One of the famous and largest ultra-low-cost carriers operating in the United States, Spirit Airlines has tremendously transformed the flying experience for travelers. Offering budget-friendly fares and à la carte pricing model, the airline has certainly become a preferred choice for countless flyers. However, navigating or understanding their baggage policy can be tricky. We are here to help you do away with all the unexpected travel disruptions through this wonderful guide based on the Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy.
Right from the carrier’s baggage rules and regulations to adhering to certain important factors, we help you stay empowered and confident while you head on your air journey with the carrier.
Read on!
What are the Spirit Airlines Baggage Rules?
Spirit Airlines has defined three travel options for you to choose from. These are:
- Go
- Go Savvy
- Go Comfy
- Go Big
So, each travel option has its own inclusions be it about taking personal items, carry-ons, and checked baggage. Interestingly, you can also enjoy other essential items or services onboard a flight, based on the given options.
Let’s dive deeper into the baggage rules set according to these travel categories.
- Personal Item Policy
If you choose any one out of Go, Go Savvy, Go Comfy, or Go Big, you can bring one personal item whose size must not exceed the allowed limit of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (or 45 x 35 x 20 cm). These dimensions also include the handles and wheels.
Please make sure to bring a personal item which can fit easily in the smaller bin. The item can be a small backpack, purse etc. You are also allowed to carry small items such as a camera, umbrella, outer garments (blazer, hat etc.), diaper bag for your infant, assistive devices, food, and book, along with a personal item at no extra fee.
In fact, the airline also permits you to carry neck and head pillows, provided they can be placed inside your personal item bag.
- Carry-on Bag Policy
- The Go travel option does not allow you to bring carry-on, nor is it available for purchase.
- If you select the Go Savvy travel option, you can either bring a carry-on or checked bag. So, you need to specify your baggage type at the time of flight booking. But if you had chosen checked baggage when you made the reservation, and now you feel the need to take a carry-on also then you have to add and buy it separately.
- The good news is that the Go Big and Go Comfy travel options allow you to bring a carry-on bag at no cost, along with a personal item. But the carry-on or hand luggage must fit in the space provided in the overhead bin.
Size Allowed for Carry-ons
As per the Spirit Airlines baggage size policy for carry-ons, please bear in mind that the size of your carry-on must not exceed the defined dimensions of 22 x 18 x 10 inches (or 56 x 46 x 25 cm). This also includes the wheels and handles. Besides, it is important to note that you may not be allowed to take your carry-on bag in the aircraft cabin and need to take it as a checked bag, if it is big in size and cannot be placed safely.
- Checked Baggage Policy
- If you purchase the Go travel option, you can bring one checked baggage whose weight must not go beyond 50 lbs. If you wish to bring one more checked bag, it needs to be added and purchased separately (if space allows).
- As per the Go Savvy travel option, you can bring either a carry-on bag or a checked bag, which you need to mention at the time of creating your flight reservation. But if you had specified carry-on, you can add a checked bag by purchasing it separately. Apart from this, if you had mentioned a checked bag, you can add and purchase more checked bags separately, if the space allows.
- Interestingly, if you wish to opt for the Go Big or Go Comfy option then a checked bag comes included. You need not pay anything for it. But yes, more checked bags, if required, can be definitely added and purchased separately, according to the space limit.
Size and Weight Allowed for Checked Bags
Make sure to carry a checked bag with dimensions of not more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height; 158 cm). Now when it comes to Spirit Airlines baggage weight then it must not be more than 50 pounds (or 22.6 kg). This also includes the wheels and handles of your checked bag.
If the size or weight goes beyond the mentioned limits then your bag will be considered oversized or overweight. And… as the airline’s policy goes, you will have to pay an additional charge to carry the bag as your luggage.
Please Note: Spirit Airlines does not permit passengers to carry a checked bag whose weight goes above 100 pounds or 45 kg. This means the bag must not measure more than 80 linear inches or 203 cm, from an overall dimension perspective. Also, if you wish to add additional checked bags, as per the availability of space, you are allowed to bring up to 5 checked bags.
International Travel Baggage Restrictions
As per the Spirit Airlines baggage rules, if you are traveling to or from an international airport, you may need to follow other guidelines related to the size and weight of your bags.
Here is what this policy says:
- South America
Whether it’s about Colombia (AXM, BAQ, BGA, CLO, CTG, MDE) or Ecuador (GYE), one passenger will be allowed only one checked item on a paid basis. If it is about purchasing additional checked items separately then they may be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Apart from this, you may need to comply with some other guidelines or restrictions from 1st December to 10th January.
If it’s about Lima, Peru (LIM) then you need to adhere to the following restrictions.
- One passenger will be allowed only one paid checked item. More checked items will be available for separate purchase, as per the inventory.
- The overweight limit of overweight items must not exceed 100 lbs or 45kg. Also, overweight baggage charges starting at 51 lbs (or 23 kg) will be applied on them.
- The dimensions of oversized items must not go beyond 80 linear inches or 203cm. Also, oversized baggage charges starting at 63 linear inches or 158 cm will be applied on them.
- The overall dimensions of some items may include sporting equipment that may go beyond 80 linear inches. But please make sure that the weight of the item must not exceed 100 lbs or 45 kg. Also, this item comes included in the one checked item per person limit. There can be additional fees applied to it.
- Items with dimensions of more than 80 linear inches will not be accepted in this date range – 1st December to 10th January. Certain other guidelines may also be applicable on these dates.
- All International Locations
In this case, you need to abide by the following restrictions. These rules are applicable only from 1st December to 10th January.
- One passenger is permitted only one paid checked item. More checked items, if required, may be available for purchase on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- If your items exceed the weight limit then you will have to pay the overweight baggage charges, which start at 51 pounds or 23 kg.
- If your items are more than the defined size limit then they can be brought, but must not exceed 80 linear inches or 203 cm) from the overall dimension perspective. Also, you will have to pay oversized baggage charges which start at 63 linear inches or 158 cm.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
One aspect is that we have already discussed above that you need to pay additional charges for oversized and/or overweight checked bags.
- So, if the weight of your bag goes above 50 pounds, you need to pay $125 extra per bag.
- If the dimensions of your bags go over 62 linear inches (length + width + height) then an extra charge of $150 will be applied per bag. Please note that bags over 80 linear inches will not be allowed. But you can carry special items with dimensions of over 80 linear inches only after confirming with the airline’s customer service department.
- You will have to pay for these special items of over 80 linear inches (length + width + height). An additional charge of $150 will be applied per item.
Another aspect is the charges to be applicable as per your journey whether you need to travel to a domestic location or an international destination. So, the price varies according to your specific travel details.
If you are looking for accurate charges, you are advised to use the “Bag Price Finder” option provided on the official website of Spirit Airlines. You can enter your cities of your departure and arrival, along with the travel dates to find the same.
Spirit Airlines Stolen Luggage
It would be really disheartening to find that your luggage has been stolen or certain items packed in it are missing.
You are advised to submit an incident report by contacting the airline’s team at the airport. You will get a File ID within four hours of your arrival in case of a domestic flight. However, in case of an international flight, you will receive the File ID within 21 days of your arrival.
The matter will be considered by the airline’s team and you shall get a response on the same.
Spirit Baggage Policy for Military Service Members on Active Duty
Spirit Airlines has defined low fare baggage policy for Active-duty U.S. Military Service Members.
These members, along with their spouse and/or children, accompanying them on a Spirit Airlines flight, are provided with one carry-on bag and two checked bags free of cost. And yes, of course, a personal item is already free.
These members need to add bags online at the time of making their flight reservation with the airline. Else, they can do it during online check-in or by visiting the “My Trips” tab after reservation is created on the official website of Spirit Airlines.
The airline uses a third-party verification service to identify whether you are a U.S. military service member on active duty or not.
The spouses and children of these members can avail the free bags facility only if they are flying with them on a flight. They can seek guidance from a Guest Service Agent present at the ticket counter or Spirit Airlines Office at Airport for adding their bags.
The members need to present their military ID for verification purposes. It is strongly advised for them to reach the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure of their flight meant for a domestic location. In case of a flight scheduled for a foreign destination, they must reach at least three hours before the defined time.
Key Tips for Carrying Baggage on Your Flights
The following are some crucial tips to keep in mind when you travel with a carry-on or cabin and checked bag on a flight.
- Carry-on Bag
- Make sure to gather complete information about the airline’s carry-on baggage weight and size restrictions. This helps you stay sure that it will properly fit in the overhead bin in the cabin. If you fail to follow these restrictions, you may have to pay additional charges at the airport.
- Be aware of the regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and pack only the allowed items in your cabin bag or hand luggage. Their rules regarding liquids are strict.
- It is beneficial to pack your essential items such as phone charger, wallet, and water bottle in a smaller bag so that you can take them out smoothly during airport security checks. Besides, keep them well organized in your bag for easy accessibility.
- Always keep the boarding ticket, travel paperwork etc., safely in your cabin bag.
- Always keep your important things and necessary medications in your carry-on as you may require them any time even when onboard.
- It is important to check the rules defined by your airline for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, or other such items, in the cabin.
- Checked Baggage
- Comply with the size and weight restrictions set by your airline. Gain complete information provided on its official website or get in touch with its customer service department for assistance.
- Make sure your name, address, and phone number are prominently displayed on your checked bag.
- Avoid packing potentially hazardous items or toxic goods, as per the policy set by your airline.
- You can check the liability policy of your airline and may explore travel insurance so as to cover the cost of your lost or damaged luggage.
- You need to pack delicate goods, such as artwork and glassware, in tape and bubble wrap so as to avoid damage during transit.
- You are encouraged to pack wisely and put only necessary items in your checked bag. You can explore the options to send non-essential items to your destination through other mediums. This may also help you travel comfortably.
- You can track the whereabouts of your luggage in case it gets misplaced or is delayed. A GPS-enabled luggage tracker proves to be helpful.
So, these are some tips which, if followed carefully, can help you avoid unnecessary disruption on your air journey. You can also use tags or stickers that are brightly colored to make your bags easily identified. Furthermore, always pay attention to your surroundings when you are in the baggage claim area or airport security section so as to stay safe.
Concluding Words
All in all, Spirit Airlines baggage policy has been designed to offer travelers a range of options matching their needs. The airline ensures that a cost-effective or budget-friendly flying experience is enabled for all types of passengers.
With a clear description of the airline’s policy for personal items, carry-on bags, and checked bags, you, as a traveler, are definitely empowered to make wise and well-informed decisions. The four travel options i.e., Go, Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big, introduced by the airline, can be explored. You can choose any one of them and enjoy the baggage related benefits that come with each one of them. That’s how you are enabled to manage your travel expenses effectively according to your requirements and preferences.
No doubt, additional charges are defined for oversized and overweight baggage, but taking complete note of the Spirit Airlines baggage rules helps you plan better in advance. So, familiarize yourself with the airline’s baggage policies, and maximize your travel experience while also maintaining your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning to fly with Spirit Airlines? We know you must be looking for answers to certain baggage related queries. Take a quick look below for answers!
The Go Savvy, Go Big, and Go Comfy travel options allow you to bring one carry-on bag free of cost on a Spirit Airlines flight. Your carry-on must fit properly in the space provided in the overhead bin. Make sure to read the complete information given above regarding the same.
You can take carry-ons and checked bags on Spirit Airlines flights, as per the travel option you choose from, Go, Go Savvy, Go Big, and Go Comfy. The Go option does not allow you to bring carry-on, nor is it available for purchase. But it lets you bring a first checked bag of up to 50 lbs. You can add another checked bag by paying an additional charge.
You can bring a checked bag with dimensions not exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height; 158 cm). This also includes the handles and wheels.
You can bring a carry-on bag whose size does not exceed the defined dimensions of 22 x 18 x 10 inches (or 56 x 46 x 25 cm), including the wheels and handles.
You can find the accurate checked baggage fees on the airline’s website by visiting the “Bag Price Finder” section. However, you need to pay $125 per bag if its weight exceeds 50 pounds. If the dimensions of your bag are more than 62 linear inches, you need to pay $150 per bag. If you have a special item of over 80 linear inches, you will have to pay $150 per item.
You are advised to comply with the size and weight restrictions defined by Spirit Airlines for carry-ons and checked bags. Otherwise, you need to pay additional charges.
In case of a domestic flight, you can submit an incident report. A File ID will be provided to you within four hours of your arrival. If it’s about an international flight then also you can submit an incident report and wait for the File ID within 21 days of your arrival. The airline’s team will look into the matter.
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