NK · United States · Ultra low-cost

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Spirit Airlines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 18 x 10", from $65
  • Personal item: up to 18 x 14 x 8", free on every fare
  • Basic economy: Bare Fare allows a personal item only

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 18 x 10"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 46 x 25 cm
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
From $65
Gate-check risk
High

Carry-on bags are not free. Fees vary by when you pay (cheapest at booking, most expensive at the gate). Only the personal item is included with the base fare.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
18 x 14 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm)
46 x 35 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Included free with every fare. Must fit in the sizer at the gate or you will be charged.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Fits
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Fits
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Fits

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit40 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lb$150
63–80 in$150

Spirit uses fully dynamic pricing. Checked bags typically cost $30-60 at booking, higher during online check-in, and ~$79 at the airport. Bags over 40 lb on Spirit incur overweight fees ($50 for 41-50 lb), stricter than most US airlines. Premium Economy and Spirit First bundles now include a carry-on.

Ways to skip the Spirit Airlines checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Spirit Airlines carry-on size.
  2. Use a Spirit Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
$125
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on (fee applies). Larger instruments can be checked at bag rates.

Spirit treats most sports equipment as a regular checked bag, with standard bag fees plus overweight/oversize if they apply. Pet-in-cabin fee is $125 each way.

Basic economy restrictions

Bare Fare Spirit Airlines's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Personal item only (carry-on and checked bag cost extra)
  • Seat selection costs extra
  • No snacks or drinks included
  • All extras priced à la carte

Frequently asked questions

What is the Spirit Airlines carry-on size limit?

Spirit Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 18 x 10" (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What is the Spirit Airlines personal item size?

The personal item on Spirit Airlines must fit within 18 x 14 x 8" (46 x 35 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Included free with every fare. Must fit in the sizer at the gate or you will be charged.

What are the Spirit Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $150. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $150. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on Spirit Airlines Bare Fare?

No. Spirit Airlines Bare Fare passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

How can I avoid Spirit Airlines checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Spirit Airlines carry-on size of 22 x 18 x 10"); (2) hold a Spirit Airlines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.

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Spirit Airlines hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Spirit Airlines operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Spirit Airlines before flying.