Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees[2021]

Baggage fees on Spirit Airlines can drive up the cost of what might otherwise be a cheap flight. Here’s how to avoid or reduce the extra expense.

Please consult Spirit’s website to calculate the exact fee you will pay.

Spirit baggage fees

What is Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy?

Spirit Airlines policy for carry-ons

In addition to your free personal item, you can bring a carry-on bag, so long as it doesn’t exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. The fee you pay for this bag will depend on when you pay it (paying for baggage during booking will save you the most), but you can expect to pay between $37 and $65, unless you’re a member of the $9 Fare Club. You can use the Spirit Bag-O-Tron to calculate the exact price for your flight.

If you’re traveling with young children, you can check one carseat and one stroller per child for free. You can also bring a carseat on board, but only if you’ve purchased a seat for your child.

Generally, Spirit follows TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines with regards to prohibited items, which means you won’t be able to carry on liquids greater than 3.4 ounces or any cutting instruments, among other restrictions.

Spirit Airlines policy for checked bags

Your checked bag can weigh no more than 40 pounds and can’t exceed 62 linear inches total (length + width + height). Oversized and overweight bags will incur an extra charge of $30 or more, and Spirit won’t allow any bags that are heavier than 100 pounds or greater than 80 linear inches total.

For some international destinations, there are other restrictions as well.

How to reduce or avoid bag fees on Spirit Airlines

Don’t panic if you can’t fit everything you need for your trip in one bag. There are some ways to reduce or eliminate the cost of baggage on Spirit Airlines, and if you plan ahead, you’ll be able to keep the total cost of your trip at a minimum.

1. Only pack a personal item

You can take one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you for free. I’ve taken trips up to a week long with nothing but a backpack on a Spirit flight, so I can confirm it’s possible.

You’ll need to be strategic about how you pack, but this is the easiest way to avoid paying any additional fees.

2. Pay for baggage during booking

If you know you’ll need a bit more space for all your vacation gear, it’s best to pay for a checked bag at the time of booking. That’s because you’ll save about $30 when compared to checking your bag at the gate.

If you forget to pay for your baggage when you book, you can also make your purchase before or during check-in, which still provides some savings.

3. Join the $9 Fare Club

$9 Fare Club members get access to exclusive low prices and up to 50% off bags when compared to standard airport fees. What’s more, your membership covers everyone in your booking.

It costs $59.95 for your first year, but Spirit notes you may be able to offset the price in just one booking. With your membership, you’ll pay as little as $28 for a carry-on bag and $23 for your first checked bag when you pay for your baggage during booking.

4. Bring your military documentation

Spirit Airlines offers one free carry-on and two free checked bags for all active duty military members. To get the discount, you’ll either need to arrive early to the airport with your military ID or validate your affiliation online during booking with a third-party verification service.

5. Use a general travel card

If you’re looking for the best travel credit cards, a number of cards offer impressive travel rewards, which can help cover the cost of your bag fees on almost any airline.  

For example, several American Express cards provide an annual airline fee credit that could cover Spirit baggage fees. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, which could also be used to cover baggage fees.

If you travel frequently on Spirit, the Spirit Airlines World Mastercard might be the best airline credit card option, which earns double miles and offers a decent sign-up bonus. Putting everyday purchases on this card could help you pay for your next trip if you regularly fly on Spirit.

How much does Spirit charge for bags over 40 pounds?

Overweight bag fees for Spirit Airlines are as follows:

• 41-50 pounds: $30
• 51-70 pounds: $60
• 71-100 pounds: $100

If you’re going to be paying baggage fees like these, you might find the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card comes in mighty handy with its $300 annual travel credit.

Can you add baggage after booking on Spirit?

Yes, but you’ll pay more than you would during booking. Carry-ons cost $45 to $50 after booking, but before or during online check-in. You’ll pay about $55 if you pay at the airport reservation desk and $65 if you wait until you get to the gate.

Your first checked bag can be added for $40 to $45 before or during online check-in, $50 at the reservation desk, and $65 at the gate. Note that additional checked bags will cost more and you will not be able to check more than your first bag at the gate.

Does Spirit refund baggage fees?

No. All fees on Spirit Airlines are non-refundable.

Source:FinanceBuzz