You will find that airline baggage policies are either a delight or a nightmare, but Spirit Airlines offers something so unique as to set them apart from most carriers. Rather than an onerous one-size-fits-all approach, Spirit Airlines champions flexibility through their varied travel options and complete baggage policies. Let’s dive in on all you need to know about packing for your next Spirit Airlines flight.
Spirit Airline Checked Baggage: Size, Weight, and What You Ought to Know
Spirit Airlines maintains particular rules regarding checked baggage for your safety and convenience. Your checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches when the length, width, and height are measured together. This includes handles and wheels on the checked luggage. As a rule, the airline manages checking bags at 50 pounds per piece; however, most passengers will fall within this range, ensuring safe handling by ground crew.
Spirit does provide alternative options for travelers who require to transport larger or heavier items, although those options come with additional fees. Baggage that weighs up to 100 pounds and measures up to 80 linear inches can be checked, though overweight and oversized baggage charges will be applied.
Your Free Personal Item At Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines begins every journey by giving the passenger a guaranteed free personal item allowance. The passenger can bring aboard a smaller-sized bag, such as a purse or compact backpack, that measures 18 x 14 x 8 inches. That measurement includes any handles and wheels on the bag, so take careful measurements before heading out to the airport. Spirit also lets you bring two additional carry-on essentials free of charge, including, umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, and outerwear like coats or wraps. You can even bring your favorite travel pillow if it will fit completely in your carry-on bag.
Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Policy by Ticket Type
Let us look into Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy as per the fare class you’ll be traveling.
Go Fare
A passenger who buys a Go fare is restricted to no carry-on bags onboard. This type of fare is good for passengers traveling with only a personal item.
Go, Savvy Fare,
With Go Savvy fare, one has to choose to have either one checked bag or one carry-on bag included in the ticket. This variant offers more flexibility for a person in case they have to increase their luggage. If you have selected a checked bag then you may separately purchase a hand baggage and an additional checked baggage if needed, and vice-versa.
Go Comfy and Go Big Fares
Pack at least one carry-on bag and one checked bag in both the Go Comfy and Go Big fares. Additional free perks include priority boarding and seat selection, which makes these convenient fares suitable for a lot of travelers who want to get a little extra comfort.
A personal item is free for all of the fare classes.
Free Spirit Gold Members
Free Spirit Gold® members receive free perks, including one checked bag and one carry-on bag, regardless of fare type purchased.
Spirit Airlines Special Baggage Restriction
International travel on Spirit Airlines means your baggage has certain specific restrictions while traveling and becomes highly restricted between December 1st and January 10th of every year. Here’s a concise and well-structured summary of the bag restrictions for Spirit Airlines, specifically for checked items and sporting equipment:
| Region | Dates | Checked Item Allowance | Overweight Restrictions | Oversized Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South America | All Year | One (1) paid checked item per guest; additional items based on inventory. | Maximum weight: 100 lbs (45kg); charges begin at 51lbs (23kg). | Maximum dimensions: 80 linear inches (203cm); charges begin at 63 linear inches (158cm). |
| December 1st – January 10th | No items exceeding 80 linear inches will be accepted. | Same as above. | Same as above. | |
| Colombia & Ecuador | All Year | One (1) paid checked item per person; additional items on a first-come basis. | Same as above. | Same as above. |
| December 1st – January 10th | One (1) paid checked item per person; additional items on a first-come basis. | Same as above. | Same as above. |
Spirit Airlines Sporting Equipment
There are extra fees for traveling sporting equipment on Spirit Airlines, and different items incur distinct fees.
- Bicycle: $75 each way
- Surfboard: $100 each way; a total of 2 surfboards are allowed to be carried in one bag
- Golf Clubs: Same rate as checked bags, overweight charge may apply
- Skis/Snowboards: The same rate as checked bags, overweight charge may apply.
Important Notice:
- Overweight charges may apply to golf clubs, skis, and snowboards if the total shipping weight exceeds standard weight limits.
Spirit Airlines Musical Instruments
Spirit Airlines checked baggage policy has some rules for musical instruments to follow. Musical instruments are fragile and accepted as checked baggage provided that they will be packed satisfactorily in a suitable container or case designed for shipping. The fees to check your musical instrument will include the standard checked bag fee with any appropriate oversized or overweight charges. Furthermore, the passenger will have to sign a limited liability release form relieving Spirit Airlines of any responsibility for loss or damage to the instrument.
In addition, musical instruments are permitted as carry-on baggage, in compliance with the carry-on policy of the relevant airline. See additional information provided by Spirit Airlines for further information.
Spirit Airlines Liquids Policy
Let’s take a look at Spirit Airlines checked baggage policy for carrying liquids:
- Carry-On Allowance: Aerosols, pastes, creams, liquids, and gels are permitted in handbags if they are in containers of 3.4 oz (100 milliliters) or less and fit inside a quart-sized bag.
- Medications and Infant Nourishment: These items can be carried onboard without restrictions.
- Duty-Free Liquids: Liquids over 3.4 ounces can be carried if they are in tamper-evident bags, and a receipt shows that they were obtained within the past 48 hours. They could still be sent through the security scanner.
- Checked Baggage: If your liquids do not meet the standards outlined above, they should be packed in checked baggage.
Understanding Spirit Airline Baggage Space Limitations
Spirit Airlines checked baggage policy is devised in a way to cope with the limited cargo space. While all passengers can check at least one bag (subject to fees unless included in their fare), the airline caps the maximum number of checked bags at five per passenger. However, this allowance depends on space availability, particularly on full flights and during peak travel seasons.
The space the airline has becomes limited at holiday times and when traveling abroad. It becomes crucial to have a plan during these times since you would not be able to add extra bags at the last minute if you hadn’t scheduled that earlier on. Make a clear note of Spirit Airlines’ checked baggage policy when you make your ticket booking to ensure the availability of space and the best prices.
Add Bags to Your Reservation
Depending on how close it is to your departure date, the simplest method for adding bags to your reservation as per Spirit Airlines checked baggage policy is as follows:
More Than 24 Hours before Departure
If your Spirit Airlines flight is more than 24 hours ahead, you can use the “My Trips” link under the “My Account” tab. From here, you will be able to access your reservation and click the “Add Bags” link to buy additional bags. This is also a chance to upgrade to a travel package complete with bags for travelers who have already chosen a Go option.
Less Than 24 Hours before Departure
For travelers who have less than 24 hours before their flight, the function switches to the Online Check-in tab. You will again follow the same steps but this time by clicking on a given link to access your reservation and add bags. It is essential to note that online check-in has strict deadlines: In domestic flights, the closure for online check-in occurs 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. For international flights, the closure is one hour before the original scheduled departure time.
Alternative Options For Adding Checked Baggage
If digital methods are inconvenient or not available, you always have two additional options for adding checked bags. You can either add bags directly at the airport or contact the Spirit airline’s Reservations Center for assistance. These alternatives provide flexibility for travelers who might have missed the online window or prefer in-person service.
Add all your bags as early as possible. This way, you avoid the hassle of dealing with last-minute complications associated with adding baggage. You will also avoid the risk of incurring extra charges or the hassle of dealing with baggage details near departure. Always have reservation details handy and recheck the specific policies of your airline, as procedures vary slightly among carriers.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines checked baggage policy shows its promise of flexible, customizable options on a travel package and good efficiency during operations. Understanding these policies or planning can help avoid some unanticipated fees, making your journey that much easier. Know the baggage policies at the time of check-in. They may keep changing for international flights, or even alter during peak travel seasons, so always be up-to-date before your flight.
By careful planning of one’s itinerary to understand his or her actual needs, one can easily opt for the right travel option according to baggage requirements, pack tactfully to maximize the allowance and be always prepared for security screening. With these considerations, you can worry less about baggage complications and enjoy your trip instead.
To know more about specific items or special circumstances, you should contact Spirit Airlines. Their customer service can deliver detailed guidance on your particular circumstance and may help you make informed decisions for choosing your baggage. Remember: a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a pleasant travel experience with Spirit Airlines.
You Can Read More: Japan Airlines Baggage Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Spirit allows checked bags up to 62 linear inches, or length + width + height, and 50 pounds with Go Big and Go Comfy travel options including one checked bag. Additional bags can be purchased separately up to 5 bags total.
Spirit standard checked bag weight limit is 50 pounds or 22.6 kg. From 51-100 pounds, there is an approximate charge of $125, and bags with more than 100 pounds are not accepted.
Book Go Big or Go Comfy travel options that include checked and/or carry-on bags as part of the ticket price; otherwise, only one personal item such as a purse, diaper bag, or small backpack (18 x 14 x 8 inches) is free with every ticket.
Spirit permits one free personal item, 18 x 14 x 8 inches, per passenger. Additional items such as umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, outer garments, and food for the flight are also free. Checked and or carry-on bags are allowed for free on some ticket options, but not all.
