Flying Spirit Airlines is often the cheapest way to get from Point A to Point B, but that low sticker price comes with a catch: the “Bare Fare.”
Unlike legacy carriers, Spirit charges for almost everything beyond your seat, including carry-ons and checked bags.
Navigating the Spirit Airlines baggage policy doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right preparation, you can avoid surprise gate fees and keep your travel budget intact.
Snapshot: Spirit Baggage Rules at a Glance
Before you start packing, here are the critical numbers you need to know.
| Bag Type | Allowance | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Fee? |
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) | N/A | FREE |
| Carry-On Bag | 1 per passenger | 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) | N/A | PAID |
| Checked Bag | Up to 5 bags | 62 linear inches (L+W+H) | 50 lbs (22.6 kg) | PAID |
What Can You Bring for Free? (The Personal Item)
Spirit’s base ticket (the “Bare Fare”) includes exactly one item: a personal item.
This isn’t a full-sized carry-on suitcase. To fly fee-free, your bag must fit entirely in the sizer box at the gate and slide easily under the seat in front of you.
Common examples of personal items include:
- A purse or laptop bag
- A small backpack (like a school bag, not a hiking pack)
- A tote bag
Pro Tip: Handles and wheels count toward the dimensions.
If your wheels stick out past 18 inches, Spirit gate agents may force you to pay a gate-check fee, which is significantly higher than the online price.
Paid Baggage: Carry-Ons and Checked Bags
If you can’t fit your life into a small backpack, you will need to pay.
Spirit uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning baggage fees vary based on your specific route and when you buy the allowance.
Carry-On Bags
Spirit is unique because a carry-on bag often costs more than a checked bag. This is because carry-ons are a premium convenience that lets you skip the baggage claim carousel.
- Size Limit: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (including handles/wheels).
- Weight Limit: There is technically no weight limit for carry-ons, provided you can lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
Checked Bags
You can check up to five bags per passenger.
- Standard Weight: 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
- Size Limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
Warning: Always purchase your baggage allowance during your initial booking. The price increases at every step of the journey:
- Cheapest: During booking.
- Standard: Before online check-in.
- Expensive: During online check-in.
- Most Expensive: At the airport counter or gate.
Excess Baggage Fees (Overweight & Oversized)
Spirit strictly enforces weight limits. While many budget airlines cap bags at 40 lbs, Spirit currently allows up to 50 lbs (22.6 kg) for standard checked bags.
However, if you exceed that, the fees pile up quickly.
| Bag Specifications | Fee Per Bag |
| Overweight (51 – 100 lbs) | $125 |
| Oversized (63 – 80 linear inches) | $150 |
| Special Items (> 80 linear inches) | $150 |
Note: Bags over 100 lbs are generally not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
Sporting Equipment
Spirit allows you to check sports gear, though standard baggage fees usually apply.
- Bicycles: $75 each way.
- Surfboards: $100 each way (max 2 boards in one bag).
- Golf Clubs/Skis: Count as a standard checked bag (overweight fees apply if applicable).
Exceptions and Waivers
There are a few groups of travelers who get a pass on the strict fees.
Active Duty Military
Spirit Airlines offers one of the most generous military policies in the industry. Active-duty military personnel (and accompanying spouse/children) receive:
- Two FREE checked bags
- One FREE carry-on bag
- One FREE personal item
To claim this, you must verify your active status at the ticket counter or verify it online using ID.me during booking.
Parents with Infants
If you are traveling with a lap infant or child, you can check the following items for free at the ticket counter or gate:
- Stroller (or double stroller)
- Car seat
Diaper bags are also allowed on board as an extra item free of charge, provided they contain supplies for the infant.
Medical Devices
Assistive devices (like CPAP machines, crutches, or wheelchairs) do not count toward your carry-on limit.
However, they must be packed separately from regular items to qualify for the exemption.
4 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on Spirit
Join the Spirit Saver$ Club
If you fly Spirit more than once a year, the membership (approx. $69.95/year) pays for itself.
Members get significant discounts on bags, sometimes saving up to $10-$20 per bag, per flight.
Pack in a Soft-Sided Bag
Hard-shell suitcases have no “give.” A soft backpack or duffel can often be squished slightly to fit into the personal item sizer if questioned by a gate agent.
Wear Your Heavy Items
Your coat, boots, and heaviest sweater don’t count against your weight limit if they are on your body.
Buy Bags Early
Never wait until you get to the airport. Gate fees can reach up to $99 for a carry-on that would have cost $55 if booked online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for bags at the gate?
Yes, but you shouldn’t. Paying for a carry-on at the gate is the most expensive option, often costing $89 to $99. Always book online at least 24 hours before your flight.
Does a backpack count as a personal item?
Yes, if it fits the dimensions (18 x 14 x 8 inches). A standard school-sized backpack usually fits. A large hiking backpack or a stuffed travel backpack will likely be counted as a carry-on.
What happens if my personal item is 1 inch too big?
It depends on the gate agent. Some are lenient, but many are strict. If it doesn’t fit in the metal sizer box, you will be charged a gate-check fee.
Is the weight limit 40 lbs or 50 lbs?
As of the latest policy update, Spirit’s standard checked bag weight limit is 50 lbs (22.6 kg). However, always double-check your specific ticket confirmation, as policies can shift.
Do “Bundle” fares save money?
Sometimes. Spirit offers “Bundle It” packages that include a seat selection, a checked bag, and a carry-on. If you plan to buy all three anyway, the bundle is usually cheaper than adding them separately.
Final Thoughts
By sticking to a personal item, purchasing necessary bags during your initial booking, or utilizing military benefits, you can keep your trip affordable.
Always double-check the dimensions of your luggage before you leave home, and verify the latest updates on the official Spirit website before you fly.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
