Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Below is the baggage policy for Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier operating in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, for 2025. Spirit charges for both carry-on and checked baggage, except for one free personal item, to maintain low base fares. Fees vary by route, travel dates, and when/where you pay. Policies may differ for codeshare flights, where the marketing carrier’s rules apply. Note: Information reflects updates as of July 2025, including the increased checked baggage weight limit to 50 lbs from 40 lbs.

Carry-On Baggage

Spirit allows one free personal item per passenger. Additional carry-on bags incur fees, and oversized bags may be gate-checked with higher charges. Strict size enforcement applies at check-in or the gate.

• Personal Item (All Passengers):
  • Dimensions: Max 18 x 14 x 8 in (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles/wheels.
  • Examples: Purse, small backpack, laptop bag.
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Free of charge.
• Carry-On Bag:
  • Dimensions: Max 22 x 18 x 10 in (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles/wheels.
  • No specific weight limit, but must be carried unassisted and fit in overhead bins.
  • Fees (one-way, approximate, varies by route):
    • At booking: $43–$50.
    • Before/during online check-in: $45–$55.
    • At airport check-in: $55–$65.
    • At gate: $65–$99.
  • Free for active-duty military and Free Spirit Gold members (1 carry-on).
• Additional Free Items:
  • Jackets, umbrellas, reading material, food for the flight, neck/head pillows (if fitting in personal item), duty-free items.
  • Infant items: Diaper bag, breast pump, baby formula (free for lap infants or infants in purchased seats).
  • Assistive devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, CPAPs, POCs, medications (must be packed separately, do not count toward allowance).
• Notes:
  • Carry-on bags exceeding dimensions are gate-checked and charged as checked baggage (higher fees apply).
  • Liquids/gels: Max 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in a 1-quart resealable bag, per TSA rules.
  • Prohibited items: E-cigarettes, hoverboards, cutting instruments, liquids over 3.4 oz, flammable materials, explosives.
  • Bulkhead seats: All items must be stowed in overhead bins during takeoff/landing due to limited under-seat space.

Checked Baggage

No free checked baggage is included in base fares, except for Free Spirit Gold members (1 free bag) and active-duty military (2 free bags). Fees vary by route and purchase timing. Up to 5 bags per passenger are allowed, subject to space and destination restrictions.

Bag Type	Allowance	Max Weight/Dimensions	Fees (One-Way, Approx.)
First Bag	1 piece	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$50 (Go fare); free with Go Savvy/Big bundles, Free Spirit Gold, military
Second Bag	1 piece	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$60–$75
Third–Fifth Bags	1 piece each	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	$76–$100 each
Infants (No Seat)	1 stroller + 1 car seat	No weight limit	Free
Infants (Own Seat)	Same as adult fare	50 lbs (23 kg), 62 in (158 cm)	Same as adult fare

Notes:

• Check-In Deadlines: 45 minutes before departure (domestic), 60 minutes (international, including U.S. Virgin Islands).
• International Restrictions: Only 1 checked bag guaranteed; additional bags on a first-come, first-served basis. From December 1–January 10, bags over 80 in (203 cm) not accepted to/from South America.
• Valuables/Fragile Items: Not recommended in checked baggage; Spirit is not liable for electronics, jewelry, or poorly packed items.
• Saver$ Club: Members ($69.95/year) receive discounts on baggage fees (e.g., $9 off per bag).

Excess Baggage Fees

Fees apply for overweight or oversized bags, charged in addition to standard baggage fees. Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 80 in (203 cm) are not accepted.

• Overweight Fees (Per Bag):
  • 41–50 lbs (18–23 kg): $79.
  • 51–100 lbs (23–45 kg): $125.
• Oversized Fees (Per Bag):
  • 63–80 in (158–203 cm): $150.
  • Over 80 in (203 cm): Not accepted (except sports equipment, see below).
• Notes:
  • Fees are cumulative (e.g., a bag that is both overweight and oversized incurs both fees).
  • Pre-pay online via “My Trips” or the Spirit app (24+ hours before departure) for lower fees.
  • Holiday surcharge: Additional $2 per bag during peak travel seasons.

Special Items

• Sports Equipment:
  • Items (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards): Treated as standard checked bags if within 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm).
  • Bicycles: $75 one-way, must be packed in a protective case.
  • Surfboards: $100 one-way (max 2 per bag), up to 80 in (203 cm).
  • Other equipment (e.g., fishing, hockey): Standard checked bag fees if within limits; otherwise, oversized/overweight fees apply.
• Musical Instruments:
  • Within carry-on limits (22 x 18 x 10 in): Counts as carry-on, subject to fees.
  • Checked: Standard checked bag fees if within 50 lbs and 62 in; oversized/overweight fees apply otherwise.
  • Extra seat: Purchase for larger instruments (contact Spirit for pricing).
• Pets:
  • In-cabin: Small dogs/cats in carriers (max 18 x 14 x 9 in, 40 lbs including pet), $125 one-way, max 1 container per passenger (up to 2 similar animals).
  • Checked: Not allowed in cargo hold.
  • Service animals: Free in cabin with prior approval.
• Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs, crutches, and assistive devices free, no weight limit, with prior notification.
• Infant Items: Strollers, car seats free when checked at gate or ticket counter; diaper bags free for lap infants or infants in seats.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage

• Reporting: File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport’s Baggage Service desk.
• Claims: Submit within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, up to 1,131 SDRs (approx. $1,800 USD) for loss, per Montreal Convention. Provide receipts for interim expenses.
• Liability: Spirit is not liable for damage due to existing defects, oversized luggage, normal wear, or poor packing.
• Recommendations: Label bags, use locks, and pack valuables/medications in carry-on.

Additional Notes

• Fare Bundles:
  • Go: Personal item only, no carry-on or checked bag included.
  • Go Savvy: Includes 1 carry-on or 1 checked bag (50 lbs).
  • Go Big: Includes 1 carry-on and 1 checked bag, plus priority services.
• Saver$ Club: Annual membership ($69.95) offers baggage fee discounts.
• Military Benefits: Active-duty military and spouses/children get 2 free checked bags (50 lbs each), 1 free carry-on, and 1 free personal item.
• Recommendations: Pre-pay baggage fees online during booking or check-in to save up to $20 per bag. Use Spirit’s Bag-O-Tron for precise costs. Measure and weigh bags at home to avoid excess fees.