join the Spirit Saver$ Club to get discounts on airfare and bag fees  
• Pay for bags early to take advantage of lower fees

For further reading, see our American Airlines Baggage Fees, Delta Airlines Baggage Fees, and United Airlines Baggage Fees guides.