Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Traveling with Spirit Airlines gives you the chance to explore destinations without breaking the bank. But just like any adventure, there’s a roadmap you need to follow—especially when it comes to baggage. Before zipping up your suitcase, let’s dive into the Spirit Airlines baggage policy, detailing everything from carry-on allowances to sports and musical equipment policies. 

Whether you’re jetting off for a long weekend or planning an extended getaway, understanding Spirit’s luggage policy is essential.

Overview of Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

When traveling by air, your luggage is more than just a container for personal items; it’s a crucial part of the journey. And with Spirit Airlines, ensuring a smooth travel experience starts with a clear understanding of their baggage policy. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Spirit often has different rules and fees than what you might be used to. But fear not! We’re here to unpack the intricacies of Spirit carry on baggage policy to the Spirit checked baggage policy, ensuring you’re well-prepared long before you reach the airport.

In this definitive guide, we will clarify common questions like, “How many luggages are allowed on Spirit Airlines?” and outline specific policies, such as the Caribbean airline extra baggage policy and Spirit military baggage policy. A stress-free trip is all in the bag, so let’s get started.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Allowance

Understanding the fundamentals of the Spirit baggage Allowance is essential. Policies can shape how you pack and plan. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when flying with Spirit:

Spirit Carry-On Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines allows one personal item for free. However, carry-on bags that must fit in the overhead bin will incur a fee.

• Personal item size: Not to exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• Carry-on bag size: Cannot exceed 22 x 18 x10 inches.

Spirit Checked Baggage Policy

For checked luggage, charges apply for each bag, and specific weight and size limits must be adhered to:

• Checked bag size: Should not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height).
• Checked bag weight: Cannot weigh more than 40 pounds.

Fees for carry-on and checked luggage vary and can be lowest when booked during the initial reservation.

How Many Luggages Are Allowed on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines permits travelers to check up to 5 bags but remember that fees apply for each piece of checked luggage.

Spirit Baggage Fees

The cost of bringing additional bags on Spirit can add up quickly. To minimize fees:

• Pay for luggage during your initial booking for the best rate.
• Online payments after booking and before check-in can also shave off some dollars.
• Avoid paying at the gate—this is the costliest option.

Spirit Military Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines supports our troops by offering active duty military members with special baggage allowances, allowing them to bring one extra piece of checked baggage over the standard limit without a fee.

Caribbean Airline Extra Baggage Policy

For those heading to the Caribbean, baggage policies may differ based on destination. Always check Spirit’s specific rules for international travel to avoid unexpected charges.

Additional Baggage Fees and Considerations

Sprits’ faunique fee structure means baggage costs can vary greatly. Here are additional points to remember:

• Fees are non-refundable.
• Adding or paying for bags at the airport will be pricier.
• Bag fees increase the closer you get to the time of departure.

Spirit’s tips for savings: To save the most on baggage fees with Spirit, plan and pay for your luggage as early as possible—ideally while you’re booking your flight.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

Traveling with non-standard or sports equipment requires extra know-how. Understanding Spirit’s sports equipment policy ensures these items reach your destination with care.

Standard Sports Equipment

Most sports equipment is treated like regular checked bags but must also abide by size and weight restrictions. Here’s a snapshot of what you can pack:

• Golf bags: Up to 40 pounds, including clubs, balls, and shoes.
• Skis and snowboards: Subject to standard checked baggage fees.
• Fishing equipment: One bag including rods, reels, boots, and tackle.

Overweight and oversized fees apply if limits are exceeded.

Special Sports Equipment

Understandably, some sports gear is not your average suitcase content:

• Bicycles: Charged a flat fee but exempt from oversize or overweight charges.
• Surfboards: Face a special charge, separate from baggage fees.

Packing Sports Equipment

Protective containers designed for your equipment are mandatory. This ensures your items stay secure during transit.

Traveling with Musical Instruments

Musical maestros need not fret; Spirit Airlines has a clear policy on transporting musical instruments, accommodating everything from petite piccolos to grand guitars.

Carry-On Musical Instruments

• Small instruments, like violins or flutes, fit within the personal item or carry-on dimensions, are welcome aboard if they stow safely.
• If the instrument is slightly larger, it must fit in the overhead bin.

Checked Musical Instruments

Package your instrument in a hard case to prevent damage, paying attention to weight and combined linear dimensions:

• Instrument size: Not to exceed 150 inches in combined dimensions.
• Instrument weight: Cannot surpass 165 pounds.

Fees for oversized or overweight instruments apply.

Larger instruments that don’t comply might require a purchased seat or need to be transported as checked baggage with corresponding fees.

Seat Baggage for Larger Instruments

When your treasured instrument is too large for the overhead or under the seat space, you might consider booking an extra seat. This way, your instrument can travel securely beside you. This process, known as “Cabin-Seat Baggage” or more commonly, “Cargo in the Cabin,” requires a few guidelines to be followed:

• The instrument must be placed in a seat with adequate safety restraints.
• Seat baggage will incur the standard fare and fees, as it occupies a passenger seat.
• It’s advised to book early to ensure the instrument and passenger seats are adjacent.

Protection is paramount, so whether it’s a cello or a keytar, ensure it’s safely nestled in a hard case and well-padded for the journey.

Special Travel Considerations

Apart from luggage and musical instruments, there are other special items and considerations, such as mobility devices and medical equipment, detailed in Spirit’s comprehensive baggage policy.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)

For passengers requiring a POC during their flight, Spirit Airlines provides clear guidelines:

• Inform Spirit at least 48 hours before departure to ensure compliance and assistance.
• The POC must be FAA-approved, and passengers must provide their own batteries.
• Batteries should have enough charge for 150% of the expected travel time, including layovers and potential delays.

CPAP Machines and Other Medical Devices

Traveling with battery-powered medical devices like CPAP machines is also allowed under specific conditions:

• The device must have an FAA compliance label.
• No special medical authorization is required, but prior notification to Spirit is necessary.
• Spare batteries should be packed to avoid any issues with power during the flight.

Both POCs and CPAP machines are exempt from baggage fees under Spirit’s medical device policy, allowing passengers to breathe easier at high altitudes.

Spirit Airlines’ Extra Baggage Policy Tips

When packing and preparing for a flight with Spirit, it might be beneficial to consider some additional tips that can make your travel hassle-free:

• Always weigh and measure luggage at home to ensure they meet Spirit’s allowances.
• Pack essentials and valuables in your personal item, which remains free of charge.
• Review and comply with TSA guidelines for items that are prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage.
• Consider purchasing a bundle during booking, which may offer value for those bringing both carry-on and checked bags.
• Purchase a membership with Spirit’s $9 Fare Club for potential baggage discounts.

Dealing With Excess Baggage

In the event of extra bags or overweight/oversized luggage, understanding how to manage these situations can save time and stress:

• Before departure, check if you can leave any non-essential items behind to avoid extra baggage fees.
• If you must travel with extra bags or heavy items, pre-pay for these as early as possible.
• Excess baggage will be accepted on a space-available basis and might be subject to additional fees.
• Spirit Airlines pet policy allows pets as carry-ons with a fee; limited spots available, so book your pet’s flight early.

How to Pay for Spirit Baggage Fees?

For convenience, Spirit allows several ways to pay baggage fees:

1. Online – The preferred and cheapest method via Spirit’s official website.
2. Mobile App – Both manageable and user-friendly.
3. By Phone – Speak to a representative and pay over the call.
4. At the Airport – Kiosks or check-in counters (note: this is usually more expensive).

For last-minute luggage additions within 24 hours of your departure, utilize the “Check-in” tab on Spirit’s website or app.

Travel Insurance

Why Consider Travel Insurance?

Although it might not be directly linked to the problem of baggage, purchasing travel insurance might give you peace of mind, particularly considering how you plan to travel with valuable or essential items in the checked baggage. Moreover, Spirit is known to provide rather low compensations, which can be topped off by the insurance.

Packing Tips

Efficient Packing Strategies

Since you will be required to stick to quite a tight baggage policy, it would be a smart idea to search for efficient packing strategies:

• Roll Your Clothes: Not only is it space saving, but also clothes do not wrinkle as much, which will help you look tidier and avoid ironing.
• Use Packing Cubes: Not only it will help you organize the suitcase better, but they will compress the clothes and maximize the space.
• Wear Your Bulkier Items: Clothes and shoes weigh a lot, and you should try to minimize their amount in the suitcase.

Checking In

Online Check-In Process

It is always a clever idea to check in online to save your time and sometimes fees:

• 24 Hours Before: It is the earliest moment Spirit airlines allow you to check in. It will also be the moment when you can get the information about still available flights in case you decide you want to avoid the problem completely.
• Boarding Pass: You can print it out at home and not bother at the airport or download the mobile version of it.

At the Airport

Early Arrival

Arriving early will give you the time buffer in case of some unanticipated issues, including long lines or exiting questions about you baggage at the check-in desks:

• 2 Hours Prior for Domestic Flights: This is the generally recommended arrival time.
• 3 Hours Prior for International Flights: International travel often requires additional documentation checks.

Luggage Drop-Off

Upon arrival:

• Drop-Off Counters: Head to Spirit’s baggage drop-off area. If you’ve already checked in online and paid for your bags, this process should be quick.
• Carry-On vs. Personal Item: Ensure your carry-on and personal item fit Spirit’s size requirements to avoid last-minute gate-check fees.

Customer Service and Resolution

Dealing with Issues

If you encounter any problems with your baggage, such as damage or loss, report it immediately to Spirit Airlines customer service. Keeping calm and having all necessary information ready can facilitate a quicker resolution:

• Claim Reports: File a report before leaving the airport if possible. Spirit’s time frame for claims is typically within 24 hours for domestic flights and seven days for international flights.

Loyalty Programs and Frequent Flyer Benefits

$9 Fare Club Membership

Consider joining Spirit’s $9 Fare Club if you frequently fly with them. Membership benefits include discounts on flights and, importantly, reductions on baggage fees, which can add up over time.

Conclusion

The process of going through the Spirit Airlines baggage policy can be an easy one as passengers can pay attention to a number of factors such as size and weight limits of the airline’s carry-on and checked baggage. Moreover, one can decide to pre-book their bags. It is also worth considering the airline’s policy on special items and any medical and mobility equipment that may be carried. 

In any event, no matter whether one is going light or heavy, passengers can rest assured that they are covered by Spirit’s policies because they are designed for the budget adherent passenger. Therefore, with this guide in hand, one can get going with their Spirit Airlines flight without any unnecessary hassle. 

Most of the issues commonly seen in airline travel due to a lack of preparation can be avoided. In most cases, preparation can allow a passenger to be prepared for any eventual outcome, thus turning travel into a mostly enjoyable and often revelatory experience.

Frequently Asked Questions