Spirit Airlines: Understanding Carry-On Baggage Rules And Regulations

what constitutes a carry on bag on spirit airlines

Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier that allows one small personal item for free. Anything larger must be paid for. The airline has a strict baggage policy that includes charges for carry-on and checked luggage. The maximum carry-on size is 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels, and any bag exceeding this size will be checked at the gate for a fee. Spirit Airlines also enforces a 40 lb (18 kg) weight limit for carry-on and checked bags, with overweight fees for bags over this weight.

Characteristics Values
Maximum carry-on bag size 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels
Maximum personal item size 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels
Maximum weight for carry-on bag and personal item 40 lbs (18 kg)
Checked bag weight limit 40 lbs (18.1 kg) before overweight fees
Maximum checked bag size 62 linear inches (158 cm) including handles and wheels
Maximum checked bag weight 50 lbs (22.6 kg)
Excess weight fees $79 for 41-50 lbs (18-23 kg); $99 for 51-100 lbs (23-45 kg)
Oversized checked bag fees $100 for 63-80 inches (158-203 cm); $150 for over 80 inches (203 cm)
Maximum weight accepted 100 lbs (45 kg)
Free checked bags Gold status members, active-duty U.S. military members (2 bags)
Additional fees During holiday travel seasons; third to fifth bags
Discounts $9 discount for $9 Fare Club members

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Carry-on bag size and weight restrictions

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to carry one personal item free of charge. This can include a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack, and must be small enough to store under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. Spirit Airlines does not have a set weight for personal items, but any item weighing more than 40 lbs will likely need to be checked at the gate.

In addition to a personal item, passengers can bring items such as umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, medically necessary devices, outer garments, books, food, and one duty-free bag or box at no extra charge. Neck and head pillows are also permitted, as long as they fit entirely within your personal item bag.

If you wish to bring a carry-on bag in addition to your personal item, you will need to pay a fee. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. Any carry-on bag weighing more than 40 lbs will be checked at the gate.

Checked bags have a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm) and a weight limit of 40 lbs before overweight fees apply. Bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) will not be accepted for transport by Spirit Airlines.

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Personal item allowance

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item on board for free. This can include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. The personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, with dimensions not exceeding 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. Any personal item larger than these dimensions will be checked at the gate, and additional fees may apply.

It's important to note that Spirit Airlines has strict weight restrictions for carry-on items. While there is no set weight limit for personal items, it is generally recommended that your item does not exceed 40 lbs (18 kg). Items weighing more than 40 lbs may be checked at the gate and subject to additional fees.

In addition to your personal item, you can bring a few other items on board at no extra charge. These include umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, medically necessary devices, outer garments, books, food, and duty-free items. Neck and head pillows are also allowed, as long as they fit entirely within your personal item bag.

If you're travelling with an infant, you can carry a diaper bag free of charge, in addition to your normal carry-on allowance. Car seats, strollers, and other assistive devices can also be checked at the gate or carried on free of charge. However, these items may need to be inspected by Spirit agents to ensure they meet the required standards.

It's worth mentioning that Spirit Airlines has additional fees for carry-on bags beyond your personal item. These fees can vary depending on when you purchase your allowance (at initial booking, before/during check-in, at the airport, or at the gate). The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.

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Fees for additional or oversized items

Spirit Airlines charges for both carry-on and checked bags, with fees varying based on when the baggage is purchased and the route. The price you pay for baggage depends on whether you pay during online check-in or at the airport, with online check-in offering the best deals. Baggage prices increase the closer you get to takeoff, so it is advisable to buy your allowance during your initial booking.

The standard checked bag weight is 40 lbs or less, and the maximum checked bag size is 62 linear inches, including handles and wheels. Any bag that exceeds these dimensions or weight limits is considered oversized or overweight and has a corresponding charge. For instance, overweight or oversized bags between 40 and 50 pounds can be accommodated with the "Bundle It" package, which is worth $133.99 and offers a $69 saving compared to buying each item individually at booking.

Spirit Airlines does not accept bags that weigh more than 100 pounds or that measure more than 80 linear inches in overall dimensions. Oversized bags between 63 and 80 linear inches will incur a fee of $150, and special items over 80 linear inches will also be charged $150.

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to prepay for luggage online, via the mobile app, or by phone. The airline recommends using its baggage calculator to determine the exact fees for your route.

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Exemptions for medical devices and sporting equipment

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring medically necessary items and devices onboard without counting towards their carry-on allowance. This includes items such as walking sticks, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices. However, it is important to note that only bags containing exclusively medically necessary items are exempt from the carry-on limit. Medications are also allowed through the scanner, even if the liquids exceed 3 ounces.

Passengers can indicate that they will be travelling with a mobility device at the time of booking their reservation or by adding it later through the "My Trips" section of the Spirit Airlines website or by contacting their customer support. Folding manual wheelchairs can be stowed in the cabin on a first-come, first-served basis, while battery-powered wheelchairs must be checked in. Detachable items from manual or battery-operated wheelchairs, such as cushions or footrests, can be carried on board or stored with the mobility device in the cargo bin.

Regarding sporting equipment, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to carry most types of sports gear as checked baggage without additional cost if the total weight of the free baggage allowance is not exceeded. This includes items such as bicycles, camping gear, fishing or ski equipment, and golf clubs. However, certain items, such as tennis and squash rackets, fishing rods, and cues, are not permitted in hand luggage due to their length and must be checked in. Passengers are advised to report bicycles and other oversized sports equipment in advance as it may impact the loading of the plane. Additionally, there are safety requirements for transporting certain types of sports equipment, and permission may be required for some items.

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Checked baggage allowance

Spirit Airlines enforces strict policies regarding carry-on and checked baggage allowance. The airline offers an inexpensive "bare fare" option, which does not include any carry-on or checked baggage. Each passenger is allowed to carry only one personal item free of charge, which must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) in size. This personal item can be a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack and must be stored under the seat in front of you.

Checked baggage fees apply to all passengers except those with Free Spirit Gold status or active-duty military personnel, who are entitled to different benefits. For all other passengers, Spirit Airlines enforces variable pricing for checked baggage fees, which are based on the route, travel dates, and time of payment. Generally, paying for checked bags online in advance results in the lowest prices, while airport bag drop fees are the most expensive.

Checked bags must adhere to specific size and weight restrictions. Each checked bag must not exceed a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm) and a weight limit of 40 lbs (18 kg). Any bag exceeding these limits will incur overweight fees. The airline enforces a strict weight limit, and bags over 80 linear inches (203 cm) or 100 lbs (45 kg) will be denied entry, even if you are willing to pay additional fees.

It is important to note that certain items are exempt from counting towards your carry-on allowance, such as a diaper bag, medically necessary devices, outer garments, books, food, and duty-free items. Additionally, Spirit Airlines accommodates passengers with special needs by allowing assistive devices, medications, and medical supplies to be brought on board free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Spirit Airlines allows one personal item per passenger for free. This includes items such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. The personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels, and must be stored under the seat in front of you.

Spirit Airlines enforces a 40-pound (18 kg) weight limit for carry-on bags. Any bags exceeding this weight will be checked at the gate for a fee.

Yes, there are some exceptions. Diaper bags, duty-free items, outer garments, and assistive devices (including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, and child restraint seats) do not count towards your carry-on allowance. Additionally, passengers with infants under two years of age can carry a diaper bag free of charge, and active-duty military personnel receive a free carry-on allowance.

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